Fanta Kouyate

Tales of My Travels

“π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘ π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿ, 𝑐’𝑒𝑠𝑑 𝑒π‘₯π‘–π‘ π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿ; π‘šπ‘Žπ‘–π‘  π‘£π‘œπ‘¦π‘Žπ‘”π‘’π‘Ÿ, 𝑐’𝑒𝑠𝑑 π‘£π‘–π‘£π‘Ÿπ‘’”

Gustave Nadaud
  • Jamaica : Day One
    Bringing up Jamaica commonly evokes notions of a dreamy tableau replete with endless blue sea, expansive white sand beaches, palm trees, rum, and the warm golden sun. If you’re jaded like me you might immediately think of the tourist experience of Jamaica, clichΓ© attractions, horse riding on the beach, zip lining through the trees, sunblock, cornrows, and a shallow sense of place. And until now, this had been an accurate representation of my experiences on the island. As I planned my trip nearing Montego Bay, Jamaica’s primary tourist city, I sought to ensure that I stayed far far away from… Read more: Jamaica : Day One
  • Jamaica : Day Two
    Morning’s light through curtains sheer,French doors opened, a scene so clear.On Jamaica’s wings, I did arise,Seeking sparkling wine ‘neath azure skies. As M.O. dictates, in vacation’s embrace,I woke with eagerness, a smile on my face.For Belaire’s sparkle would soon fade away,A decent bottle I sought, its charm to convey. Showered and refreshed, a new day’s attire,A strapless pink dress, a style to admire.A canvas of hues, like dawn’s gentle kiss,In this frock of pink, I seek pure bliss. I left my room seeking beef patties and after an hour of searching, I found myself at the gates of heaven. Standing… Read more: Jamaica : Day Two
  • Jamaica : Day Three
    Beneath the sun’s gentle gaze, devoid of tourist trappings,I awakened, a wandering spirit, with no predetermined mappings.Unfurling like a petal kissed by morning’s dew,My day began, a tapestry of possibilities anew. A symphony of scents, of spices yet untasted,I shunned the familiar, eager for flavors not hasted.Jerk chicken’s siren call, a tantalizing embrace,At the rustic shack by the shore, I found my solace and grace. Amidst the resort’s opulent dreamscape, where waves serenade the sands,The jerk shack beckoned with exotic cuisines’ skilled hands.A melange of authenticity, an orchestra of zest,I surrendered to its charms, feeling truly blessed. In the blush… Read more: Jamaica : Day Three
  • Jamaica : Day Four
    At morning’s rise, from yonder slumber’s clutch,I stirred, having passed a night aboard a grand yatch.In its opulent embrace, a man of trade I did meet,A purveyor of green, whose wares did entreat. With haste, I fashioned a spliff, bold and true,A fragrant dance of herb and paper, a moment to imbue.To the yacht’s zenith, I ascended with a yearning gaze,Surveying the cove’s expanse, in the sun’s brilliant blaze. Fishes leapt, ephemeral jewels of the aqueous deep,A splendid spectacle, their secrets they did keep.Kayaks cradled fishermen, their silhouettes serene,On the water’s surface, a tableau rarely seen. Hours waned as I… Read more: Jamaica : Day Four
  • Jamaica : Day Five
    Emerging from slumber’s cocoon, a golden hue,GH Mumm’s remnants, to a flute I imbue.Upon the balcony’s perch, like a serpentine art,I sprawl, inviting the sun to ignite life’s spark. On the morn of the fifth day, I stirred from dreams’ embrace,Recalling plans made, an adventure’s trace.With the boys, camaraderie’s thread to entwine,Seeking waters untrodden, away from tourist’s sign. In fervent exchange, my wish I did bestow,A hidden oasis they promised to show.A panacea, they vowed, for my longing desire,A haven secluded, where our spirits would aspire. The eve prior, arrangements in whispers were spun,Front gates’ rendezvous, beneath the noon’s sun.To… Read more: Jamaica : Day Five
  • Jamaica : Day Six
    I awoke irritated and exhausted, feeling sore from some mysterious physical exertion that never happened. I had some semblance of breakfast, beginning with a joint, half-clothed, in the sun on the balcony. I then made my way to a couple of bars around the resort, sipping flutes of terrible Prosecco that became more and more palatable by the passing glass. A tipsy trip to the buffet for cheese, tomatoes, cornichons, and jerk sausage. I have come to have a major affinity for jerk sausage. Juicy and tender morsels wrapped in a casing that snapped when you bit into it, filled… Read more: Jamaica : Day Six