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Toby Israel

Be happy. Be Free. Vagabond.

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Category: Culture

Africa, Culture

Nuns and Princesses

June 7, 2015May 22, 2020 Toby 3 mins read

I never knew there were so many ways of wearing a head scarf, but after more than a month in Zanzibar–people watching on dala dalas […]

Africa, Culture

The Tropical Beach Paradox

May 29, 2015May 22, 2020 Toby 3 mins read

Walk along Miami Beach in a string bikini, and you’ll fit right in. Opt for boy shorts, and you’ll probably feel overdressed. Now, do the […]

Africa, Culture

Sometimes We Don’t Take Pictures: Camping on the Beach and Other Undocumented Adventures

April 25, 2015May 22, 2020 Toby 5 mins read

Greetings from Tanzania! In the week since I returned from the U.S., I have not taken a single photograph. In that time, we have spent […]

Africa, Culture, U.S.

Kenya V United States (A Fun Chart)

April 13, 2015May 22, 2020 Toby 3 mins read

This blip of time back in the U.S. has offered me some perspective on both Kenya and my home country, and a chance to reflect […]

Africa, Culture

Embracing Syncretism

February 25, 2015May 22, 2020 Toby 3 mins read

When I first encountered the concept of cultural immersion, it sounded something like this: To understand—to truly understand—another place and people, you must eat, sleep, […]

Africa, Culture, Travel Advice

The Gift

January 22, 2015May 22, 2020 Toby 5 mins read

Several days ago, I sat in a matatu (bus) plying the main road of Diani, Kenya. On my way to Diani Beach Hospital for a […]

Africa, Culture

Rusinga Island, Lake Victoria, Kenya

December 22, 2014May 22, 2020 Toby 4 mins read

Here, I am Muzungu: foreign, white, outsider. Kids yell after us as we pass on foot (or, after realizing the walk from Mbita is at […]

Culture, Europe

Hostels: Beyond the Horror Movie Story

December 3, 2014May 22, 2020 Toby 3 mins read

Picture it: A group of Portuguese boys play ping pong and try not to spill beer. Behind them, Spanish girls converse– loudly– with strangers via […]

Asia, Culture

What is Cultural Immersion? I Don’t Think It’s This…

November 16, 2014May 22, 2020 Toby 5 mins read

“When I’m in a new place, I don’t want to go to the tourist places; I don’t want to go to museums. I want to […]

Asia, Culture

Shanghai Snippets

November 3, 2014May 22, 2020 Toby 2 mins read

In Shanghai, everything is new. Or it wants to be new. Or it will be new just as soon as the old is knocked down […]

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