I travel a lot & still get jitters traveling as a black solo woman. I try not to focus on the preconceived notions or prejudices that people may have about me because of my skin color. I push through the fear.
Like my grandmother told me growing up “not everyone will like you and that’s ok”.
So, when I learned my volunteer leadership summit would be in Lithuania. Sadly, I was nervous.
The reality is when I travel I don’t always get the warm welcome compared to people of different races. This happens even in countries with high levels of tourism. There has been no exception. Racism can happen anywhere. Though the intensity varies.
Here and there, I see broad smiles for one customer change to a frown tinged with distain when I enter a shop.
I ignore it. It is what it is.
I haven’t ventured into the Baltic region yet & didn’t know what to expect. Will immigration pull me aside to interrogate me? Will I get cold stares? Will I be ok? Am I safe?
And I was! Vilnius was a beautiful experience.
For one the city is clean, rich with history, calm, and some areas especially at night feels out of a Hallmark movie. My social interactions were pleasant, too. The people were very friendly in every shop I entered. The food was delicious & each waiter was eager to explain their cuisine. I got the odd surprised stare or two but not much.
I found the teenagers to be especially eager to connect and engage in eye contact. My drab outfit taking these photos was called “cool” by a group a people. I went to the Church of St. Theresa and was personally escorted to a priest behind a door with a word that started with the letter “Z” to bless my newly bought rosaries & even left with a hug and sweet prayers.
It’s always weird not being able to blend in and most places I travel to I am the “only” black person within a mile radius.
Admittedly, in Vilnius I didn’t venture outside the tourist area and used my street smarts. Twice I crossed the streets when I encountered large groups of men. That’s the routine when traveling solo though.
Honestly I live for these moments. When I expand my horizons and challenge the barriers that hold me back. When I decide that I am free!
Liosuelo 