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ASHLEY
DARBY REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC
NURA MAGAZINE SUMMER 2018
TRAP YOGA Healthy Treats
Samia Gore
talks Surgery
Are You
Vacation Ready?
B OD IE D NURA Magazine 1
TEAM & CONTACTS Co-Founder/ Publisher Akilah Dia-Amadi Clark akilahclark@NURAMagazine.com Co-Founder/ Editor-In-Chief Crystal Davis crystaldavis@NURAMagazine.com Managing Editor Imani Camp Creative Director Akilah Dia- Amadi
Writers Akilah Dia-Amadi Crystal Davis Janine Muhammad Latisha Carr Nicole Johnson Content Editor Lauren Pro Photographers Sean Allen (cover) Beauty Consultants Khilia Chantal Sydney Hare Social Media Specialist Eric Jackson Public Relations Auntea Muhammad Subscriptions & Marketing Info@NURAMagazine.com
NURA Magazine is a lifestyle women’s feature for our sophisticated ladies of urban communities. You will find articles on world news, beauty, health, fashion, relationships, travel and business. Our Mission is to empower women to find the best within themselves, to encourage high level thinking, and inspire them to take action toward a fulfilling life. You will find a balance of celebrity gossip as well as food for thought in life’s complexities.
Behind the Name: NURA The name NURA is derived from the Arabic language meaning “the Light.” Light is a metaphor for wisdom, knowledge, and truth. The purpose of light is to give a clear perception of what may not be seen otherwise. The best example is given in Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. The men of the cave thought they knew everything there was to know about life until they were expose to light. Light in that example was not only a representation of knowledge but truth. NURA Magazine hopes to provide articles that are captivating yet rich with wisdom.
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24 The Fresh Face 30 Ashley Darby (Cover Page) 40 Guide to Retirement 42 Point out the Wrong 44 Vacaton Ready 56 Havana, Cuba
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Welcome to Nura Magazine
Peace & Blessings This issue’s theme is called “Bodied.” The term comes from the word Embodied. To embody is to give manifestation to express, personify or exemplify one’s idea. To embody your work means you are offering the best example of what you are and what you can produce. The slang term Bodied can refer to having success or championship over another. The root word of it all is Body. To master one’s body and temple is one of the first practices of self-control which can translate to a prosperous life. One of the most powerful visual art forms of an embodiment is Yoga. Yoga is not just an exercise as some believe. It is a practice that requires the attention and concentration of your body, mind and spirit. We focus on Yoga in this issue because it embodies all in which we stand for as a publication. At the root of it all, Yoga is discipline. We all want to be masters of our craft and to find success and balance in our lives. In order to accomplish this, we must be steadfast and disciplined. Take all your wasted energy on trivial or negative things and channel them into the things that make you embody the best version of you. Nura Editors
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Model : Khia Gaddy @a.ryze Photographer: Craig Gaddy @na2f.films Creative Designer: Ontavia Roulette (@rouletteont) & Brittnay Hill-Lee(@asap_blondieee) Stylist: Ontavia Roulette (@rouletteont) & Brittnay Hill-Lee(@asap_blondieee)
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Beauty
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LOGAN WEST Education/ Experience: Graduated from Pace University with a BS in criminal justice, a first-year law student Occupation: student, pageant consultant, co-founder of Empower U Inc. Hobbies: family time, fishing, scripture study, watching movies, watching beauty gurus on YouTube Community Service or Involvement: Every year, I hold a Girls Only Transformation Weekend through Empower U that is designed to teach young ladies the power of self-confidence and goal setting. I also travel the country presenting my program ‘Unite Against Bullies Today’ I have spoken to over 1 million students to date.
Social Media Site: @loganwest
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Beauty
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What is something that your audience should know about you? I am an ordinary girl who dreams of doing extraordinary things. I believe that people often think that in order to make a positive impact on the world around you, you must have fame or fortune. I wish everyone understood that a gesture as simple as a smile could change someone’s day. I am dedicated to uplifting those around me daily, and I think the world would be a much kinder and safer place if we all committed to positivity.
see the best in myself, I am grateful for the experience as I think it has made me a stronger, more self-aware person today. What do you hope to see in years ahead? Up next: graduate law school, pass the bar on my first attempt, become a successful lawyer specializing in family and juvenile law. I hope to one day be a dedicated wife, and a great mother and continue my nonprofit work around the country.
What do you love most about what you do?
What do you stand for?
As a student, my life can get a little hectic, so I love the flexibility of making my own work schedule as a consultant. Above all, I love the chance to give other young women a positive experience in pageantry and help them improve skills that will not only help them in competition but prepare them for success in life. I just appreciate the connection I have with my girls and the fact that they trust me along with their journey.
I stand for equality. It hurts my heart that there is still so much hate and discrimination in the world. Change will come when we can start to see people as people rather than as labels, colors, or numbers.
What have you experienced in your journey that you have never anticipated? Self-doubt. My parents always emphasized confidence and self-esteem while growing up, so I was very surprised when I hit my late teens and struggled a lot with self-doubt. While it was difficult at the time to try and
What’s next for you? Only God knows! And I trust His plan far more than I trust mine. I work hard and handle what I can, then let Him take care of the rest. I will stay focused on my work and studies and just enjoy the journey of life!
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Beau
MERSON Narcisse Education/Military Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in International Business, Planning to go back to school to finish my Degree in Mechanical Engineering Occupation: Lead Quality Inspector Hobbies: Going to the gym, Spending time with family and friends, research on new up-and-coming technologies, training and coaching martial arts Community Service or Involvement: I was a member of the Newark, New Jersey Big Brother and Sister mentoring Program
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What should your audience know about you? I am an ambitious and goal-oriented individual that grinds 24/7. I never let excuses get in the way of achieving my dreams and goals. What do you love most about your career in the fashion/entertainment industry? In the fashion industry, each person possesses his or her own unique sense of fashion. Through fashion, one can boldly express themselves and creatively articulate their skills and talents. _ What have you experienced in your career that you have never anticipated? I have experienced and witnessed a lot of racism as a black model. For instance, models participating in the New York Fashion Week have to cast in order to be in the show. As a black model auditioned, most of the panelists seemed disinterested and paid little attention to her, despite how experienced she appeared strutting down the runway. But as a Caucasian model auditioned, she exhibited much less experience. Nevertheless, the panelists gave her undivided attention and the casting director even left the panel to coach the model on how to walk in order for her to get picked for the show, whereas the colored model did not get picked.
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What do you hope to see in years ahead? As members of a multicultural society, I hope to see for people to receive equal opportunities based on their skill levels and talents, not by race or ethnicity. What do you stand for? I am inspired by Albert Einstein’s quote that reads “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” Although I strive to be successful in the fashion industry and other ventures, I never forget to be a man of charity, perseverance and integrity that brings the best out of people. No accolade or achievement can surpass these values. What’s next for you? I am grateful for the ten years I have spent in the fashion industry. Currently, my main focus is towards photography and acting.
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TrapYOGA Fitness&Culture
Collide
“The mind of a Yogi and a Trapper are very similar, both have to be very disciplined, self-motivated, patient and focused...� 14
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Connecting the concept of self-care with trappin’ seems at first an oxymoron. Trappin’ (a colloquial term for hustler and/or entrepreneur), is the relentless grind of enterprising for goal attainment in the pursuit of accumulating personal gains and is a hallmark of millennial life. According to a report conducted by Business Insider, millennials are on track to becoming the most entrepreneurial generation ever. Self-care, on the other hand, is the concept of mindfully taking a time out from the fast pace pursuits of modern life: breaking away from the Trap, in order to regenerate one’s self. It is defined as the act of consciously tending to your own physical, spiritual and mental well-being in order to attain a more fulfilled quality of life. According to a Pew consumer study, millennials are primarily fueling a $10 billion yearly self-help industry in the US alone. Self-care and trappin’, seemingly two contrasting modus operandi (M.O.), are both simultaneously being embraced by one generation. Enter Brandon Copeland, a self-care trapper of sorts. The founder and lead Yoga instructor at Khepher Wellness, Copeland is credited with popularizing the ever trending practice of Trap Yoga. Trap Yoga is a hybrid style of Yoga that infuses Ashtanga Vinyasa and Rocket Yoga practice with the intensity of Trap music in the background. Trap music — a subgenre of hip-hop music that reflects the trapping lifestyle; see Migos. According to Copeland incorporating Trap music with Yoga, his self-care practice of choice helped him become a better Yogi, upstart his wellness business and led to the growth of a unique Yogi community. He now heads Khepera Wellness in DC. “I hosted my first class at the Georgetown Lululemon back in 2015 and decided to teach the class the way I
practiced to Trap music, “said Copeland. Copeland says he began Yoga practice while studying at Howard University 3 years prior to launching his wellness business. Copeland says during his personal yogic regimen, it was Trap music that motivated and pushed him through challenging stretches and poses required in his practice. Making the connection between selfcare and trappin’ would ultimately lead to greater success for Copeland and the creation of a unique Yogi Community. “From the first class, Trap Yoga captured the movement that was going on in the Black Wellness community, we are a Black Yogi space and that is unique within itself, “ says Copeland. Copeland says the two concepts of selfcare and trappin’ actually go hand in hand. “The mind of a Yogi and a Trapper are very similar, both have to be very disciplined, self-motivated, patient and focused on what they are trying to achieve in order to attain their intended goals,” says Copeland. While Trap Yoga is the self-care break that attracts most newcomers to the Khepera Wellness community, Copeland says students often venture into his other wellness offerings. “Trap Yoga is where we are now. It’s where we started. I find that once my students develop their confidence in that style, they are open to other offerings like our Black Girl Magic class and the R&B restorative class.” Copeland adds that like the aspirations one pursues while trappin’, self-care is very personal and is about personal dedication. “Self-care practice, like any other goal, is supposed to be true to self. You have to find a practice of self-care that resonates with you, then commit to it. Yoga is a good place to start, “says Copeland.
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Lashes of Luxury Luxury Lashes Beauty
isSkin Deep
Dont Judge before you
www.emarieglamour.com Scratch the Surface 16
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Lashes of Luxury Luxury Lashes
www.emarieglamour.com NURA Magazine 17
a i m a S ore G e
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o t e d i A Gu erfect the P
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As modern pursuit for perfection collides with advances in medicine, Cosmetic surgery is becoming as common as an oil change. Walking through city streets, there is really no true way of telling who has had a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) or breast implants. While we all speculate, the reality is not as shocking as it once was. What was once taboo is becoming the norm. Samia Gore, a mother of four, is the go-to gal for Cosmetic surgery advice. She began her body transformation after the birth of her last child. She opted for a Complete Mommy Makeover to include a Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift with reduction, Lip and Fat transfer. Excited yet nervous, Samia had many questions before her first surgery. She did her research but still wish she had the knowledge she has today. Four surgeries later, Samia has created an online community on social media which changed to writing her very own book. While Samia is very supportive of cosmetic surgery, she had some complications along the way. While her tummy tuck was successful, she wasn’t completely satisfied with the results. Samia felt like her stomach was not flat enough. As a result, she went for Lipo as her second surgery which caused scar tissue. Scar tissue can occur with any form of trauma to the body. Samia believes that if she lost more weight initially, she would probably not need to have as many surgeries or had negative impacts such as scar tissue and fibrosis. Samia gained 80 pounds with her pregnancy and lost 40 of the pounds. Medical professionals recommend that patients reach a target BMI before surgery. A BMI between 18-24 is normal/healthy and anything over 30 is considered “obese.” Samia was approved for her surgery with a BMI of 35. Though the approval of the surgery was not the healthiest option for her. Samia encourages her network to reach a BMI between 27-30 to avoid additional surgeries. NURA Magazine 19
Samia Gore:
A Guide to the Perfect Body Continued
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Don’t have Cosmetic surgery if you are depressed or have any other mental health challenges. It won’t make you happier. If you are struggling on the inside, you are always going to look for more.
The Complete Mommy Makeover
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”
Samia shares her stories, complications and recommendations to help people avoid the mistakes that she made. She began posting pictures on Instagram and joining other Cosmetic surgery review sites using an online alias based on a doctor she wanted to see. People began commenting that her posts were very helpful to them. Soon came a barrage of questions which she could not keep up with as a wife and mother with a full-time job. With a desire to reach as many as she could, Samia decided to write a book called Plastica, a step by step guide for cosmetic and plastic surgery. The book includes things to consider before surgery, how to prepare and what you should know after surgery to heal properly. When it comes to surgery, her biggest Do and Don’t are: 1. Do make sure your surgeon is board certified, and that he/she is capable. Be sure to have seen their work and be comfortable with them on a personal level. 2. Don’t have Cosmetic surgery if you are depressed or have any other mental health challenges. It won’t make you happier. If you are struggling on the inside, you are always going to look for more. Samia is grateful to be in people’s lives and respected by surgeons nationwide. Since her online presence, she has seen the influx of social media pages dedicated to Cosmetic Surgery. In addition, celebrities and public figures are being more forth coming from their experiences. People are now talking and are open to sharing. For Samia, this is an evolution in society. It is no longer taboo to embark on a body transformation journey. It is hope that with more conversations around cosmetic surgeries, people will make less mistakes with better results.
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O Purple Haze
Ingredients: 1 1/2 ounces vodka 1/2 ounceblack raspberry liqueur 2ounces cranberry juice (more or less) Directions: 1) Mix the vodka and black raspberry liqueur into a cocktail shaker with ice. 2) Shake well. 3) Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. 4) Top with cranberry juice. 5) Garnish with lemons, limes, or blueberries.
Recipe from: The Spruce Eats 22
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DIY Oatmeal Bars
Looking for a quick treat for you and the entire family? Try Cereal Bars. Cereal bars are for families on the go. Before you reach for those gloried candy bars on store shelves passing as health, reach right in your cabinets to make your own. Its quick, easy and delicious. The children will enjoy the activity as well.
Ingredients •2.5 Cups Old Fashion Rolled Oats •½ Cup Honey •½ Cup of Brown Sugar •¼ Cup Butter (Salted or unsalted) •1 tsp Vanilla Extract •Pinch of Salt •¾ cup of Favorite Treats Materials •9 inch pan •Mixing Bowl •Parchment paper •Spatula •Measuring equipment
es r for all ag e n in w a k is ay This snac Pack it aw . y a d e h t f s or in anytime o s, car trip p m a c r e ese for summ office. Th e h t t a ls mea y and b e t we e n oth health b e r a s t a re creative t al. economic
Prep 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Lightly roast oats for 10 mins. 3. In a small saucepan add mix honey, butter, and brown sugar until butter over medium heat until you have a smooth consistency. 4. Stir in vanilla and salt. 5. Pour mixture into a bowl with roasted oats. 6. Add in additional treats. (Only add chocolate to cool mixture, otherwise it will melt) 7. Press mixture to flatten across pan. 8. Set aside to chill for 2 hours. 9. Cut into fun shapes. 10. For an extra bonus, dip in melted yogurt chips. Try these add-ins: Dried Berries (Blueberry, Strawberry, Raspberry) Dried Tropical Fruit (Mango, Pineapple, Oranges) White, Dark or Milk Chocolate Chips Coconut M&Ms Sunflower Seeds Nuts Pretzel Pieces
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c i s s a l C eless m i T
The
Fresh Face
The purpose of the photo shoot is to illuminate classic and timeless beauty in a fresh and modern setting. With the combination of clean natural makeup, dramatic lighting, and contemporary posing, each photo captures a new and unique style of beauty photography. The small added touches of bold bright flowers and the simplicity of the strapless white, high wasted swimsuit allows for a captivating visual and artistic concept.
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Clean & Natural
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The Collaborators Photographer: Nichole Beatty katherineCostelloPhotography@yahoo.com Instagram: @nic9nac Nichole is an accomplished, published photographer and creative director featured in multiple magazines and websites. She has been a student of the art of photography for four years. She resides in Maryland. Make Up Artist: Karen Bonita Instagram: @karenbonita1 www.theblessedtouchmakeupartistry.com Karen is a published makeup artist. Her works have been featured in several national magazines, television shows, film and fashion productions. She has been cultivating her art for eight years. She resides in Maryland. Model: Cyrene Renee cyrenerenee@gmail.com Instagram: @cyrenerenee Portfolio: www.cyrenerenee.allyou.net Cyrene is a published model and has been a runway and editorial model for six years as well as a creative director. In addition to fashion, she is a published author of two novels, poetry book and playwright. She currently resides in New York City. Designer: Dur Doux durdouxexposed@gmail.com Instagram: @dur_doux www.durdoux.com Designer Dur Doux is a Washington DC based design team of accessible luxury womenswear. They are also affiliated with the DC Fashion Incubators of Macy’s partnerships. There designs have been seen in DC, New York, Las Vegas and London. Studio High Mark Studio 62 Q St, NW Washington DC
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Photo by: Wesley Quinn
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Photographer: Sean Allen Make Up: Ebone Green Hair: Sydney Hare Studio: Union 206
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Interview
ASHLEY
DARBY Written by: Akilah Clark
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Interview
A small affluent community in the suburbs of Washington DC is now on Front Street as the world watches Real Housewives of Potomac. The area is revered by neighboring communities as the home for doctors, lawyers, politicians and successful businessmen. Though the rest of the country barely knew the place existed, what is even most revealing about the show is the thriving community of young African American men and women who reside there. Ashley Darby is one such Potomac, Maryland resident. Former Miss District of Columbia, Ashley married real estate mogul Michael Darby, when she was 25 years old. While people criticize their age difference and motives, Darby puts it all to rest. Not only are they in love but the couple are learning and growing together each day. Approaching 30, Ashley has made a name for herself not only as a reality star but also as an active member in the community of Greater Washington DC. Ashley owns OZ restaurant in Arlington, VA with her husband, Michael. Inspired by Michael’s roots, OZ is an Australian cuisine founded on fresh ingredients and simplicity. This isn’t shocking as Ashley is a Pescatarian and both explore plant-based eating. Self-proclaimed polarizing personality, Ashley is navigating the relationships off and on the show to include her friends, marriage and even her mother. While some reality stars are overwhelmed by the cameras in their lives, Ashley finds the experience therapeutic. She uses the opportunity to deal with issues in her life. The show forces conversations to happen that would have ordinarily been swept under the rug. She refers to RHOP as catharsis. To balance the inevitable drama and stress of life, Ashley also turns to her love for Yoga. Though she has been practicing yoga since she was 18 years old, she found the practice to be most healing during her short time of separation from her husband. Since then, Ashley has proceeded to become a certified Yoga instructor. She teaches classes at the OZ restaurant as well as guest classes at Embrace Yoga studio. On top of that, Ashley just launched an apparel line named “Zen Gem” that focus on inspirational quotes. While the friendships on the Real Housewives of Potomac are ever evolving, the cast has more in common than not. They are all beautiful, intelligent and opinionated women balancing family, business, and self-preservation. Ashley Darby enjoys her time spent with the women on the franchise on and off the screen.
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“Being on the Real Housewives of Potomac gave me an opportunity to have dialogue that I didn’t have before.” 34
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“Things that were swept under the rug, I had to address them. They were elephants in the room.�
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Guide to Retirement Plans Let’s be honest; when it comes to retirement planning, most millennials aren’t really planning for their future. We are so focused on the present. We want everything fast and easy but we forget about the 50-year-old versions of ourselves and what they will wish we would have done today. Most of us know the term 401(k), but we don’t really know what it means. We live in a world that is technologically savvy enough to basically have all of this information processed for us and stored somewhere linked to our social security number. When thinking about retirement, most of us think about our parents or grandparents, but we fail to realize that we are literally on the road to retirement right now. We are focused on counting how much money we are making now and maybe planning for the next 10 years or so. Thinking 30 to 50 years in the future is a thing of the past. It should be something we consider immediately and begin planning for because
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before we know it, we will be at retirement age and despite what you want to do with your life, it’s something to get moving on before it’s too late to make the best investments into your retirement. To be fair, most of us aren’t even planning to work the 9 to 5 stretch for 30 more years and we are looking to hitchhike the next ride into entrepreneurship. Jumping on the bandwagon of becoming an internet star or insta-model (no shade). Even entrepreneurs and instamodels need to prepare for their retirement. For the rest of us who don’t mind being in our careers for 25 to 30 years, we need a plan for retirement right now, and it’s best that we understand at least the core basics.
4-0-1 There are a few core retirement plans. Let’s start with 401(k); this plan is offered in profit-sharing companies, also known as for-profit companies. Most of these companies are privately owned companies and they will match how much you contribute to your 401(k) up to a certain percentage. Next, we have 403(b). This plan is offered in tax-exempt organizations, also known as nonprofits organizations. Most of these companies are for public use such as churches, hospitals, and schools. Both the employee and employer can contribute to this account as well. The last big plan we are going to discuss is the 457(b), which is the deferred compensation plan. These plans are mostly available for employees in the state and local governmental entities. This is more of a personal contribution account, as in, employers don’t really get involved. For more information on these plans, please visit https://www.
what
?
irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4484.pdf. This is Publication 4484 on the IRS website, which highlights all three of these plans and gives more information on some of the other retirement planning options such as, IRA’s, SEP’s, and defined benefit plans. If you don’t really care about retirement, it’s now the time to rethink that. If you want to be on a beach sipping mojitos, sunbathing, and planning your next trip in your retirement phase, then it’s time to get serious and really consider what plan works for you and your company. Figure out if they are matching and how much they do. This is the time to really dive deep into it and find out how your retirement works in your favor. This is one of those things, whether entrepreneur or not, that will impact you in 30 years. It is not exciting, but you will thank yourself one day. -Chanel W.M. Hicks, MS, LMHPR
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Point Out the Wrong Written by: Janine Muhammad
In my most recent article, “The Impact of Abuse”, we discussed the Eight Steps of Atonement that were introduced to us by The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in 1995 at the Million Man March. These Eight Steps are the perfect application to healing from domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence. I introduced this series with the Step ‘Acknowledge the Wrong.’ In this article, we shall apply the Step; Point Out the Wrong. One may think that pointing out the wrong as it pertains to domestic violence is rather obvious. You may be thinking, the physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse and psychological abuse are all wrong. This is true. However, let us delve into the definition of the word point.
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The majority of the definitions refer to point as an end to something. One definition states: a mark of punctuation. Another state: a sharp or tapering end. Therefore, in the application of The Eight Steps of Atonement to the disruptive consequences of domestic violence, that in order to heal, you must
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punctuate the relationship, meaning put a stop to it. How do you put a stop to it, particularly when there is physical violence involved? Follow the latter definition which states to bring it to a sharp or tapering end. A sharp end to your victimization is just to leave. Other women may need to be more discreet, make a plan and leave slowly. In other words, bring the violent relationship to a tapering end. Bottom Line: to point out the wrong in a violent relationship is to end the violent relationship. Special Note: Please be reminded that the most lethal time for a woman experiencing Intimate Partner Violence is when she leaves. Do not hesitate to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233 or visit their website at www.thehotline.org Have questions for me? Contact me at: info@nuramagazine.com Janine Muhammad is a Marriage & Family Therapist, life Coach, and Founder and Executive Director of Center For Strong Families in New York City.
Ending Domestic Violence
Photo by: Chelsea Ferenando
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2018 Vacation Season What’s in Your Bag?
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Models: Amaree Hunter & Jennifer Jewell-Young Photographer: Bernadette Dare Make Up Artist: Alexandria
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This season is calling for nudes and bold patterns. While animal prints are back on top, try substituting with wild abstract variations.
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Complete your summer look with sunkissed Hair. Brown and Red hues are the perfect compliment for a day in the sun.
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H A V A N A 56
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CUBA
Traveling to Havana, Cuba was everything I expected and more. I was overjoyed that I took the leap of faith despite the fear of travel and VISA regulations. I really didn’t have a reason to fret as one of the categories of approved travel was journalism. Still, there was an unnerving feeling with scarce information on the web accompanied with scare tactics on the State Department website. Nevertheless, I rounded my crew and we set for Havana. The people we met made the trip one for the books.
Upon arrival, a tall man with bright blue eyes and olive skin held up a sign that read AKILAH. Instantly, part of my reservations began to fade. He walked us to a car; a sea blue 1960 Chevy. It was a beauty. The driver’s name is Louis. He spoke very little English but enough to be extremely helpful. It was a match made in heaven. He stuck with us the entire trip. He became our tour guide, bodyguard and friend. Divorced, Louis is single with 2 children. We shared stories of our 7-year-old daughters who were both crowned princesses at the time. My daughter, a pageant winner and his daughter won a similar contest through the schools. During the ride to our apartment, I felt like we got warped in a time capsule. It felt like we got stuck in a 1950’s movie. Due to embargo and trade laws, the country does not have immediate access to things such as paint and other necessities to keep the city fresh. Louis stopped in what seemed to us to be a sketchy alley with cobble ground. My girls and I looked around then at each other. It seemed quite shady. “Ummm, Louis, where are we? Donde estamos? ” Louis replied, “No worry, ustedes estan casa” and he signaled that he would be right back. Louis slipped in the wall through a rickety gate and came back out with Carlos. Now, Carlos was our AirBnb host. Carlos spoke perfect English and welcomed us. He walked us through the same gate, up some crumbling stairs, to land at a stylish, modern door that required key code to get in. We were shocked at how beautiful the apartment inside was. “Carlos, what are you really into?” (Squints eyes) Anyway, Carlos seemed to have everything laid out. He pulls out a map and gives us a visual tour of the city NURA Magazine 57
marking off every landmark, restaurant, bar, and store that we may be interested in. He was quite the host. He asked if we were hungry after our trip; then said “let’s go.” He walked us through the town square to one of his favorite restaurants. After the scenic route, we felt like tourist pros in Old Havana. He didn’t stay with us but handed us a local cell phone to stay in touch. We later used that phone to contact Louis and eventually call Carlos back to exchange more money. His boss had many properties and dual citizenship. That would explain the cool apartment and access to American cash. Everyone seemed oddly nice. People would meet us on the street and yell out America, Tupac, or Obama. I was even called Beyoncé. Yeah, I know, but it felt great at the moment (lol). Everyone was so helpful with directions, suggestions or even just good company. We started off so guarded but realized it was just their way. The people were just beautiful inside and out. Seemingly Black, White or Latino had no weight in the relationships we encountered. Families and friend groups were commonly diverse. We met some really cool people but the language became a barrier at times. It was refreshing to meet a frail man on the street that spoke perfect English, Carlos#2. He invited us to Salsa but we were hungry and wanted dinner. He walked us from the club he posted in front of to a restaurant that he knew the owner of. The owner immediately came out and took care of us. Carlos sat there. Awkward at first, we eventually sparked a conversation. He found out we were American journalists and he quickly pulled out a piece of paper showing us that he was released from prison the day before. More Awkward! He self-taught himself English after his family moved to Miami. He wants to go but there are some challenges. In the meantime, they send2018 him| money to survive. Police 58 Summer NURAMagazine.com
knocked on his door one day and asked him why he doesn’t work. He replied, “I don’t need to, my family sends money.” The police left that day but came again weeks later asking the same question. The third time they came, Carlos#2 was arrested. In Cuba, housing, education and medical care are free; completely covered. However, everyone is required to contribute. You must work for the government; pay taxes or give back. It’s just their way. Carlos#2 eventually proved not to be so creepy and stayed around through a night of Salsa dancing. In Cuban fashion, he tried to walk us home but we aren’t that trusting. On our excursion to the tobacco and coffee fields, we got a lot of information about the farming industry. All Cuban cigars are largely from one familyowned farm in Vinales. You would think that the family was rich. They live well but not as we would think. In fact, according to them, 90% of their crop is taken by the government. From there, it is sent to major factories and exported around the world. Cuban cigars are known to be the best because of the climate and soil from which the tobacco grows. The family lives off the 10% of their crop in which they keep for tourists like us or for personal growth. Nearby are farms that produce coffee, rum and honey. A woman who gave us a tour of the coffee farm gave away Cuban beauty secrets. They use honey not only to produce rum or sweeten coffee. They also put it in their hair and skin as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, moisturizer and conditioner. In all, it was a rich trip full of culture and experiences. The most memorable moments centered on authentic people and our conversations. There was the churros street cart guy that had us play all the latest hip hot music, to another streetwalker that played 90’s Hip Hop
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hits for us. The pineapple ice-cream Queen who said “Blac Chyna” was her favorite Kardashian. She followed with “don’t video record me or I will turn you into the Russians” (hilarious). The henna boys on the beach that gave us free tattoos to showcase their work. The woman in the coffee shop that clapped along as we danced to Havana by Camila Cabello. There was a precious girl in Plaza Vieja that was super fascinated by my hair. She also wore braids. I gave her one of my hair jewels and she was so elated to show her friends. I could never forget the amputee that we gave money. He touched his weathered brown skin and pointed to mine saying “mismo” or “the same.” I could go on and on. We learned so much about how they lived their lives. They were just happy to be alive, happy to meet new people, happy to share their stories, just Happy.
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