Q — What was your earliest travel memory?

My earliest travel memory was when I was a kid in Kenya. We went to Mombasa often and would visit the beaches. They were so beautiful.

Q — What was your favorite travel experience?

I love South Africa. I went to Cape Town last year for a conference. It was amazing. I got to see the flea market culture in a way that I haven’t ever seen. For instance, the night time markets are a huge attraction. Instead of going to the club, people in South Africa go to the market. There was music and wine. Vendors were playing records. It was all so cinematic. I loved it.

Q — What is your favorite city?

Addis Ababa. It’s very political, but it’s home. I feel the most free there.

Q — What is your favorite mode of transportation?

Biking. It’s the point of view. You’re not walking or on a bus. Your flowing through the city.

Q — What’s your travel essentials?

Essentials! That’s tough. I travel with a lot of stuff. When I travel I want to take certain things so that I feel like I’m home where ever I go. If I’m going to a hotel room I want to bring my blankets, certain incenses, and more. If there’s a kitchen, I’ll bring my coffee pot and my coffee. Those things hold me down. But, one thing I can’t go anywhere without is my shield ring. I never take it off. I feel completely naked if I don’t have it.

Q — Travel Tip?

Be free. Let go of any agendas or itineraries. You don’t have to do much. When I travel, I don’t go to all the sites. Just let me be somewhere for a period of time. Let me go to the coffee shops and let me do my usual thing but in a new place. I love talking to strangers on the train or on the street and just observing it all. Don’t over plan. It doesn’t leave room for the magical serendipitous moments.