Hola!

My name is Alyssa, welcome to my adventure!

I was born in Sfax, Tunisia. A small country in North Africa.

(and yes, this was my life before it was a meme!)

I left Tunisia as a baby, and my mother brought me to New York City where I have lived most of my life. Growing up, I was confused to say the least! I was raised by my Cuban mother, in a family with Cuban, Italian, Colombian, and Spanish influences. I never knew where I belonged.

I used to joke when people asked me my nationality that I was Nuyorquina (a New Yorker) because NYC is the perfect blending of cultures which I felt represented me. Only until I began to travel was when I understood, and at the same time hated, the privilege I was given.

Although I was born abroad, I was born with American citizenship. My mother having fled Cuba was granted asylum back in the 1980’s. Due to this privilege, I was automatically a citizen despite never setting foot in the U.S.

It’s a privilege I have struggled with my entire life.

I was taken from my homeland so young, I did not remember it. I knew I was Tunisian, but I could not connect with the culture. I knew I was Cuban and felt connected to the island my entire life. However my privilege also meant I was not allowed “home.” My entire life I felt connected to a patria I never met.

It wasn’t until I traveled that I began to feel at home, as crazy as that sounds! I am the most comfortable exploring, learning, and experiencing new cultures. I realized that at the end of the day, we are all human, we all love, and we all want to be happy! I hope you continue to join me on my adventures, and we’ll explore together!

Safe Travels 

“Un libro, como un viaje, se comienza con inquietud y se termina con melancolía” -José Vasconcelos