Friday, December 28, 2012

The Beauty of Travel... Part II

From Wikipedia

Travel is the movement of people or objects (such as airplanes, boats, trains and other conveyances) between relatively distant geographical locations

The term "travel" originates from the Old French word travail.[3] The term also covers all the activities performed during a travel (movement).[4] A person who travels is spelled "traveler" in the United States, and "traveller" in the United Kingdom.[cita]




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So where was I?  Ahh…In the bliss of travel.   I was headed to Paddington Station from Heathrow International Airport.  Paddington Station was where I needed to head to in order to connect get to the infamous King's Cross St. Pancras tube station.   I did not see the Paddington Bear, which was a bummer, but I was in a brisk-walk state of mind because I needed to make that train in order to get to FRANCE and join Koku Gonza!!!

Blessings are provided in the simplest ways at times.  I was fortunate to meet a nice young gentleman from Sierra Leone who worked at the train station that helped me carry my suitcase up flights of stairs.  What are the odds?  Once I made my train I could finally relax and take it all in… at least for the moment. 

Arriving in Paris
After 2 hours or so… the train began to slow down.  Oh my.  Tears welled up.  I was in Paris.  Paris, France.  By myself.  Without my Mom.  Just me.  My stomach fluttered.  I made it.  I am alive and I am in Paris!!!  And I don't speak French… Ugh.  When I tell you waves of emotion washed over me... and the emotion most evident was nervousness… LAWD HELP ME.  I arrived at the ‪Gare du Nord‬ but I needed to get to Gare de Lyon quickly!  Train Station to Train Station to Train Station.  My train left for my destination in an hour and I didn't want to be late! 



TAXI!!!! TAXI!!!  Thank God that word is global.  As I stood in line for the taxi, I looked around in awe.  I was in Paris, France by myself, heading from train station to train station.  I had been in communication with Koku Gonza and her french booking manager, so their guidance helped to keep me from being LOST.  I actually had time to take these moments in, and I surely did.  Even the view while standing in line for a Taxi is gorgeous.  Paris lives up to the hype.  It is all of that!  The irony is that I only spent an hour in the city of Paris during my entire trip… but I will say I experienced the most awesome scenic cab ride in Paris! 
From Left to Right: Gas Prices in Liters and 3.78541=1 gallon.  Expensive.  Global Problems.  Therefore motorcycles are popular.  As I enjoyed the taxi ride, I had to capture the art, on canvas and at the bus stop!  My aunty from another country...LOL.  The architecture is just beautiful... and everywhere.  Ah... Paris!
This was surely an eye catcher... as well as an eye opener.

Translation:  "SHOCKING? YES! Every year in france 6 out of 10 lesbians are victims of homophobia".

Thanks to friends of mine who are french speakers because I was soooo frustrated that I couldn't understand anything besides OUI!



As my taxi driver made his way, we engaged in small talk.  He was quite patient with me as I struggled to understand him and he struggled to understand me... but we did it!   Gare de Lyon, I'm here... Whoo Hoo!!!  It was enormous and intimidating... but I had to do what I had to do.  I had already purchased my ticket online, so I just needed to find the track where my train would leave from... and grab a bite to eat.  By the way... no one around here is interested in speaking English.  Frankly, French sounds better... so why should they?  My advice is, learn keywords before you arrive.

Well let me tell you!!!  If you are going to eat a pastry, I highly recommend eating one in PARIS!  Mmmm Mmmm Good!  I was so happy, I overpaid the cashier lady.  She beckoned me and gave me my change with a smile.  Who says the French aren't nice??
 
After about 30 minutes, it was all aboard!!!  I was finally... finally... finally headed to Marseille!!!  The weather was a bit nippy, but Marseille was warmer.  I called Koku Gonza to confirm that I had missed NONE of my connections and that I would be arriving at 7pm!  I felt like a friggin' rockstar... more like a rock star's manager!!  Hahaha!  As I settled in with my iPod and Camera Phone to capture the scene, I wondered: How many times have you begged God today? You are probably on a nerve up there...
From Left to Right: iPod Flow=The Koku Gonza Song as I snacked on my Snickers.  It satisfies... no matter where you are.  The train was so dark under the tunnels, that I could see my reflection in the glass like a mirror...so I took a picture.  Shocked huh? LOL.
I was so thankful for God's mercy and protection of me as I traveled, and I smiled while quietly begging for continuous protection as I proceeded on my great adventure.  Next stop: MARSEILLE FRANCE!                                                               The question of the day is: Can you share with us what that poster says???



 STAY TUNED!


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BloggE.D.   (Executive Director)

As I take you on my journey... make sure you don't miss a moment!  Subscribe today and continue on my journey through my eyes tomorrow.



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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Part 1: 2012 Year in Review- SongMODEL Highlights...

As the year comes to a close, SongMODEL is in planning mode for 2013.  Although an exciting 2013 is on the horizon, taking a moment to reflect on the biggest accomplishment in 2012 is mandatory!   As SongMODEL's fearless leader, sharing a life-changing, whirlwind trip to Europe where I joined Koku Gonza on her first International Music Tour in France is simply living.  Open your eyes and prepare to see a little of Europe through my eleven-day journey across the Atlantic... and back!

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Chicago, Illinois


June 15, 2012 was Koku Gonza's official send-off celebration to France.  She delivered "Confessions of a Songwriter" an eclectic performance, utilizing a story-telling format to deliver a fun-filled show to her audience at the Green House Theater.  Then she was off to France for her 11-City Tour through Southern France.





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Famble (Family in Krio- Dialect of Sierra Leone)

I started my journey with family in New Jersey, where I joined family to celebrate the graduations of cousins.  I was asked to Emcee the event, and I enjoyed every moment!  With a family as big as mine, it came as no surprise to recognize seven cousins in one year (including my two sisters) for a job well done on graduations from High Schools and Universities.

After much needed time with family... MY JOURNEY BEGAN!!!

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I flew out of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.  Since I was in New Jersey and wanted to avoid the hustle and bustle of a train ride, I took the State Shuttle from Princeton to JFK.  I highly recommend this option.  The drivers are friendly and helpful as well as timely.  My flight left at 10:50pm ET and if you are traveling overseas, I recommend leaving from the U.S. in the evening if possible.  I definitely slept through the night on the plane, and woke up at my destination!!!

Airline of Choice: Virgin Atlantic
Why????  Virgin is Awesome!!!  I walked on the plane and they were playing 'Oliver Twist' by D'Banj!!  If I wasn't so tired from a full day in travel-mode, I would've danced to my seat!  They provide you with a soft blanket, cozy socks, an eye-mask and toothbrush/toothpaste.  Hopefully they consider adding nose plugs in their care package for my future travels.  I experienced pungent scents that woke me out of my sleep... but when we landed and I saw the British Flag, nothing else mattered.

                                 SURPRISE!!!  MY FIRST STOP OVERSEAS... GREAT BRITAIN!
Heathrow International Airport, GB






London Fog













What I Did Next
1. Use the Ladies Room & Brushed my Teeth
2. Strolled to Baggage Claim while taking Pictures
3. Stood in the long Border Entry Line
4. Recieved clearance to enter the country
5. Ran to Baggage Claim & Grabbed my Bag
6. Asked workers the cheapest, fastest way to get to King's Cross Train Station
7. Purchased a train ticket and vigourously walked to my train (out of breath)


What I Should've Done
 1. Use the Ladies Room (Pop a Mint Instead)
 2. Walked briskly to the Border Entry Line
 3. Recieved clearance to enter the country
 4. Walked briskly to Baggage Claim
 5. Asked workers the cheapest, fastest way to get to King's Cross Train Station
 6. Purchased a train ticket and walked to my train (with breath)
 7. Turned my IPod on... and stop looking so lost!

At least I was smart enough to avoid heels.  

The Lessons Learned.


After an hour of getting my life together... I am on the train to my next stop... Paddington Station.  What's at Paddington Station?  The Paddington Bear? 

 STAY TUNED!


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BloggE.D.   (Executive Director)

As I take you on my journey... make sure you don't miss a moment!  Subscribe today and continue on my journey through my eyes tomorrow.



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Friday, June 22, 2012

Finally... A SongModel is Overseas On Tour!!! OYE Koku Gonza!!!


THE Premier SongModel Koku Gonza is on tour in France!!!  Scream Out LOUD!!!  If you are in France make sure you check out a show.  Visit here for details!!!  If you are not in France, its okay!!!  Take a moment to stop by Koku Gonza's Fan Page on Facebook and wish her success on her tour. Click here!!  Haven't heard her album yet??? You can listen to it for FREE.  We guarantee that you will L.O.V.E. it so much you will buy it....  She even is giving away a track or two.  It's a WIN WIN!

Check Out the Links Below and Join The Koku Gonza Kult!!


BandCamp- Listen to Radiozophrenic- FREE
YouTube- Watch Koku Gonza Perform- FREE
BlogSpot- Read What Koku Gonza is Up to... IN FRANCE!!!



NEW!!! Purchase Radiozophrenic-Google Play

Purchase Radiozophrenic- BandCamp
Purchase Radiozophrenic- ITunes
Purchase Radiozophrenic- Amazon
Purchase Radiozophrenic- Spotify

Koku Gonza also has a special treat for you!!!  Click Here and become AMAZED!!!!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Charity Event

Cherish the Moment



Cherish the Moment
with
 Jim & Ellen Tressel; OSU NFL Celebrities
Sunday, June 24, 2012
at 6:00 p.m.
 2 Miranova Place • Columbus, OH 43215
The fourth annual Cherish the Moment Charity Social, benefiting Kids 'n Kamp, Columbus' favorite hometown nonprofit organization serving, for the past 30 years, as the lifeline of support for Ohio families touched by childhood cancer.

The remarkable silent auction features items such as a seven day trip to a Tuscan style Villa in the heart of Napa Valley and an exclusive M Chef Package, including lunch for six guests.

Tickets are $125 per guest, granting each ticketholder unlimited access to fine food, fine wine and an unforgettable evening with the Tressels.

Other Celebrity Guests Include:
• Bobby Carpenter, Ohio State Buckeye & New England Patriot
• Chris Gamble, Ohio State Buckeye & Carolina Panther
• Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State Buckeye & New England Patriot
• Cie Grant, Ohio State Buckeye & Former New Orleans Saint
• Ben Hartsock, Ohio State Buckeye & Carolina Panther
• A.J. Hawk, Ohio State Buckeye & Green Bay Packer
• Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State Buckeye & New Orleans Saint
• Craig Krenzel, Ohio State Buckeye & Former Chicago Bear
• James Laurinaitis, Ohio State Buckeye & St. Louis Ram
• Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State Buckeye & Chicago Bear
• Dave & Jimmy, WNCI The Morning Zoo
• Mindy Drayer, NBC4 News Anchor
• Monica Day, NBC4 Traffic and Entertainment Reporter
• OSU Sports Legends

Celebrity guest appearances are subject to change.
For more information please call (614) 262-2220
or e-mail knk@kidsnkamp.org.