Global Nomad: Amari Johnson

Name, location and what do you do?

Amari Johnson. I am a writer and musician based in New Orleans, LA.  In addition to putting the final touches on my PhD in Cultural Anthropology, my two major projects are Scattered People Arts and teaching at Kamali Academy.  Scattered People Arts is a multi-media production company.  Kamali is an African-centered home school collective my friend started two years ago.


Why are you a global nomad?

When I was a kid, I couldn’t sit still.  As I got older, it only got worse.


What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

It is my goal to be self-sustaining and prosperous off of my arts and talents.  In my mind and heart, it’s all so possible.  More than that, it’s how we were all meant to be.  By doing this, I want other folks to see we can all do it.


What do you hope to achieve?

I look to create quality cultural works that show us who, what, and where we are as African people, where we can be, and how we can get there.  In a phrase, I want to inform and inspire.


How long have you been working on this?

I’ve been creating since I was in high school, but the vision has really solidified over the past year.  In this time, I’ve completed a book, a CD, and will be touring the country this summer with my band, the BlackStar Bangas.


What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

That once I accepted the challenge of it all, it became clear it couldn’t be any other way.  From there, things have just come together.


Where do you see this project in 10 years?

Oh, in 10 years I’ll be traveling the world doing what I’ve come to do!  Scattered People Arts will be known and recognized as a producer of innovative cultural works that see us whole ;-)


When did you start traveling?

I played soccer growing up, so that brought me all over the east coast.  That started when I was about 10.


How and why did you travel for the first time?

My first trip as an adult was in college.  I did a summer science course in Brazil.  We were in the rainforest, which was cool, but there weren’t any people around!  The time was short and there was so much I wanted to do, so I knew I needed to return.


In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

Cuba, Ghana, Brazil, and a few cities in the US.  I speak English and Portuguese.


What’s your favorite city so far?

Cape Coast.  Easy.  New York is second, though.


If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

Don’t ever sleep on what comfortable shoes can do!


Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Aisle

boat or plane? Plane

train or bus? Train

walk or bike? Walk

metro or trolley? Metro

tropical, temperate, polar? Tropical

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Local’s apartment, for sure.

must have fashion piece when traveling? Dry socks

explore/map or tour guide? Explore!

Global Nomad Amari Johnson
Global Nomad: Sarah Oxford

Sarah Oxford is a self-proclaimed modern nomad. For the moment she lives in San Francisco, CA, and is a founding board member of Breaking Ground, a non-profit that enables Cameroonian communities to complete locally-initiated, sustainable projects by providing strategic resources and funding. Sarah is also a Rotary Peace Fellow and in Fall 2011, she will begin a Masters in African Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Bradford, England.


Why are you a global nomad?

I’m addicted to the mental and physical challenges of living in the developing world; learning new languages and cultures. I find the process of adapting to a new culture exhilarating. At this point, I’m more comfortable in foreign environments then in my own native country. There is a freedom in being different and accepted because you are exactly who you are.


What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

I studied in Cameroon in 2004 and witnessed destructive development projects that were hurting communities, not helping. The commonality among these failed projects was that local input was not heard. In 2006 Breaking Ground’s co-founder was teaching English in Cameroon. Over a candid conversation with fellow teachers, she realized that the community was mobilized and ready for change, but lacked the resources to make that change possible. The teachers’ wanted to pave the classroom dirt floors because chiggers were biting the student’s feet. She e-mailed friends and family asking for support. Months later thousands of dollars had been  donated and community projects were organically coming to fruition. From there, Breaking Ground grew into a 501 (c) (3) registered non-profit. Our core value is simply to listen. I support Breaking Ground  because I know that I am making positive change in deserving areas of the world. I am capable to do this because I have access to resources and contacts that Cameroonians don’t because of where I was born and educated.


What do you hope to achieve?

I want to empower people to improve their lives through their methods.  When this occurs, a synergy is created; confidence is boosted, stereotypes are lifted and a platform for a better future is created.


How long have you been working on this?

Breaking Ground just turned five!


What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

That the word family has no boundaries. I am a sister, aunt, mother and child to hundreds of people and I never take their love for granted even when I’m thousands of miles away.


Where do you see this project in 10 years?

Breaking Ground has already impacted thousands of lives. I expect the organization to grow in a sustainable manner, continuing to build upon it’s successes thus far. Currently we work in two regions. I am hopeful that in 10 years the theory of community development and fostering local ideas will have spread throughout Cameroon. I expect Breaking Ground to be in all regions of Cameroon and to have partnered with hundreds of communities and local ngo’s. However, if I were to dream, in 10 years Breaking Ground wouldn’t need to exist in Cameroon because these communities would have water, fair trade, schools, hospitals, etc. and the power to improve their communities themselves. We can all dream, can’t we?


When did you start traveling?

I remember traveling with my family at a very young age. I was raised in rural North Carolina and my parents wanted my brothers and I to know that there was another world outside of the small mountain town we knew and loved. They knew that travel is the best form of education.


How and why did you travel for the first time?

At age 16, a few years after the Apartheid ended, I traveled to South Africa with a youth exchange program. We participated in many team-building and challenging exercises throughout the beautiful nation, but what most impacted me was our experience in SOWETO and other townships. The blatant injustice and racism taking place greatly impacted me. I knew from that moment that I wanted to work towards positive change. I couldn’t turn a blind eye to what I had witnessed and I needed to see what the rest of the world was like, good and bad.


In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

How do you define lived? If lived is having one main residence for a few months, then I can say France, Cameroon, Vietnam and all over the United States. Within the next two years I will “live” in Indonesia, Thailand and England. On good days I speak English and French. I pretend that I speak Spanish and Fulfulde and depending on the topic, many people believe me.


What’s your favorite city so far?

Leave me in the mountains!

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

My toothbrush!


Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Window

boat or plane? Boat

train or bus? Train

walk or bike? Depends on the scenery. Tie!

metro or trolley? Trolley

tropical, temperate, polar? As long as I can play outside, I love it all!

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Local’s apartment

must have fashion piece when traveling? I’d have a hard time without my head wraps. I can’t always wash my hair and it’s great to wrap up my hair with colorful patterns.

explore/map or tour guide? Explore sans map!

Global Nomad Sarah Oxford cameroon breaking ground
Global Nomad: DJ Sarasa

DJ Sarasa (a.k.a. Silverboombox) is an international Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, House and Disco DJ and producer based in Tokyo, Japan. She recently launched a new clothing brand for women called Mynority Classics in 2010.  

Why are you a global nomad?

Because I can’t sit still!

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

I was DJing for the 11th anniversary of a clothing line called MSGR. The president Katsuya Nakamura is a well respected producer/designer in the industry and we kept in touch after the party. After meeting many times he offered me to do a ladies line, which was one of my dreams. I had been having trouble finding the clothes that I really liked in the past, so I decided to make what I wanted.

What do you hope to achieve?

I would like MYNORITY CLASSICS to become a global brand which spreads messages from Japan. I can see all the true-school B-Girls rocking my gear, and someday making a movement of independent women across the world.

How long have you been working on this?

A year.

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

Boys are jealous of our brand. They are actually pissed that they can’t wear them!!

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

Still going strong. MYNORITY CLASSICS would be the biggest ladies brand that could crossover between the streets and the high-end fashion.

When did you start traveling?

When I was 4.

How and why did you travel for the first time?

My dad is working in the importing and exporting business, so I had to fly over with the family and moved to New York. The first time I traveled on my own was when I was in high school. I went to Canada.

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

Japan, NY and Canada. I speak Japanese, English and conversational Spanish.

What’s your favorite city so far?

New York…. but I like Tokyo’s convenience too.

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

As sad as it sounds, probably my computer… ha ha!

Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Window

boat or plane? Plane, need to be quick!!

train or bus? Train, I get motion sick with the bus.

walk or bike? Bike, need to be quick.

metro or trolley? Trolley sounds nice…. but metro.

tropical, temperate, polar? Temperate.

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Whatever suits the lifestyle of the locals and the culture.

must have fashion piece when traveling? My MYNORITY CLASSICS nameplate chain. Its made of real vinyl!!!

explore/map or tour guide? Explore with a map.

Global Nomad Fashion Japan DJ Sarasa street style music
Global Nomad: Kayode Ogundamisi

Nigerian born Kayode Ogundamisi is a liberal thinking journalist, blogger, campaigner, passionate activist, and a proud father. Presently he is the Convener of The Nigeria Liberty Forum (www.nigerialibertyforum.org.uk); a UK based Nigerian pro democracy group of sympathizers and volunteers who share a passion for grassroots political engagement and participation. Splitting his time between his birth country and his home in London, UK, Kayode has taken his undergraduate background in Political Science, and his two master degrees, respectively in Public Administration and International Relations, and has put them to good use.

Why are you a global nomad?

My grandfather’s shed used to be my world until I took a peek out and realized the world is made up of many sheds, spreading from north to south, east to west and the moment I took that decision to leave my comfort zone, peeping out of the window confirmed my childhood suspicion that we live in a world made up of Nomads, and being part of that world I cannot but be one in life’s journey.

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

Historical reality and prevalent injustice in my home country and my environment drew me to campaigns and activism. It all started at the age of 14 when I accidentally found myself involved in mobilising market women in my little town of Agege against a local government official. Since the start of that journey, it has taken me through being a student activist, campaigning to protect civil liberties, to environmental rights, then becoming a self determination activist and indeed any struggle that strikes a chord which I notice always seems to have a recurring theme of being a voice for the voiceless.

These days, as I increase in age, I spend much of my time blogging and also running issue targeted campaigns of the NLF. I do this with the hope that the action of the NLF will inspire one person and that one person will inspire another with a ripple-like effect such that change will become inevitable.

The Nigeria Liberty Forum was established to Network with pro-democracy groups in Nigeria towards a better Nigeria, advocating for good governance, accountability and the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria; Engaging in peaceful public protests against corrupt Nigerian practices; lobbying the UK parliament on issues affecting Nigerians and about Africa; Seeking solutions to challenges with other UK based African groups and institutions; Protecting the rights of Nigerians in the UK and the Diaspora; Encouraging Nigerians in Diaspora to engage and participate in the Nigerian political process  and partnership work with individuals and groups in the fields of Education, Charitable causes and Community Development.

What do you hope to achieve?

To create opportunities for the powerless and oppressed to take their destinies into their own hands and hold those in positions of trust and power to account, and jogging the memory the people that power ultimately belongs to them (the people). Also the personal satisfaction in going to bed at night knowing I am not one of the many who keep quiet in the face of oppression, and that if that should be my last sleep in the world, I would go filling satisfied that I tried and did played my part on the side of good over evil.

How long have you been working on this?

The NLF as an idea and platform is over 3 years old.

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this
project?

That the beginning of every struggle is met with cynicism from even those who are meant to be beneficiaries of liberation, but with determination and unyielding commitment to the principle of equity, social justice and liberty, even the most critical foe becomes a supporter of the cause - it only takes superior argument and exemplary commitment to get people on the side of doing what is right, especially when genuine activism does not come with pecuniary gains.

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

I am hoping in 10 years, newly emerging leaders, and the younger generation would become the vehicle of change. One of the immediate goals is being able to get the NLF grounded in Nigeria, run by Nigerians, based in Nigeria. Thankfully, the seed is in the ground now, all it should take is some nurturing so that in 10 years it becomes one out of the many independent voices for the oppressed.

When did you start traveling?

My first inter regional travel was in Nigeria in the 80’s. I left my traditional liberal South-West Lagos, Nigeriato go and study, first in a town over 1,000km away called Nassarawa, and then Jos in the middle belt of Nigeria.

I officially started traveling internationally in 1999.

How and why did you travel for the first time?

Locally by rail taking me 3 days and 3 nights, i.e. within Nigeria, it was in pursuit of further education. I first ventured out of Nigeria in 1999 to Holland to attend a climate change summit representing Nigeria’s foremost pro – environment group - Environmental Rights Action (Friends of the Earth-Nigeria) at the climate change conference in Den Hagg-Nietheland as a guest of the Hollandbased group X-Y. Since then I have not stopped the adventure of knowing new places, first as a self-determination activist, building alliances across the globe, studying new cultures and exploring global capabilities. It’s taken me to Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania in Africa, Holland, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia, Czech Republic in Europe and Russia. I have also explored Canada, North America and Surinam.

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

I have lived in Lagos, Jos and Enugu in Nigeria, Hanover, Düsseldorf, Monchengladbach, Wuppertal in Germany and London England. I speak Yoruba, English, and Passable Dutch.

What’s your favorite city so far?

Lagos in South West Nigeria. Life moves (in my eyes) 1 million times faster than any part of the world. The moment from when you are born to when you say goodbye to the universe are in microseconds and filled with adventure and unpredictability. I should quickly add that Jos in Nigeria and the city of Hannover in Germany come a close second and third respectively.

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than
your passport), what would it be?

NIGERIAN food!

Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Window. (That way I avoid chatty seat mates and pretend I am admiring nature)

boat or plane? Plane.  (Why waste time when you can get to your destination quicker?)

train or bus? Bus. (I seem to get more amused in a bus!)

walk or bike? Walk. ( I trust my legs better during an emergency than metals)

metro or trolley? Metro.

tropical, temperate, polar? Temperate.

hotel, hostel or locals apartment? Hotel. (I like to indulge once a while)

must have fashion piece when traveling? JEANSSSSSSSS!

explore/map or tour guide? Explore without the map.

Global Nomad London Nigeria Kayode Ogundamsi
Global Nomad: Carolina Montenegro

Carolina Montenegro is a Brazilian journalist currently living in Nairobi, Kenya undertaking an internship at IRIN (UN’s brave humanitarian news agency).

Why are you a global nomad?

I’m more planning to be more of one than I am… I moved around a lot within Brazil during my childhood, maybe that’s where the nomad blood is from. After becoming an adult, I started traveling abroad most for studies and tourism and never stopped. I decided that getting to know other cultures would be part of my main goals for my life time.

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

After I graduate from Journalism in Brazil, I plan to make traveling a full time part of my life. My goal is to become an international correspondent. Africa and Middle East are my main regions of interest. Getting to know people and places and share this experience is the most fantastic thing about my work.

What do you hope to achieve?

I hope to learn, I hope to see History while its happening. I hope to share, I hope to contribute, change minds, build bridges… I really hope a lot.

How long have you been working on this?

For at least 5 years I’ve been working in Brazil as a journalist for the international desk of news companies like Reuters, Ansa and Folha de Sao Paulo.

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

People are more alike than different. And generosity is the most beautiful human gift that is independent of nationality. The world is generous and round, it keeps spinning for all of us.

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

I see myself traveling, learning and writing in 100 years!

When did you start traveling? How and why did you travel for the first time?

When I was a child my parents moved a lot around Brazil and I lived in almost all the 5 regions of the country. By myself, I moved to another city for University studies and then went to the US for tourism and did exchanges in the Middle East. I travelled to Europe with a boyfriend and now in Africa for this currently internship.

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

I lived most of my life in Brazil, a month in Lebanon and now 3 months in Kenya. I speak Portuguese, English and Spanish. I can understand a bit of French and am learning Arabic.

What’s your favorite city so far?

Hard question, can’t pick one. Most beautiful ones: Rio de Janeiro, Paris and Rome. Cities to live: Sao Paulo, Beirut, Vienna. Places that I can’t forget: Juba and Salvador.

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

I would follow Anton Chekhov advice for good stories: a pair of good shoes and a notebook.

Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? window always.

boat or plane? plane.

train or bus? bus.

walk or bike? hummm…. love biking, but walking even more.

metro or trolley? metro.

tropical, temperate, polar? tropical and temperate only in the summer.

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? hostel, great to know people.

must have fashion piece when traveling? sunglasses.

explore/map or tour guide? explore with or without a map.

Brazil Global Nomad Kenya Carolina Montenegro IRIN

Watch an update from our former Global Nomad Subhash, he’s in the process of building a peace school in Gorkha, Nepal.

Keep up the great work!

Global Nomad Nepal subhash education
Global Nomad: Qudus Onikeku

Originally from Lagos, Nigeria and now residing in Paris, France, Qudus Onikeku is a Dancer, Acrobat, Choreographer, avid Blogger, first time documentary film maker and some would say, a Cultural Activist.

Why are you a global nomad?

For we are in the age of global tribe, that’s the only way to be an active part of the future and able to tame the panther from whatever stand point. N.E.W is the future (Nomadism. Exile and Worldliness) Exile being a permanent state of being, rather than a condition.

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

Questions, seeking for answers and because I know that I will never get the answers I seek, it leaves me endlessly stupid, endlessly poor. The will to endlessly get out of my stupidity and poverty is what leads to my many projects. Man’s journey can not be predetermined by his parents or his wishes, series of overlapping events and coincidence is what becomes our destiny, it’s not a human calculation. I’m naturally curious, adventurous, with a genuine love for the world and a strong compassion for its inhabitants.

What do you hope to achieve?

I am a glutton for a world of peace, for a world where what drives men is not opportunism and greed,  a world where people of power and authority don’t despise us and enslave us, regiment our lives, tells us what to think and what to feel! Stop to drill us - diet us - treat us like cattle, use us as cannon fodder. Turn us to unnatural men - But teaches us the love of humanity and strive to build an empathic civilization.


How long have you been working on this?

This kind of project is a project of the heart, and since i realized that I have a tender heart for such subject matter, even before I realized my talent as an artiste I have been working on this.

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

For me that will be the initiation of my non-conventional space dance project that I titled “Do we need cola cola to dance?” It brought me to the realization of the powerful connection between artists of all kinds and human rights. Artist and activist sometimes stand up against the establishment to say what needs to be said in the name of humanity. The need to break bounds and refusal to hegemony brought about this project. This artwork communicates across boundaries of geography, politics, gender, race, cross all divides and belong to every individual in those public spaces. Freedom of expression is vital for an artist’s work and we work to protect that very right and in the end the relationship is more fundamental. We experienced art together with our audience, it makes us feel human, and moves us to protect the human rights of others. Everyone has a voice and should use it… No one sees the world in exactly the same way, no one sees the world through the same eyes as I do, nobody will see how I think and feel about the world unless I express it in some ways. The interactive moments we shared with our audience was another means of getting closer to them, I was ready to hear their stories as much as they might like to hear mine. This can awaken their consciousness in a way politics or radical activism may not, this on the other hand inspires both fellow artistes and our audience, give self-confidence to people who believe in something but feel that they are alone.

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

After the African tour in 2007, we made a movie with the same title in 2008, in 2009 I did a similar project in Sao Paulo, in 2010 I returned to Brazil for a tour in Londrinas, Campinas, Joao Passoa and Recife. All these tours proved to me that this is where my heart is, as I continue to create for conventional theaters to feed my secondary needs, I will as well continue to do this project all over the world, to feed my basic need.

When did you start traveling?

2001, it was the very first time I left Lagos my city of birth.

How and why did you travel for the first time?

I traveled by air and it was for the purpose of performance in Madagascar.

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

I have lived in Lagos, Ibadan, Chalons en Champagne and Paris. and I speak Yoruba, Nigerian Pigin, English, French and a bit of Portuguese.

What’s your favorite city so far?

I’ll pick Lagos, for so many obvious reasons, but I felt a similar vibe in Sao Paulo, Johannesburg and New York.

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

My Quran.

Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Window. I can’t just stop admiring the work of God.

boat or plane? I can only swim in a pool. So I go for Plane.

train or bus? I love fast Train.

walk or bike? Bike for sure, Okada like we call it in Lagos

metro or trolley? Metro, but it depends where, if it is in a dirty and disorganized metro like in Paris, no thanks, I prefer a trolley.

tropical, temperate, polar? Tropical

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Local Apartment for sure. Even in the most dangerous favela, the locals will show you their survival technique, being in a five star hotel in a very safe neighborhood doesn’t guarantee your security.

must have fashion piece when traveling? Ma ALL STAR, My ever ready to dance partner in any condition.

explore/map or tour guide? Explore without Map. I’m an African. My mother told me if you cultivate the habit of asking people your way, you will never get lost. And I also feel its a very social thing to do.

Global Nomad dance Nigeria Qudus Paris
Global Nomad: Joe Schaeppi

Joe Schaeppi is a world traveling entrepreneur, writer, surfer, musician, photographer, skier, painter and also the creator of Epic Stoke. Epic Stoke was created to ensure that future generations will be able to surf, ski and get ‘stoked’ in the same pristine conditions that we have today. They have partnered with various charities that are “aimed at keeping our natural playgrounds clean and helping the youth experience the oceans and mountains in a way their socio-economic status might have never let them.” Surf, ski and active wear products made from recycled or repurposed materials will be available for purchase in the upcoming months.

 

Name, location and what do you do?   

Mi amo es JOE Schaeppi and I currently live in Lausanne, Switzerland. What do I do? You sure you want to know?! I’ll speak, but don’t tell me that you didn’t ask for it. Well, hmm. In short, I rage, try to flow like water, and spread as much happiness and stoke as possible while constantly being mindful of a personal quest for enlightenment that I happen to have.

Why are you a global nomad? 

This definitely has to do with the enlightenment part. Even the pickiest people don’t eat only one food for their entire life. Why wouldn’t you test out different places and cultures to see which flavors excite your life and fit you the most?

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this? 

My Mom gave birth to me. I didn’t have a choice in the matter. And for the same reason I do all the same things I do. Choice is a beautiful illusion we all like to believe in. All the decisions we make are strongly prepared by previous brain activity, so by the time consciousness comes in play, most of the work has already been done and we predictably act upon it in a way in which we think we’re choosing. That’s what neuroscience research says anyway. Feel free to look it up. I, however, like to think I put my two cents in as well and that it is perhaps that I’m vivaciously driven and creatively cognizant that I embark on the ventures that I do. I think it’s a matter of honing in on your genetics and predispositions and the choice exists in what we focus our attention on which dictates meaning and development in life. So my final answer is that I’ve come to do what I am doing from paying attention to who I am at the time. 

What do you hope to achieve? 

Enlightenment.

How long have you been working on this? 

Ever since I can’t remember.

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project? 

That “nothing is harder, yet nothing is more necessary than to speak of certain things whose existence is neither demonstrable nor probable. The very fact that serious and conscientious men treat them as existing things brings them a step closer to existence and the possibility of being born.” ..Herman Hesse said that. He’s amazing.

Where do you see this project in 10 years? 

I see it nearer, but most likely still far. However, with such a high aim, as always, it usually will help align all the little things which might seem big to most.

Hopefully EPICSTOKE will be a global brand, massive amounts of people will be reading and talking about my books, there will be films, music for people to get tingly to, photos in homes around the world to complete them etc etc.. but all this sooner than later. I expect to be going beyond these things by then. The overall idea though is to keep bringing what is in the clouds down to the ground. :) 

When did you start traveling? 

When I was a few months old!

How and why did you travel for the first time? 

My mom was a flight attendant and my baby might wasn’t strong enough to resist.  

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?  

I’ve been many a place, but I’ve only lived in:

Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)

Madison, Wisconsin (USA)

Geneva, Switzerland 

New Plymouth, New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand 

Tahoe City, California (USA)

Lausanne, Switzerland

Yes, that was in order.  

I speak English. Enough French to get me by. Broken German and Finnish (but will learn eventually) and most importantly I can say cheers in pretty much any language.

What’s your favorite city so far? 

New York of course ! Jay-Z and Alicia w000! Just kidding. I don’t have one. But if I could get the climate and scenery of New Plymouth, maybe get the Eiger, Squaw Valley, Jackson Hole, and Mt. Blanc to hang out with Mt. Taranaki with Alaska like powder, throw in the music scene and work ethic from Minneapolis, the culture and intellectual aptitude of Madison, and some Hawaii like surf, I’d be set. Northern California is as close as it gets. If you know another place like this, let me know. :)

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

iPhone for sure- I can write in it, make music, play music, navigate, organize ideas, take photos, make videos, learn languages… wait, I’m not advertising for Apple anymore but it is like a Swiss Army knife for life. The keypad still sucks though- too bad you don’t own the patents on tactile feedback for screens Apple.

Give us your global nomad profile:


window or aisle? Window.

boat or plane? Skydive out of plane into water and get picked up by a boat = WIN.

train or bus? Depends where they’re going.

walk or bike? Skateboard.

metro or trolley? Trolley Snatcha.

tropical, temperate, polar? Taranaki

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? A good friend’s place for sure. .. or a hammock in the forest.  

Must have fashion piece when traveling? I convince myself on a daily basis that my future is going to keep getting brighter until it’s a light that blinds- so definitely a sweet pair of sunnies. Also, my grandfather (who is an absolute legend by the way) was an Optometrist until he was 82 and only retired because he got Macular Degeneration. I really like my vision and know that when 30% of my brain is dedicated to that specific function, it’s quite important… I’d gladly go pantless and shirtless to save my eyes (unless I was in New Zealand for lack of ozone and melanoma sake, of course).

Explore/map or tour guide? I once had a tour guide named Pedro in Mexico on a family vacation when I was young… he took us to a Tequila plantation, got wasted, and passed out on the way to Mazatlan. Ever since I’ve been all about exploration… except for when I am on the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland. I LOVE Disneyland. Walt is a legend. But to continue, I’ve especially never wanted to exchange one of my heads for two of that head hunters at the end of the ride. So by the fact that I still have my head, I can definitely say that not only are those guides often hilarious, but they save lives.

Epic Stoke Global Nomad photography skiing Joe Schaeppi
Global Nomad: Kari Fulton

Kari Fulton is the co-founder of CheckTheWeather.net and is an award winning youth climate and environmental justice organizer from Denver, Colorado who now resides in Washington, DC. Fulton’s work advocating for a more just and equitable green movement has been featured on The Sundance Channel, in Elle and Glamour Magazine. ChecktheWeather.net (CTW) is a US-based online community and web platform that helps amplify the voice of young people of color in the US fighting for environmental justice as an attempt to diversify the green movement.

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?
The never ending levels of environmental justice. Environment is a thing that most people do not pay attention to until it is in jeopardy but it impacts EVERYTHING we do. The most interesting “discovery” has been finding out all the ways communities of color, indigenous people and people who live in the global south are disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation and climate change. We cannot even hardly discuss social justice issues without considering how pollutants like lead in water or lack of access to reliable transportation play a role in creating these issues.

Where do you see this project in 10 years?
In ten years Check the Weather will have paid staff and a national/international television show. We will also create a venue that will offer multi-level and multi-lingual curriculum. However I do hope that through this work we will be able to win some strong victories for sustainability and environmental justice so that we can have more progressive and uplifting stories to report.

When did you start traveling?
I started off as a domestic nomad quite early in life but I didn’t start gaining international experience and passport stamps till last December 2009. Since then I’ve traveled to 3 countries.

How and why did you travel for the first time?
The first time I left the country an ally organization bought me a plane ticket and I went to Copenhagen, Denmark for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change also known as COP15.

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?
I have only lived in the United States thus far and speak rough Spanish and my own language I made up to speak when I get frustrated.

What’s your favorite city so far?
With all my travels I still love Washington, DC. It is a city with so much history and diversity. It’s also a great city for biking or public transit users. I love that there is always something going on and plays home for some of the smartest and most connected people in the world.

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?
My laptop, it’s a life saver!

Give us your global nomad profile:
window or aisle? Window
boat or plane? plane
train or bus? train
walk or bike? Bike
metro or trolley? Metro
tropical, temperate, polar? temperate
hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? hotel
must have fashion piece when traveling? A nice all-purpose scarf
explore/map or tour guide? explore/map

CheckTheWeather Environment Global Nomad washington dc Kari Fulton
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