Field Notes from the Founder: Happy 108th birthday to my travel inspiration!
Today would've been my Aunt Millie's 108th birthday. She's usually the first person I mention when I talk about why I love traveling overseas so much. She was my grandma's baby sister and definitely the blueprint for today’s Rich Auntie!
As an introverted bookworm, I admired her social butterfly aura. She was always doing the most interesting things with the coolest friends.
That girl in a fun-sized package explores the world
Can you imagine a 5-foot-tall woman just out here globetrotting when segregation was still in full swing in the States? Yep, that was Aunt Millie. Her husband wasn’t as interested in travel, so often she would go on her own. She was my early model of “go anyway” don’t wait for the trip to get out of the group chat. Although, it would have been a party line in her era. LOL
She was born and raised in Panama. When she was a tween, her family immigrated to the U.S. I don't know exactly how many international trips she took, but I know she hit up Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and of course, the West Indies and Caribbean. But the one that always blew my mind was her trip to Russia. Seriously, how many Black women were going there in that era? Not many, I’m sure.
Beyond the postcards: Travel truths
When I was a little kid, Aunt Millie always made her travels sound magical. As I grew into a young adult, she started including more about the mishaps and daring escapades — the kind of stories that would've made my parents clutch their pearls.
It wasn't until I was much older that she really spilled the tea about how rough it sometimes could be traveling as a Black woman. Especially during segregation and to places that weren't used to seeing us. She finally opened up about racist incidents she dealt with, like the time someone on a Russian train called her a monkey, not knowing she understood their language. I guess she figured by then I was old enough to handle the real deal. She still encouraged me to travel with joy, openness, and curiosity, but also to be ready if some mess popped off.
Continuing a legacy of solo travel adventures
Aunt Millie kept traveling up until her 80s and lived to be a golden 96 years old. That's just amazing, especially since I'm in my 50s now and these trips are definitely hitting different physically (I'm looking at you, hills of Portugal and Korea! 👀).
Her legacy goes beyond just random travel inspiration. The genealogy documents she shared about her parents actually prompted me to take my first solo international trip. I went to Barbados to finally meet family members who still live there. It was so much fun! I even dug through microfiche at the Barbados National Archives to learn more about my Great Grandpa's side of the family.
The enduring gift of prioritizing experiences
Books and ballet lessons were my first passport, showing me a world outside my neighborhood and making me want to know more. Aunt Millie gifted me the idea that seeing that world, whether solo or with a group, was possible for even a “tiny Black woman.” I appreciate this as much as the souvenirs she gave me. It’s a gift that takes me more places than even beautiful shoes can.
Bajun Beach Days
Dreaming about sandy beaches near the calm Caribbean Sea? Or maybe you want to revel in the Crop Over fun? Now's your chance to book an organized tour in Barbados to take your trip to the next level!