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The Cultured Lens

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Hotel Crush: The Jung Hotel, New Orleans
Feb 1, 2018
Hotel Crush: The Jung Hotel, New Orleans
Feb 1, 2018
Feb 1, 2018
 Hotel Crush: Hotel ZERO1, Montreal
Nov 2, 2017
Hotel Crush: Hotel ZERO1, Montreal
Nov 2, 2017
Nov 2, 2017
Hotel Crush: citizenM Amsterdam
Nov 2, 2017
Hotel Crush: citizenM Amsterdam
Nov 2, 2017
Nov 2, 2017
Hotel Crush: A Peek Inside Hotel Indigo, Downtown Atlanta's Newest Boutique Hotel
Nov 2, 2017
Hotel Crush: A Peek Inside Hotel Indigo, Downtown Atlanta's Newest Boutique Hotel
Nov 2, 2017
Nov 2, 2017
Hotel Crush: Rove Hotel, Downtown Dubai
Oct 30, 2017
Hotel Crush: Rove Hotel, Downtown Dubai
Oct 30, 2017
Oct 30, 2017
Hotel Crush: The Artmore Hotel, Atlanta
Oct 30, 2017
Hotel Crush: The Artmore Hotel, Atlanta
Oct 30, 2017
Oct 30, 2017
Hotel Crush: The Curtis Hotel, Denver
Oct 28, 2017
Hotel Crush: The Curtis Hotel, Denver
Oct 28, 2017
Oct 28, 2017

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That time we walked 3 miles in Toubab Dialaw so I could learn how to play the kora 😆 #theculturedlens
Dakar is a city that is full of juxtapositions. The streets are jam packed with traffic and people like any large city, yet you will see woman beautifully dressed in traditional clothes transporting items on their heads. You will see a fancy car pass you, but it will make a turn on one of the many dusty, unpaved streets. All in all, its those juxtapositions that make it such an endearing city. Minus my poor french skills that often created a language barrier, I enjoyed the friendly people and the overall vibe of the city. #theculturedlens
The fact that my some of ancestors probably passed through The House of Slaves on Goree Island was a sobering experience. Our tour guide asked me why black people get shot all the time by cops here in The States. I said, because of this place. He looked at me like I was crazy 🤷🏾‍♀️ lol #theculturedlens
I came to Casablanca and ate Italian food. After having the opportunity to enjoy authentic Italian pizza in Italy last year, I am an expert (in my mind). Boccaccio is pretty darn close to the real thing. Located in the trendy Quartier Gauthier, it’s a sexy restaurant with delicious food, good cocktails and AMAZING design. Any restaurant that takes the time to cover an entire ceiling with lightbulbs is ok with me. #theculturedlens
While researching cities to visit in Morocco, everyone said to skip Casablanca and go to Marrakesh or Fez. We decided to spend one day here anyway to check it out (and because our flight to Senegal was cheaper). Now I must admit, tourist-driven cities like Marrakesh make life a lot easier because they cater to travelers. Thats not the case here in Casablanca. Although tourists are here, the overall atmosphere feels very local which is great, until you find yourself waiting an hour for a taxi because they look right at you and drive by. Or because a 15 min drive at 9 p.m. is too far. 😒 There is a lot I like about this city but a lot I don’t. I’m still debating if I will ever come back. 🤔#theculturedlens
We left Marrakech today and took the train to Casablanca. The train ride was not sexy (see my ig story) but we made it. I love the weather here. Since it’s a coastal city, the weather is warm, but nice and breezy. Marrakech has red buildings everywhere, but here, most of the structures are white. Casablanca is much more cosmopolitan than Marrakech but I still have a few mixed feelings so I have to think on them and come back with my overall thoughts. Lol #theculturedlens
I had been reading about this dope photographer from Marrakech the past few months named Hassan Hajjaj so i was excited to go to Riad Yima (his gallery/home) to see his work. His use of pop culture references merged with Arab/African imagery has earned him the nickname as “The Andy Warhol of Marrakech”. This visit was one of the highlights of Marrakech for me. #theculturedlens
You can take in some of the most beautiful art in Marrakech by just looking down! The intricate tile flooring throughout the city is by far one of my favorite things here. ☺️ #theculturedlens
A visit to Marrakech isn’t complete without a visit to Majorelle Gardens, the former home of designer Yves Saint Laurent. The home was originally designed by artist Jacques Marjorelle in the 1930s. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge restored and purchased the home in 1980. The vivid blues and yellows on the property are a stark contrast to the light red walls throughout the city. We arrived around 4:30 pm and stayed until it closed at 6. I would suggest arriving in the evening because the crowds seem to die down. It was nice to just sit in the garden and enjoy the serene surroundings. #theculturedlens
One of the things I love most about Marrakech is the beautiful dried flowers and spices on every corner within The Medina. I love taking pictures then running off before the shopkeepers have a chance to persuade me to come in to buy. 😂 #TheCulturedLens

the cultured lens © 2018 all photos taken by natrice miller