The Weekly Passport

Hello Travel Buddies!

Welcome back to your Weekly Passport newsletter!

This week, we’re excited to share updates on our latest project in Auburn, NY, introduce a fantastic tour guide for those dreaming of Brazil, and bring you a flavorful recipe from our Thailand trip. Plus, we’ve got a tip on connecting with Black travelers through a popular app. Let’s dive in!

In this issue, you’ll learn about:

• Our expanded project with Cayuga County and the screening of Black Barbie: A Documentary.

• A local tour guide we love for exploring Brazil’s rich culture.

• A must-try recipe from Thailand that will bring the flavors of Southeast Asia to your kitchen.

• A travel tip for connecting with fellow Black travelers through the Xpat App.

COMPANY UPDATES
Culture Travels Meets Black Barbie!

Our collaboration with Cayuga County just got even more impactful! In addition to interviewing descendants of Harriet Tubman, we had the opportunity to connect with Lagueria Davis, award-winning filmmaker and recipient of the Harriet Tubman Freedom Award. Lagueria attended the Cayuga Film Festival for a special screening of her film, Black Barbie: A Documentary.

Black Barbie: A Documentary is more than a story about a doll; it celebrates the impact three Black women at Mattel had on the evolution of the Barbie brand. The film explores how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980 and delves into the importance of representation in shaping identity and imagination.

Having premiered on Netflix on Juneteenth after a successful festival run, Black Barbie has been hailed as “a gorgeous film with heart.” We were thrilled to speak with Lagueria about her journey, her storytelling process, and what it means to bring the stories of Black women to the big screen.

Stay tuned for our exclusive interview with Lagueria Davis—coming soon!

🧳 TRAVEL
Ever Wanted to Visit Brazil? We Have the Perfect Tour Guide!

At Culture Travels, we aim to connect with the African Diaspora through unique, authentic travel experiences. While we could organize a trip to Brazil, we believe in working directly with local experts to create experiences that truly resonate. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Luana Ferreira, a fantastic tour guide in Brazil who brings her homeland's culture, history, and hidden gems to life.

Luana is passionate about sharing Brazil’s Afro-Brazilian heritage, vibrant neighborhoods, and lesser-known spots that offer a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture. Traveling with Luana isn’t just about seeing Brazil—it’s about feeling connected to the local community and supporting Black-owned businesses along the way.

Meet Luana and discover Brazil through her eyes: Read her story here.

CULTURE SPOTLIGHT
Here’s a Thailand Recipe You Have to Try – Kapi Balls

During our trip to Thailand, we had the chance to explore local foods that are rich in flavor, history, and craft. One dish that stood out to us was Kapi (shrimp paste) Balls, a traditional recipe that’s simple to make and bursting with umami flavors. Bring a taste of Thailand into your kitchen with this authentic recipe!

Thai Kapi Balls Recipe

Ingredients:

• Shrimp paste (kapi): 100 g

• Wild ginger (fresh or powdered): 2 tablespoons, finely chopped or powdered

• Shallots: 4 medium-sized, finely chopped

• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced

• Palm sugar: 2 tablespoons, finely grated

• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking)

• Optional seasoning: 1 teaspoon fish sauce or soy sauce for additional depth (if desired)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Prepping Shrimp Paste: If the shrimp paste is too hard, soften it slightly by wrapping it in foil and briefly toasting it over low heat for about 1 minute on each side. This will enhance its aroma.

2. Chop Aromatics: Finely chop wild ginger, shallots, and garlic for an even paste texture.

3. Measure Palm Sugar: Grate or finely chop the palm sugar to ensure it melts evenly during cooking.

Step 2: Make the Base Mixture

1. Pounding (Traditional Method):

   • Using a mortar and pestle, pound the wild ginger, shallots, and garlic into a fine paste.

   • Gradually add the shrimp paste, incorporating it into the aromatic paste.

   • Finally, add the palm sugar and continue pounding until the mixture becomes a thick, homogeneous paste.

   Alternative (Modern Method):

   • Blend all ingredients using a food processor to save time.

Step 3: Cook the Mixture

1. Heat the Oil: In a wok or heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.

2. Cook the Paste: Add the paste mixture to the wok. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent burning.

   • Key Tip: Lower the heat if the mixture starts to brown too quickly. The goal is to reduce the moisture while allowing the aromatics to release their flavors.

3. Reduce the Moisture: Cook the paste until it thickens to a dough-like consistency and no visible moisture remains. This usually takes about 10–15 minutes.

4. Cool: Transfer the cooked paste to a plate and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Roll the Balls

1. Once cooled, take about a teaspoon-sized amount of the paste and roll it between your palms to form small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).

2. Place the rolled balls on a tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Optional Finishing

• If desired, lightly toast the balls in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes to intensify the flavors further.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Kapi Balls as a condiment alongside steamed rice, fresh vegetables (like cucumbers or Thai eggplant), and a spicy dipping sauce.

• Use them as a topping or flavor enhancer for soups, curries, or stir-fries.

Enjoy the bold, authentic flavors of these traditional Thai Kapi Balls! 🌿

Read our story here for the full list of foods we tried and places we visited.

Travel Tips!
Travel Tips: Connect with Other Black Travelers Through the Xpat App

Are you looking to build connections with other Black travelers around the world? The Xpat App is a great resource for Black Americans traveling or living abroad. Designed to foster community, it’s like a social network for Black travelers where you can share travel tips, find recommendations, and connect with like-minded people.

The Xpat App makes locating safe spaces easy, getting travel insights from fellow Black expats, and even organizing meet-ups. Whether planning a solo trip, looking for travel buddies, or seeking advice on moving abroad, this app is a valuable tool for making meaningful connections.

Learn more about the Xpat App: Read our feature here.

🛂 SHARE YOUR PASSPORT

Thank you for joining us this week!
We’re grateful to have you on this journey to celebrate Black history, culture, and travel. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep connected.

Love discovering new travel tips and stories? Share the journey! Forward this newsletter to friends, and click here to subscribe for more weekly inspiration. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for daily updates!

The Culture Travels Team