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Month: April 2018
How to Prepare for the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival
To those looking for a soulful travel experience to Aruba: The Soul Beach Music Festival (SBMF) during Memorial Day week is a great time. The One Big Happy Island is beautiful and very welcoming. I highly recommend exploring beyond the parties and concerts. This is all the information you will need to create a memorable experience. *I am not affiliated with the Soul Beach Music Festival.*
The 2018 Soul Beach Music Festival has a great lineup of Alicia Keys, Maxwell, the Roots, Guy, Marlon Wayans, and many others. DJ Jazzy Jeff will be in Aruba with guests! The Comedy Show and Concerts are scheduled for Friday-Sunday, May 25-27, 2018. There is an official Aruba Welcome Celebration on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. The Day Parties are held at Moomba Beach (Palm Beach) from Thursday-Saturday, May 24-26, 2018, and on Baby Beach (San Nicolas) on Sunday, May 27, 2018. The Soul Beach All White Party will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Night Parties are held daily and there’s a Memorial Day “Cool Down” BBQ on Monday, May 28, 2018.
For the concert lineup, schedule of events, and tickets to the official Soul Beach Music Festival events visit here: SBMF18
The #MingleFlag Over Aruba events are a great option for fun! There’s multiple events planned to include: The Old School Welcome Party, Chucks and Tee’s Cruise, Toga All-White Cruise, Polo’s and Stiletto’s Party featuring The Vybe Band and the Wakanda on the Sea All Black Snorkel Jam. For tickets and more information about the #MingleFlag events please visit here:
Aruba Hotel and Beach Map Locations: http://www.aruba-travelguide.com/accommodations/hotels-resorts/map.html
Many SBMF attendees stay at the Holiday Inn or surrounding hotels near Moomba Beach (Palm Beach) where the daily Day Party is held. Attendees also choose to stay in the local Villas. See below. If you do reserve a Villa you have the option of renting a solo room or inviting a group of friends to join and rent the whole house.
Private Home/Villa/Condo/Townhome Rental Companies (book your accommodations early!):
Here is other important information that you will need to plan your trip!
Aruba Airport Info and Schedule of Arrivals and Departures: Aruba Airport Info
Shuttle Transportation from the Airport:
Car Rentals: Aruba Car Rentals
Suggested Airline Flight Searches:
Google Flights: Set Google Flight alerts for your desired travel dates to get the best prices!
Southwest (Check for the Aruba flights using your desktop browser.):
JustFly.com is a great app to help you book cheap flights and compare travel dates: JustFly.com
Hopper is the perfect app to help you compare flights and tells you when is the best time to book your flights: Hopper
Need a Passport? Visit here: www.travel.state.gov
*Allow yourself at least 90 days to obtain your passport. Verify that your passport is current. There is an option to expedite your passport if you are traveling at the last minute but it is costly. It is highly suggested that you copy your passport and travel documents and give to someone you trust.*
To apply for your Global Entry and skip the long airport security screening and customs lines!:
What to Pack for Aruba: Aruba Packing List
Cell Phone Service. Make sure you verify your coverage with your provider prior to traveling. Here’s a great guide about cell phone coverage: Cell Phone Coverage in Aruba
Where to Dine in Aruba: Aruba Restaurants
Where to Shop in Aruba: Shopping in Aruba
Aruba Beaches: 10 Best Beaches in Aruba
Nightlife Spots:
Aruba’s Best Bars:10 Best Bars in Aruba
Aruba Bars and Lounges: Aruba Bars and Lounges
Where to Party in Aruba: Aruba Night Life
Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus: Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus
Excursions and Tour Guides:
Bike Rentals:
Bus Schedules: Aruba Bus Schedule
ATV Tours and Rentals: ATV Tours and Rentals
I hope this information helps you! I am not affiliated with the Soul Beach Music Festival, any Travel Agencies or Event Companies. If you have any additional tips that you think should be included please let me know. Enjoy your vacation to the One Big Happy Island!
Sincerely,
Simply Ebony
Find a Rewarding Career in Cybersecurity
There is a shortage of cybersecurity talent and the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. In 2016, there were 348,640 cybersecurity jobs left unfilled because organizations could not find talent with the right skill sets. To help fill the skills gap, the SANS Institute created the SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academy, an intensive, accelerated training program that provides SANS world class training and GIAC certifications to quickly and effectively launch careers in cybersecurity.
SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academies are 100% scholarship-based and no cost to participants. Academies are offered throughout the year in a variety of locations. There are several types of Immersion Academies.
For more information visit here:
https://www.sans.org/cybertalent/cybersecurity-career/seekers
Does My Abaya Offend You?
Let’s reflect on this. This picture is from the “Glow Photo Series: Philly Edition.” I purchased my Abaya in preparation for the Dubai Blackout trip last year. When I wear my Abaya I feel beautiful. I feel empowered. I feel LOVE.
Wearing my Abaya is a personal tribute to that little black girl lost that finally found herself. At 14-years old when I was raped I had on a similar outfit. It was Forest Green. Loose fitting. Long and flowing. Oftentimes when Rape victims share our stories the first question is: “What did you wear?” It’s classic “victim blaming.” The assumption is if you wear certain clothing (short skirts, tight jeans, revealing clothes, etc.) you are “asking to be raped.” This is FALSE!!! The truth: Rapists Rape. It doesn’t matter what you wear. Time of day. What you look like or any of the many assumptions people come up with to victim blame and shame. Unfortunately people still ask intrusive questions and think this way. If you do it please stop asking these questions it’s extremely offensive and insensitive. 😔😔😔
I’ve periodically posted pictures in my Abayas of various colors. I love the way they flow and enjoy the vibrant colors. Each time I post I get comments or inbox messages saying: Why did you wear that? You look fat in that garb. 😑 Are you Muslim now? 🤔 I’ve even been told I can’t dress and need a fashion consult because of my Abaya. 😫 It’s a shocking what people freely feel the need to say. It’s rude and offensive.
I proudly come from a predominantly Islamic family, it’s a large part of Philadelphia and our history. The Nation of Islam is very prominent in my city. I’m Christian. I’m troubled that it concerns others so much what religion I am or what I wear. Why? Why is it necessary to comment on someone else’s attire? Does my Abaya offend you? Are you uncomfortable that I’m comfortable being fully clothed in my garb? I love who I am and what the Abaya represents: Beauty, Confidence and Love. 💛💛💛
The Day I Decided to End My Life
I’ll never forget the day April 5, 2012 was the day I decided to end my life. I decided on this day to end my Air Force career. I was suffering from chronic health issues and was facing an uphill battle in the military with my First Sergeant. We were friends previously and she said to me: “I’ve never seen you this sick before.” At the time she was going out of her way to make my life miserable because she didn’t understand “why” I was constantly sick and in the hospital. I would ultimately undergo surgery for a Gall Bladder Removal, Appendix Removal, and an Uterine Myomectomy to remove Endometriosis and Fibroids. If you have experienced any of these at one time imagine suffering through it in the course of a year. I was tired and felt like my body was failing me. God had other plans for my life and sent the Chaplain to intervene when I wanted to give up on life. The Chaplain prayed over me and immediately I felt a sense of relief. Chaplain Burrell saved my life.
By July 2012 I opted to separate from the Air Force and start a new life. I had no idea what was in store. But God! I landed by first job post-Air Force after my first interview. The job doubled my Air Force salary. Since then I served as a political consultant on multiple campaigns, established a non-profit and for-profit business, and landed a highly coveted government position.
You can’t tell me GOD is not real HE intervened when I thought it would be best to end it all. I’m forever grateful to Chaplain Burrell for being called by God to pray over me. In that moment he transformed my spirit. I share this not to play victim or for sympathy but to give HOPE to others who may be in a dark place. Don’t give up. Keep pushing. God may close many doors in your life. It’s not the end it’s the beginning of a new journey. Move forward. Trust God.
~Love, Simply Ebony
April Fools’ Day, Easter and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
April Fools’ Day & Easter haven’t coincided on the same day since 1956! And April is the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month #SAAM. A friendly reminder that it’s #NoJoke.
SIMPLY EBONY 