Descendants of French-speaking Acadians in Louisiana saw their culture and language slip away in the 20th century. Now, a new generation of proud Francophones is leading a resurgence. Check out my feature in Canadian Geographic.
National Geographic Travel: Oaxaca welcomes spirits home with “bread of the dead”
While walking through 20 de Noviembre market in Oaxaca City, I felt the eerie feeling of being watched. It wasn't by somebody, but by some faces embedded in loaves of pan de muerto (bread of the dead). My quest to discover the significance of this bread within Día de Muertos led me to four towns, … Continue reading National Geographic Travel: Oaxaca welcomes spirits home with “bread of the dead”
Guardian: Black cowboys – Creole trail rides showcase unique culture
What do you think of when you think of a cowboy? A gun-slinging John Wayne type? As my first story for The Guardian shows, there's a whole other group of cowboys that this mainstream narrative leaves out. Photos by Stephanie Foden.
ESPN: Chasing River Monsters In The Brazilian Amazon
When I was in Brazil for five months, photographer Stephanie Foden and I heard about surfers riding waves on the Amazon River. Yes, rivers tend to be calm, especially the Amazon – but a couple of times a year a tidal bore wave comes thrashing through the lush forest. I reached out to tidal bore … Continue reading ESPN: Chasing River Monsters In The Brazilian Amazon
VICE: My Uncomfortable Stay in the BDSM Room of a Brazilian Sex Motel
Love motels. They seem weird, don't they? But in Brazil and many countries around the world they're a common sight. When I thought about going to one with my girlfriend Stephanie Foden, I didn't think she'd want to go, let alone do a story on it. But she loved the idea and we tried one … Continue reading VICE: My Uncomfortable Stay in the BDSM Room of a Brazilian Sex Motel
Dazed And Confused: I Went To The Unofficial Britney Spears Museum
I was on an RV road trip across the US when I heard there was an unofficial Britney Spears museum. I simply had to go. How could you not? The potential for weirdness was too great. In the end, an adorable town shifted my presumptions – and made me feel like a jerk in the … Continue reading Dazed And Confused: I Went To The Unofficial Britney Spears Museum
AskMen: I Got Down And Dirty In The Birthplace Of Rum At Barbados’ Crop Over Festival
If you've met me traveling, you know I love a good street carnival – and Crop Over in Barbados was one for the ages. Read the travel story over at AskMen. Photos by Stephanie Foden
Toronto Star: Quebec’s language watchdog targets store’s use of English on Facebook
I knew when Eva Cooper walked into the Low Down to Hull and Back weekly newspaper's office in Wakefield, Qc with a notice from the OQLF, it would be a big story. I definitely can't say I was surprised it went viral, but I'm not going to lie, it felt good to be the journalist who … Continue reading Toronto Star: Quebec’s language watchdog targets store’s use of English on Facebook
Joel Balsam 