UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE: Episode 30 Summary
Title: Detty December Is a Portal: Travel as Ceremony with Vidette Adjorlolo
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Host: Shelah Marie
Guest: Vidette Adjorlolo, Founder of Sorted Chalet
Introduction
In Episode 30 of UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE, host Shelah Marie engages in a transformative conversation with Vidette Adjorlolo, the dynamic founder of Sorted Chalet. The episode, titled "Detty December Is a Portal: Travel as Ceremony," delves deep into the cultural and wellness aspects of traveling to Ghana, particularly during the vibrant Dirty December festival. This episode serves as an extension of Shelah Marie’s mission to empower black women through self-love, acceptance, and holistic wellness.
Guest Background
Vidette Adjorlolo is an accomplished travel entrepreneur, wellness strategist, and spiritual guide. As the founder of Sorted Chalet, Vidette has created a unique travel startup that fosters a community of African enthusiasts. Her mission is to help black Americans reconnect with their roots, unlearn survival mechanisms, and embrace holistic wellness through immersive travel experiences. Vidette’s extensive travel background—from her Ghanaian roots to her academic pursuits in London, the Netherlands, and China—provides her with a profound understanding of cultural dynamics and the transformative power of travel.
Main Topics Discussed
1. Understanding Dirty December in Ghana
Shelah Marie opens the discussion by asking Vidette to explain Dirty December—a three-week-long cultural festival in Ghana. Vidette clarifies that Dirty December is not to be confused with any Caribbean versions. It is a time when both the diaspora and local communities come together to celebrate, unwind, and reconnect.
Vidette Adjorlolo [06:11]: "Dirty December is like a three-week festival for the whole of December where people are outside. It stems from not just the diaspora coming back, but also the local community really getting a break from work."
Vidette likens it to the Essence Festival in the U.S., emphasizing the blend of global cultures and the vibrant community spirit that defines Dirty December.
2. Ghana as a Cultural Home for Black Americans
The conversation pivots to why Ghana serves as a spiritual and cultural home for many black Americans. Vidette shares her personal experiences of the profound sense of peace and belonging she feels in Ghana—a stark contrast to the often tumultuous environment in the United States.
Vidette Adjorlolo [05:00]: "My body immediately understands that I'm not a stranger in this space. That’s what it feels like to me."
Shelah Marie resonates with this sentiment, highlighting the quest many descendants of chattel slavery embark on to find a sense of home and identity.
3. The Importance of Humility and Cultural Curiosity in Travel
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the lessons Vidette has learned from living in diverse cultures. She underscores humility and cultural curiosity as essential traits for meaningful travel experiences.
Vidette Adjorlolo [11:20]: "Traveling has allowed me to really be humble, to break my stereotypes about certain countries and really allow myself to delve deeper into the nuances and the differences."
She shares anecdotes from her time in China, revealing the stark differences between media portrayals and on-the-ground realities, further reinforcing the importance of approaching new cultures with an open and humble mindset.
4. Ensuring Safe and Supportive Travel Experiences with Sorted Chalet
Shelah inquires about how Sorted Chalet addresses common anxieties related to traveling, especially for black women seeking safety and community.
Vidette Adjorlolo [30:05]: "The main thing is community. We host community calls to give travelers a chance to meet each other before the trip and provide support throughout the journey."
Vidette explains the comprehensive support system Sorted Chalet offers, including pre-trip information sessions, community calls, and post-trip support to mitigate post-travel depression. This approach ensures that travelers feel safe, connected, and supported every step of the way.
5. Wellness as a Birthright
The discussion evolves into the concept that wellness is a birthright, not a luxury. Vidette challenges the consumerist view of self-care, advocating for accessible and meaningful wellness practices.
Vidette Adjorlolo [24:10]: "Wellness is a birthright allows you to connect with your body. It doesn't have to be linked with consumerism; it can be connected to your surroundings and relationships."
She emphasizes that true wellness comes from connection—whether it’s through nature, family, or cultural engagement—rather than expensive spa treatments or material indulgences.
6. Itinerary Highlights and the Unique Offerings of Sorted Chalet
Shelah and Vidette discuss the diverse itinerary offered by Sorted Chalet, which balances vibrant cultural experiences with opportunities for personal growth and economic empowerment. Highlights include cooking classes, visits to orphanages, market tours, siestas, and real estate tours.
Vidette Adjorlolo [37:48]: "I’m most excited about the real estate tour because cultural connections can lead to economic connections and capital. It’s about potential long-term investment in the country."
Vidette underscores the importance of integrating economic empowerment into travel, encouraging participants to consider long-term connections and investments in Ghana.
Key Insights and Lessons
- Cultural Reconnection: Traveling to Ghana allows black Americans to reconnect with their ancestral roots, fostering a deep sense of belonging and identity.
- Humility in Travel: Approaching new cultures with humility and an open mind leads to greater understanding and personal growth.
- Community Support: Building a supportive community before, during, and after the trip enhances the overall travel experience and ensures emotional well-being.
- Accessible Wellness: Wellness should be an inherent right, achievable through meaningful connections and simple, accessible practices rather than commoditized self-care routines.
- Economic Empowerment: Travel can be a gateway to economic opportunities, encouraging participants to invest in the local community and build sustainable ventures.
Notable Quotes
- Vidette Adjorlolo [05:00]: "My body immediately understands that I'm not a stranger in this space. That’s what it feels like to me."
- Vidette Adjorlolo [11:20]: "Traveling has allowed me to really be humble, to break my stereotypes about certain countries and really allow myself to delve deeper into the nuances and the differences."
- Vidette Adjorlolo [24:10]: "Wellness is a birthright allows you to connect with your body. It doesn't have to be linked with consumerism; it can be connected to your surroundings and relationships."
- Vidette Adjorlolo [37:48]: "I’m most excited about the real estate tour because cultural connections can lead to economic connections and capital. It’s about potential long-term investment in the country."
Conclusion
Episode 30 of UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE masterfully intertwines the themes of cultural reconnection, wellness, and community through the lens of Vidette Adjorlolo’s expertise. By exploring the intricate facets of Dirty December in Ghana and emphasizing the significance of humility and cultural curiosity in travel, the episode provides listeners with profound insights into holistic wellness and personal transformation. Vidette’s commitment to creating safe, supportive, and economically empowering travel experiences through Sorted Chalet aligns seamlessly with Shelah Marie’s mission to inspire and uplift black women. This episode is a compelling invitation to embrace travel as a ceremonial journey towards self-discovery and communal healing.
Stay Connected:
- Vidette Adjorlolo: Instagram - @videttejolo
- Sorted Chalet: Follow on all social media platforms for updates on current and upcoming trips.
Learn More About the Retreat: Visit theunrulyretreat.com
Submit Your Questions: Record your question at speakpipe.com/unruly
Stay unruly and stay curious!