Celebrity Travel: Go away with Alisun
When Alison Solis was growing up in Los Angeles, the Mexican-Cuban singer said she at times felt the sting of judgment from people who viewed her as too much of a minority, while some minorities said she presented as being too white. “I’ve definitely experienced the ‘go back to where you came from’ type of bullying as a kid,” said Solis, who simply goes by Alisun professionally. “I [used to] try to actively avoid being in the sun to look lighter and blend in more, since I always had a lot more melanin than everyone in my class. I loved [Disney’s] ‘Pocahontas’ growing up and felt super connected to her. But when I started being called Pocahontas in a mocking way, I let go of that idealization. I’ve definitely been free of this for a long time, but I understand what it’s like to be a bit too ethnic in a mainly white community but also too white or privileged in a more blended community.” The Los Angeles-based songwriter recently released her debut EP “Mundieo.”
Q: Will you be touring this year to promote “Mundieo”?
A: Dates aren’t determined for anything yet, but we’re definitely in the process of figuring out a potential tour in the future.
Q: What was the dominant language growing up in a multicultural home?
A: I actually only spoke Spanish until I started preschool, then learned English along the way, forgot some Spanish, gained it back. … But, yes, we always speak it at home, even [though I still] mess up some words. [Laughs]
Q: Where have you had the best vegan food on your travels?
A: I think within the United States, Miami, New York and Los Angeles. Outside of the U.S., Costa Rica has a lot of great holistic options, Thailand, Paris and London. I think South America is slowly but surely allowing it to rise and Mexico is too. But the carnivorous traditions are deeper there for people to be open to faster change.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: I really loved Thailand and would recommend going out into the natural parts of it, trying their unique fruits. Get a Thai massage, try some teas.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
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