James Baldwin Writers' Colony (2024 Cohort) by Tyshaun Braxton

First Impression of Kasteel Well

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-19 19:02:54 UTC

This is one of the very first photos I took in The Netherlands; it is so beautiful. However, my favorite thing about the room is the constant reminders of the mundane; these qualities of life can never be overlooked.

Personal Selfie

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-19 19:12:27 UTC

This was my first natural feeling of the castle. I sat in Dulcia's Room, a place within the castle that holds many exquisite pieces of history. During my first moments of downtime, I found myself missing the very same person I was presently texting at this moment, but as I sat in a large room with a chandelier overhead—all I could feel was homesickness. I miss those who I have grown accustomed to, the food, the easy access, the infrastructure, the culture, and most importantly, those who I recognize as the ones who fostered the love I now retain.

Walking to Vernay

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-19 19:26:03 UTC

My first week at the castle was difficult, and I found myself prone to hermit inclinations. I remember walking this path vividly—as I forced myself out of bed—to rid myself of loathing. Thankfully, I had done so. During this walk, there were so many moments that I gasped, as I had never seen a sky so open, leaving little to the brown iris that I currently possessed. A beauty so indescribable—but most importantly, the walk had done exactly as it hoped—dissolving me of such trifling thoughts.

Walking to Venray

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-19 19:31:54 UTC

Path Behind Castle

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-19 19:46:43 UTC

The vast forest stretched endlessly before me, a lush expanse of green that seemed to extend indefinitely. Towering trees reached toward the sky, their branches forming a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor. The air buzzed with birdsong and the rustling of leaves while the sweet scent of wildflowers filled every breath. As I ventured further into the heart of the forest, I was captivated by the unspoiled beauty that enveloped me, experiencing a deep sense of peace and wonder.

Revelation of The Past

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-19 19:53:32 UTC

Most of the castle has been refurbished and plastered with new and modern materials. However, the remnants of the old castle's interior can still be found within its peeling walls, and at this moment, I begin to ponder about all of those who gazed upon this very wall, both past, present, and future.

Interesting Sighting

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-19 20:03:04 UTC

Photo From Interior of Castle

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-19 20:06:38 UTC

Just a nice photo of the moat and courtyard of the castle.

Gift For Baldwinites'

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-29 20:32:10 UTC

A small gift for the Baldwin students depicting Baldwin's first passport. It was great to see the happiness that Baldwin exuded in this photo; however, it would eventually lead to the 'alienation'—he would so often reference in his latter years. As Baldwin explored the themes of love constantly, it eventually introduced an alienation from the people he had so hastily adored (African Americans/Harlem). Baldwin writes about how it felt to be criticized—and subsequently—ostracized. A fact that hurt Baldwin at his core... He felt as though his love had been misrepresented and unrecognized by the audience he so desperately sought recognition from.

2nd Flight (London Excursion)

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-29 20:42:06 UTC

I had to snap a photo of this magnificent view within the plane. Looking at my camera roll, I realized that a majority of my photos are of the sky, mainly because of how indescribably beautiful the clouds are when effortlessly plastered to the blue backdrop of a sky.

Big Ben (London Excursion)

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-29 20:46:19 UTC

This is just another nice photo of Big Ben taken while on a tour of London. Ben seemed visible from any part of London, which I'm guessing was the original intention. Apparently, during the conception and construction of the tower, it was intended to be much taller but failed due to a lack of financial resources.

3rd Flight -- Back to Amsterdam (London Excursion)

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-07-30 12:28:28 UTC

Amsterdam Excursion (Bus Ride)

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-08-04 07:30:32 UTC

Another photo of the sky.

Amsterdam Excursion -- Canals of Amsterdam

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-08-04 07:43:39 UTC

During the tour, I snapped this photo from one of the numerous bridges in Amsterdam. The tour guide said, "Amsterdam is the Venice of Northern Europe." I really enjoyed my time in Amsterdam because I was able to witness the cultural significance of these canals/waterways—these very same canals originated in the 12th Century. I even bore witness to the 750 years of Amsterdam's creation (it was incredibly busy).

College Campus Panel (London Excursion)

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-08-04 07:54:36 UTC

I was thoroughly engaged during this panel... There were many interesting discussions of society, government, and politics. Most importantly, the distinctions between DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and the DEI act within the U.K. -- The English Parliament has yet to make the same advancements as its far-most Western counterpart [United States]. However, there are things the U.S. has yet to implement.

Amsterdam Excursion -- Amsterdam Centraal

tyshaunbraxton — 2024-09-05 14:50:44 UTC

Walking the busy streets of Amsterdam