My father always argued that travelling is the best type of education one can get and it’s true. My life has been a tapestry of exploration, rooted in the diversity of my upbringing. With a South African father, a British mother, and being born and raised in Belgium, I’ve been immersed in languages and cultures from the very start. This foundation has equipped me with invaluable tools to navigate the complexities of the world as an adult. Having visited 24 countries and lived in three of them, I’ve had the privilege of delving into diverse cultures and stories, gaining insights into how the world operates. My approach to travel has evolved over the years. As a child, it was all about the exciting activities. In my teenage years, I became captivated by the culinary delights of each destination. Now, as a young adult, my travels are centred on self-discovery and personal growth. For me, the joy of travel lies in the memories I create along the way. There’s a profound sense of happiness and anticipation every time I board a plane or train, knowing that I’m embarking on a journey of discovery and reunion with family scattered across the globe.
My earliest memory of travelling must be the first time I went to Disneyland Paris. I was four and got the meet all my favourite Disney princesses. The highlight of that particular trip was also being able to sit in the front to get breakfast with my dad. I remember taking the plane for the first time to visit Egypt on a family vacation. I was 6. I remember visiting the pyramids, going on a camel, and in a submarine. I remember going to the British seaside with my mother, playing at the slot machines on the pier and starting my 2p coin collection. I remember the first time I went to South Africa with my eldest niece to visit and meet family, I remember going on a safari and seeing 4 of the big 5. I remember the first time I went to Barcelona, with my dad and enjoyed five smoothies in a day. I remember the first time I went to the United States for my twelfth birthday and being amazed at one of my long-time dreams coming true, learning more about New York City by walking the town, discovering Hasidic Jews – whom I found fascinating and had only seen prior in a Louis de Funès movie. And I remember the first time I travelled alone, what a thrilling experience.
Travel isn’t just a passion for me; it’s a way of life. Each journey shapes me in ways I couldn’t have imagined, moulding me into the woman I am becoming. Through travel, I embrace the world with open arms, eager to uncover its wonders and mysteries.