The Fear That Crosses Continents: Reflections on the Evil Eye.
Travel stripped away my assumptions and revealed a pattern: humanity shares an ancient instinct to protect what is precious from unseen harm. From Igbo traditions to Hebrew scripture, from Indian weddings to Mediterranean amulets, the symbols differ but the message is the same, attention is powerful, envy is real, and vulnerability invites both love and hostility.
Laos: Unexpected, Unforgettable — My Full Travel Experience
Laos completely surprised me, a landlocked gem of Southeast Asia filled with mountains, turquoise waterfalls, peaceful spirituality, and vibrant culture. From swimming in the Kuang Si Falls to joining the sacred Tak Bat ceremony at dawn, climbing the Nam Xay viewpoint, cruising the Mekong, exploring animist traditions, and surviving the great train-ticket drama, every moment was an unexpected adventure. Affordable, lush, gentle, and deeply cultural, Laos made one of the strongest impressions on my Southeast Asia tour, and I know I’ll be back.
My Flying Visit to Myanmar: Gold, Kindness, and Quiet Strength
Myanmar wasn’t originally on my Southeast Asia itinerary, but curiosity and a friend’s invitation led me there. Between golden pagodas, red betel-stained smiles, and the gentle kindness of its people, Yangon revealed a side of beauty few travelers get to see. From the glittering Shwedagon Pagoda to circular train rides through rice fields, I discovered a country scarred by history yet rich in spirit, flavour, and grace.
Expat Life: From Childhood Curiosity to Adult Clarity
I watched the expat life first through childhood eyes, polished women throwing lavish parties, multilingual kids, and a lifestyle that felt beautifully out of reach. But as I grew older, I saw the cracks beneath the glamour. Affairs, loneliness, secret vasectomies, and the quiet desperation of trailing spouses began to surface. Expat life was beautiful, yes, but also chaotic, and sometimes painfully complicated. What I didn’t know then was how those early glimpses would help me navigate the journey when I eventually became an expat myself…
An Epic Family Adventure in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka surprised me in the best ways. From the misty train rides through tea country to cooking with locals in a tiny village near Sigiriya, it was a journey full of warmth, discovery, and unexpected flavors. Traveling with five kids (and our Sri Lankan nanny who reunited with her family after two years!) made it even more special and sometimes an extreme sport. What I found most unforgettable wasn’t just the beauty of the landscapes or the spice-laden meals, but the kindness and hospitality of the people. Sri Lanka touched my heart, and I know I’ll be back.
Vultures Over Lima’s Catacombs, Bats around Oba’s Palace in Benin: A Prayer for the Dying
While exploring the catacombs of Lima’s San Francisco Basilica, surrounded by thousands of bones and the eerie presence of vultures, I found myself thinking about the burial traditions of my Igbo heritage, the taboos of Bonny land, and the bats that guard the Oba’s palace in Benin. In that quiet space between death and memory, I saw our shared humanity, and whispered a prayer for the dying.
From Snapshots to Stories: My Journey Through History, Slavery, and Self-Discovery
Travel used to be about pictures and passport stamps. Now, it’s my classroom, my calling, and my way of reclaiming history.
From the slave forts of Ghana to the genocide memorials of Rwanda, and the haunted beauty of Curaçao’s colonial past, my journey has transformed. It’s no longer about ticking off cities but about understanding stories, stories of pain, resilience, and identity. I’ve walked the lands where my ancestors were taken, and I’m learning to listen to what the soil remembers.
This isn’t just travel. It’s relearning who I am, and where we’ve come from.
Kuwait: A Surprisingly Enjoyable Detour in My Mission to Visit Every Country
Kuwait surprised me during my brief visit, shifting my initial perception from just oil and gas to a vibrant culture rich in history. Despite visa issues and a less-friendly atmosphere, I discovered warmth through food, museums, and religious tolerance, ultimately gaining a newfound respect for this enchanting country.