I created the “Travellers’ Tales” section to give other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels. Today I would like to introduce you to Alex, a travel blogger from the USA. She blogs at Lost With Purpose .
I would love to hear about your travels too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales” , fill in the quick questionnaire and email it to me with your blog links.
Yo! I’m Alex, a 26-year-old girl from the United States currently backpacking hither and thither through Asia with my Dutch partner. We’ve been on the road for more than one year, traveling through uncommon destinations such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan.
It’s tough to go back that far—I’ve been traveling since I was born! I do recall being extremely fascinated with the Mannekin Pis in Brussels, Belgium when I was a toddler. I couldn’t get over the fact that a statue of a peeing boy was a big deal (I still can’t, really…) and his regular wardrobe changes were a major plus point for my young mind.
I’m still on it! I’ve been exploring India for the past 8 months. I’m typing this in the capital of Nagaland, one of India’s wild northeastern states made famous for its numerous tribes and a history of headhunting. (Never fear, the headhunting stopped almost half a century ago. No heads rolling here.)
It’s still a work in progress, but I did recently learn how to cook opium from some tribesmen in a village on the border of Burma. I’m not necessarily condoning drug use, but you have to admit, it’s a pretty unique experience!
Probably Pakistan. I’ve never experienced such excessive hospitality in my entire life! No matter where we went, people were treating us to chai, inviting us to dinner, and insisting we stay at their homes for the night. Traveling as a foreigner in Pakistan is like being royalty for a period of time—people are very excited to prove that Pakistanis are not all terrorists, contrary to what the news may lead you to believe.
The more countries I visit, the harder it is to decide. I love Pakistan for its mind-bogglingly hospitable people. I find the slow, nonchalant pace of Laos utterly addictive. And the wide-open skies of Mongolia have no comparison in this world. How could I pick just one?
In Pakistan, you need to get yourself invited to a dinner with a family. Don’t worry, it’s quite easy when people are so friendly!
In Laos, you need to sit and forget about the notion of time.
In Mongolia, you need to get yourself on the back of a horse, and gallop as fast as you can in whichever direction you choose.
My Dutch partner, Sebastiaan, of course. I don’t think we’d be able to survive this long on the road if we weren’t well suited for traveling with each other!
A camera, no doubt about it. I live behind the lens, and would die if I had to travel without some kind of camera in hand.
Never eat at a place within two blocks of a famous tourist attraction. All the restaurants will be overpriced, and food will be catered towards clueless tourists. Nothing good (nor particularly delicious) ever came from a tourist-oriented restaurant!
Space! I’m banking on it being marginally more affordable before I kick the bucket…
Blog: Lost With Purpose
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostwithpurpose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostwithpurposeblog
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lostwpurpose
Thank you, Alex , for sharing your fascinating travels with us!
I would love to hear about your travels too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales”, fill in the quick questionnaire and email it to me with your blog links.
Who will I feature next? I’ve got an exciting line-up ahead. Make sure you subscribe to the free newsletter so you don’t miss out on some exciting travel tales.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.