"My interest stemmed from a genuine love for scuba diving. As time passed, I became more fascinated by the diversity of cultures and people in the world, growing to appreciate the unique moments that culture shock brings. Early vivid memories include sensory overload in India with the smell of local spices, incense, marigolds, and pollution blended together, and the frenetic streets of Vietnam, full of the never-ending buzz of countless motorcycles,"
"As a consultant, I spent extended periods in exotic countries such as Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, which gave me an understanding and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. With that came open-mindedness. For example, the business etiquette in Pakistan dictates that Muslim men and women typically do not shake hands. This stems from both religious tradition and cultural norms that emphasize modesty and boundaries between genders."
Motivation for travel began with scuba diving rather than collecting countries. Travel generated fascination with cultural diversity and vivid sensory memories in places like India and Vietnam. Travel evolved into a career in airline management and aviation consulting, involving extended stays in Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan that built understanding and open-mindedness. Cultural norms shaped behavior, such as Pakistani etiquette where Muslim men and women typically do not shake hands due to religious tradition and modesty. Crossing into Mozambique in December 2020 marked joining a small group of women who had visited every country, prompting reflection on a 20-year journey and wellness goals.
Read at Business Insider
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