She FLY 🌎✈️
By Nancy E / November 23, 2024 / No Comments
36 Countries and counting…
When I was a young dumpling, I traveled all over the Tristate with my late father (🕊R.I.P. 05-16-2022). From NY to DC, I remember being constantly reminded that he left his home country, Nigeria 🇳🇬, to build a new life in the USA 🇺🇸. I was inspired to work ambitiously and wanted to travel when I became all “grown-up”.

AUSTRIA – From Salzburg’s cuisine to alpine drives along the Hochalpenstrasse and Grossglockner, Austria delivered breathtaking views and my all-time favorite cow selfies. 
BAHAMAS – A first-time adventure at 18 on a cruise to Grand Bahama Island, Freeport. Fun, chaos, lessons learned, and memories that still stand out. 
BELGIUM – A spotless city center, stately government buildings, and budget-friendly hostels made Belgium both impressive and accessible. 
BELIZE – You better Belize it was pure fun. A boat ride to Caye Caulker, snorkeling along the coast, and nonstop island vibes. 
BRAZIL – Rio was unforgettable. I watched the sunset from Ipanema Beach, spent time in the favelas learning about the culture and history, and even took samba lessons while taking in the incredible views from Christ the Redeemer to the coastline. 
CANADA – From the power of Niagara Falls to the energy of Toronto, Canada impressed with its beauty and warm, welcoming people. 
CHINA – From Beijing to Shanghai, the journey was unforgettable, but Hong Kong stood out as the highlight. Truly an experience. 
COLOMBIA – Deep Afro-Colombian roots, powerful music culture, amazing food, and unforgettable people define the experience. 
COSTA RICA – A brief journey by bus left me wanting more. Costa Rica is a place that calls for time, exploration, and a return visit. 
CROATIA – From cascading waterfalls to crystal-clear lakes, Plitvice Lakes National Park was the most stunning part of my Croatian experience. 
CUBA – Traveled when borders reopened to U.S. citizens. From classic cars and cigars to vibrant culture, cuisine, horse rides, and natural beauty, Cuba left a lasting impression. 
CZECHIA – Wandering Charles Bridge, discovering centuries-old castles, and celebrating with fireworks in the heart of Prague made the experience unforgettable. 
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – A beachfront escape filled with fresh fruit, open horizons, and the unforgettable sight of wild horses running along the coast. 
ENGLAND – From advanced esthetic trainings to LEGOLAND, Stonehenge, the heart of London, and minx Southern England adventures, my only temporary limitations were my Oyster card balance and manual car training. 
FRANCE – One of my favorite places in the world, from Paris to le Sud de la France. C’est magnifique. 
GERMANY – Known for its quirks like Oktoberfest, its magical seasons through Christmas markets, and even its lack of sunlight, Germany stands out as a remarkably stable country with a rich history and a highly structured way of life. 
GREECE – I did the flying dress “thing” and it was so worth it. I felt like a goddess. The city of athens was also historic. 
HUNGARY – I arrived by a long train ride from Germany. Everything felt incredibly affordable, the people and club scene were great, and I missed the spa culture, which is high on my list for a return visit. 
ICELAND – Between the Blue Lagoon, natural hot springs, and the raw aftermath of a massive volcanic eruption, Iceland delivered an epic, otherworldly experience. 
IRELAND – From the warmth of O’Connor’s Pub to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s history and cultural strength made a lasting impression. 
ISRAEL – The airport was busy in the best way, full of energy and movement. The people were incredibly warm, inviting, and hospitable, and the city itself was captivating. Expect a lot of walking and consistently great weather, come prepared. 
ITALY – From Trieste and Venice to Milan, Florence, and Rome, Italy offered endless places to explore. The cities felt deeply authentic, and the food was unforgettable at every stop. 
JAPAN – Japan is home to some of the most serene cities in the world. Everywhere I went, I felt peace, calm, and beauty. From Kyoto to Osaka to the heart of Tokyo, including video game lounges and cat cafés, there was endlessly more to see and absorb. 
MEXICO – Mexico is a place worth returning to again and again. I explored Cancún and Isla Mujeres, but I already have plans to experience Tulum, the city center, and the west coast on future visits. 
MOROCCO – Feeding monkeys in the Atlas Mountains, touring Aït Taguella, and wandering Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with friends made Morocco an unforgettable cultural adventure. 
NETHERLANDS – The most bike-friendly city I’ve ever experienced, filled with some of the kindest people I’ve met. From vibrant nightlife to historic Haarlem, Dutch culture runs deep, with roots that trace all the way back to the early settlements of New York City. 
PANAMA – The Panama Canal was a truly breathtaking experience. I gained a deep appreciation for the culture, the human effort behind global trade, and the rare feeling of standing between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific, linking Costa Rica and Colombia. 
PALESTINE – It’s been so long but I vividly remember the sacred land filled with spiritual depth and warm hospitality. Being there felt surreal and deeply moving. 
POLAND – High-rise dining, long walks through the city center, and plenty of local bites along the way. Poland takes real pride in its hearty classics, especially meat and potato dumplings like kartacze and pyzy z mięsem. Flavorful, filling, and surprisingly affordable. 
PORTUGAL – Surprised me at every turn. I learned about the lasting influence of Moorish rule on European culture, experienced a language shaped by centuries of exchange between French/Italian+, and walked through striking architecture and historic streets, some marked by sites that once burned. 
PUERTO RICO – It taught me so much about its layers. From the influence of the pharmaceutical industry to traveling through rainforests and waterfalls, and standing at El Morro where I learned about the people’s battles against Spain. I also gained a deeper understanding of the island’s powerful blend of African and Native Taíno culture. 
SLOVENIA – I didnt stay long enough on my bus trip through the country. For the short time I was there it felt like stepping into a storybook. I hope next time I will be able to walk through Ljubljana’s streets, cross riverside bridges, and learned visits its alpine landscapes and learn more about the cultural heritage. This place felt peaceful, clean, and beautifully preserved overall. 
SOUTH KOREA – I visited during the peak of the Gangnam Style era and the energy was unforgettable. From spotless streets and legendary skincare culture to rooftop jazz and vibrant party districts, Seoul felt alive day and night. 
SPAIN – From the creative energy of Barcelona to the electric nightlife of Ibiza, the coastal elegance of Marbella and Málaga, and the historic rhythm of Madrid, Spain was an unforgettable experience that blends culture, beaches, architecture, and small portion sized varieties of Tapas. 
SWITZERLAND – I spent my time between the dramatic Swiss Alps and the elegant streets of Geneva, surrounded by crisp mountain air, beautiful lakes, and one of the cleanest, most scenic city centers I’ve ever experienced. 
TURKEY – Istanbul was such a rich cultural experience. I relaxed in a traditional hammam spa, visited the women’s section of a mosque, explored the more tourist-friendly neighborhoods west of the city, and enjoyed incredibly flavorful Turkish food along the way. 
USA – I was born and raised in the United States and feel incredibly fortunate to have traveled across so much of this beautiful country. What has always stood out to me is how many stories and cultures live within one nation. To me, the true American Dream has always been about people from different backgrounds coming together as one heartbeat, building something greater than any one of us alone.
Born and Raised in the USA 🇺🇸🗽
Traveling to 42/50 U.S. states and one of the five inhabited minor islands/territories offered an incredible journey through diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories. From bustling cities to serene natural spots, each destination offered unique experiences that created lasting memories and a deeper connection to my home country’s rich heritage.

Alabama – Known for its southern hospitality, rich civil rights history, and beautiful landscapes stretching from the Appalachian foothills to the Gulf Coast. 
Arizona – Famous for the Grand Canyon, vast desert landscapes, and unforgettable sunsets across the American Southwest. 
Arkansas– Known for its Ozark Mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and vast forests that define the natural beauty of the American South. 
California – From the bright lights of Hollywood to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, California blends entertainment, innovation, and breathtaking Pacific coastlines.
