Category: Africa

Tajikistan is one of the 5 "Stans of Central Asia" and the one that most people looked at me with confusion when I list off the names of them! But it's not surprising, since it only became an independent country in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Drop me a comment if you have questions about the geopolitics there today 😁 Traveling through Tajikistan felt like a truly unique and authentic experience, especially in the local markets and towns, since not many American citizens venture there (so we were told). The first thing we noticed in Panjakent was that the women all had super sparkly hijabs and clothing...so we went straight to the bazaar and bought the same! We got a lot of smiles and thumbs up after that! We then explored the 7 Lakes of the Fann Mountains, getting there early before the day trip groups, and experiencing the lakes all to ourselves while avoiding traffic jams on cliffside roads that aren't for the feint of heart! If you do the "5 Stans", definitely do more than a day trip to Tajikistan! And if you dont want to figure out the crazy logistics for all 5 yourself, sign up for our waiting list for the next ones with @mylifesatraveltribe ! BTW the kids are yelling "Tajikistan the best!" and permission was asked to make the video...even though they video-bommed me 😂💖

Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it! Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬 We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!! Photography company tagged as a collaborator! Would you do this or nah? ——— Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos

Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why! From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁 Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about it. Do you want to visit Kyrgyzstan? ------ I'm currently hosting a custom created "luxe-adventure" through the 5 Stans of Central Asia with my group adventure community @mylifesatraveltribe! This trip is in high demand so if youd'd to join one of them, please follow there and sign up for our notifications email list linked on the bio, as we dont publicly announce or send out our itineraries. 😁

Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why! From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁 Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about them! Would you visit Kyrgyzstan?

KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently! This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically) Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners! Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?

I was one of the last foreigners permitted in Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo before it was closed due to many armed and dangerous groups occupying it. That experience was one of the most memorable ones in my life, and part of why I’ll always say DRC is one of my favorite destinations I’ve been to (4 times). But DRC is also one of the most corrupt countries, with some of the most horrific ongoing atrocities committed on the local Congolese people, the environment, and the animals by greedy, heartless humans. Deforestation, illegal mining for minerals used to make your electronics, and destruction (plus human abuse) are a part of why the animals there suffer. Poaching for bushmeat and to steal baby primates to sell as pets is another. If you’ve ever seen a primate, especially chimpanzees, kept as a personal pet or on display, its parents were likely killed so it could be kidnapped. UAE and Gulf countries, Thailand, China, Eastern EU countries, and even people in the USA are all guilty of this. That’s why one of the organizations I’ve become an ambassador for in D.R.Congo is @lwiro_primates . Lwiro Primates take in injured, abandoned, and smuggled primates, and they rehabilitate and care for them, even during a time when their own homeland is a very scary please. So I am kindly asking today on World Giving Day for Apes, to send them a donation, or at least share their story or the info in this post. Anything helps, nothing does not. And if you ever see a chimp as a pet, please ask the owner if they’re aware that its parents were likely killed just for it to be kidnapped and forced to be a pet. 😡 The link to the fundraiser is on Lwiro’s page and I’ll share on my Stories! I’ve brought about 100 travelers to D.R.Congo, and they all can attest to what a beautiful and unique place it is. I pray and dream for the day that we can safely return there and bring tourism back. Napenda Congo 🇨🇩💖

The highlight reel of Skardu, Pakistan! If you'd like the behind the scenes, see my previous posts or the story highlight! But also, yes, it really is this beautiful! Do you like pretty highlight reels or do you prefer the struggle clips? Asking for a friend...who has a lot of both... 😬

The Photo VS the Moment in Skardu, Pakistan (wait for the videos after the photo) for anyone who thinks getting photos is easy, behold, freezing water, climbing on rocks, and magical geese who apparently want to be featured in the pics.! (Comment "Skardu" and ill DM you my full travel guide plus how to get notifications for the group trip next year!) What's the wildest thing you've done for a photo?? Thank you Destination Pakistan for the offer to work together and for helping get this footage so I didn't have to always use my tripod or selfie stick!

Just confirming that Haveli restaurant has the best rooftop view in Lahore! Make a reservation because it's always busy and ask to sit closest to the mosque! The entire building of Haveli is beautiful and fascinating! A former mansion that's ornately decorated, and located in an area that was formerly infamous for..brothels! Now, largely thanks to tourism demand, this area of Lahore is a lot cleaner and safer than it used to be, and it offers some of the most spectacular sites to see, both from above and below! What would you rate this view from 1 to 10??