Around the world in 50 days

Next year in May it will be 50 years ago that I came into this world. Let me just pause here and say ‘wow!’.

What a journey my life has been so far. I have stood on mountains of joy, crept through valleys of drama, while zigzagging around or crashing through the many obstacles one finds on the road of life.

And here I am today: grateful.

Grateful for the sheer luck of being born in a peaceful country, with all my body parts intact and functioning, not having known poverty nor hunger.

Grateful for my family, my friends, my colleagues, my mentors (some of you may not even know you’ve been one to me) and those who were just passing through but left their mark forever. For even though I have worked hard, very hard, for all I have accomplished in my life, it has never been a solo endeavour. Without you, without them, I would not be the person I am today.

So, my dear reader, you will understand why I called my website “I am not an island”. We are linked. My presence and acts have influence on your life and yours on mine – be it good or bad. This link we share is not limited to those in our immediate circle of movement. It applies even if we find ourselves on opposite extremes of the globe.

It occurred to me that whilst being grateful is important, for it to really dazzle with the right amount of sparkle, giving back is key. Help out those who are less fortunate.

To truly mark my upcoming milestone, I came up with the idea to travel around the world in 50 days: 10 countries across 5 continents. Yes, me who is afraid of flying.

The sparkling bit is to use this journey around the world to ask attention and fundraise for charities that are close to my heart.

This website will be the place where you can follow me during the preparation and hopefully brilliant execution of this bat shit crazy idea.