I got into cultural travel when I did a semester of university in Kenya and Uganda. I fell in love with Africa from that point on, and switched my career from social anthropology to travel. My favourite memories are visiting villages and schools. I have been to villages where the kids had never seen a white person before, and they kept trying to rub the white off my arm so the black would show through. I got to experience the bull jumping ceremony of the Hammer people in Ethiopia, and went through a marriage ceremony with a Maasai Warrior (I have a feeling he didn’t take it too serious because I haven’t heard from him since). I absolutely love the warmth and beauty of the people of Africa, and whenever I step off the plane I feel like I am home. My absolute passion is Africa, but I have been very lucky to be able to sell Latin and Asia as well, and visited Vietnam. What a magnificent country with the beauty of Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Hanoi. I loved sailing on a junk boat in Ha Long Bay doing sunrise Tai Chi from the deck, and travelling down the Mekong Delta watching the locals along the riverbank go about their daily life. A beautiful culture and stunningly beautiful country. I can’t wait to explore more of Asia.
Melissa Webster
Fun Facts
The Mursi women wear lip plates as a symbol of pride and beauty.
Favourite Quote
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."
Favourite Group Travel Experience
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and the Silverback walked right by me. I could have reached out and touched him.