My First Flight That Made Me Grow Up

```html

My First Flight That Made Me Grow Up

When I was just 23 years old, I worked for a pharmaceutical company in Detroit and decided to take my first solo flight across the Atlantic. The mix of excitement and anxiety as I prepared to board that flight to Europe in 2007 is still vivid in my memory.

But the first shock hit me when my luggage got lost and didn’t arrive in London as planned, and Paris felt anything but welcoming. The curious gazes of Parisians made me feel like an alien. Eventually, I had to take a taxi that wound its way through the city before finally dropping me off at my hotel. I cried into my wine, but I managed to push through the difficulties.

Valuable Lessons from Solo Experiences

This trip marked a significant turning point for me, helping me realize that no matter how tough things get, I can overcome them. From losing my luggage, my self-confidence began to grow. Over the past 20 years, that timid 23-year-old girl has transformed into someone who has traveled to every country in the world on her own.

My first solo trip to Costa Rica was truly a challenge. I didn’t speak Spanish and had no acquaintances there. But that journey turned into an unforgettable adventure. I wrote in my journal, chatted with strangers, and marveled at the erupting Arenal Volcano.

Don’t Wait for Others to Fulfill Your Dreams

By 2019, I achieved my goal of visiting 195 countries, with over 100 of those trips taken solo. Many times, my friends couldn’t join me due to work and family commitments, but I kept going. This journey not only allowed me to meet new friends but also created invaluable memories.

Even as a woman of color, I was welcomed with open arms. There may have been surprised looks in Kyrgyzstan or Beijing, but mostly, it was curiosity. What’s fascinating is that humanity’s kindness continually surprises me, even in places that seem dangerous.

Open Your Heart to Enjoy the Journey

Don’t let media stereotypes discourage you. My journey in Iran with Ali, a close friend from Tehran, will make you realize that. I met and befriended wonderful Iranian people, completely contrary to what the media often portrays.

In Pakistan, I explored Lahore and Islamabad with two photographers, witnessing historical beauty that I had never known. And as an old saying goes, a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet. I made amazing friends during my first trip to Jordan.

Spontaneity Creates Magic

One starry night in Guinea-Bissau, two new friends and I spontaneously decided to journey to the border of Guinea simply because it was so close. This impromptu adventure not only saved me a flight but also opened up the magic of letting go.

There are tough moments, but what I’ve learned is that most people are genuinely kind. In Johannesburg, while attending a party for rapper Jidenna, I lost my wallet. But that anxiety faded away as new friends rallied around to help me find it.

```