Traveling around the world is a dream of many, but a reality of few! Well we spoke with the lovely Louise Ngcamu, who is living the reality of traveling around the world!!
Currently residing in Boston, MA, Louise is originally from Johannesburg South Africa, and works as a Nurse’s Aide and she is continuing her education! (Such a BOSS!) Louise yearns to live a full life and not be consumed with the materials of this world or work, work, work!
Driven by the precious time spent with her family and friends, Louise loves traveling to places near and far, getting to know people from different backgrounds, exploring nature, and trying new foods. Louise states that all of those things really drives her and most importantly brings her closer to God. (AMEN!)
Louise told us that when she travels, she usually travels alone. Since living in the U.S, she has made a ton of friends who are now like family to her. She has done some local trips with friends, but says those are hard to plan. She has had the joy of traveling with her Mom, who Louise says is a great travel partner (So sweet), however Louise tell us that she travels alone because it is easier.
Louise stated, “I get to plan exactly what I want and once I’ve committed to the plan, I do whatever it takes to see it through.”
Boss Up Magazine asked Louise about her most recent trip, which was to Italy and Hungary! And of course we got the full scoop!!
Louise recently attended a wedding in Budapest, Hungary, which took place in the perfect city with people from all walks of life. The wedding took place in a castle and was truly unforgettable. With going to Italy being her ultimate dream, she decided to go for it and book herself a flight!
Louise stated that it was the best decision she’s made. Not only was her trip to Italy the best decision she’s made, it also provided her with her MOST unforgettable moment! Louise said that while in Pompeii, Italy, her first pizza was amazing and she’d never tasted pizza so good. (Yummy). Louise stated, “I’m not even crazy about pizza back home, but this pizza, I’d eat it every day until I grew tired.”
Louise did experience a slight bump in the road during her trip, as her purse was stolen in Rome on a local bus. Thankfully she was not harmed and didn’t have any cash inside. Louise says that that moment did not take away from her tip; it was only a lesson and a story to tell.
“If you want to travel the world, just do it! Don’t wait until you are rich or when you have money because you will never do it. My theory is we spend money on stupid expensive materials like electronics and etc. Use that money to invest in yourself and see the world. It’s better than any school you could ever attend. When you travel ignorance slowly disappears.”
Louise told us that Brazil, Hungary, and Italy are the top three places she would definitely visit again! (We’re going to need a postcard soon!) Here’s exactly what Louise had to say about all three:
Brazil: “I would go back to Brazil and more specifically Manaus and the Amazon. The locals were so kind and welcoming. I enjoyed seeing how they live without all most of our modern necessities and were happier than you and I. They live the simple life. I admire that.”
Italy: “There is so much more there that I have yet to explore, along with the food and the driving force.”
Hungary: “I found Budapest, Hungary to be corky and different. I would like to explore it a whole lot more.”
Now ask yourself, where would $5,000 take you?? Well, we asked Louise this same question! For Louise, $5,000 would take her to Iceland! She just wants to be one with nature and dies for places that have nothing but natural surroundings. Louise says that she loves how she would feel in places like that, as nothing else really matters.
Louise stated, “There is so much more to life. God lives and he is all around. His works are displayed all around us, we just have to be present in those moments.”
During her recent travels, Louise experienced major cultural shocks. Louise told us that in Italy people didn’t care about personal space. During her flight to Rome, with many locals on board, she sat in the middle seat with two Italian guys on both sides of her. The guy next to the window seat would put his foot on her side of the seat, lean into her and talk to the guy next to her while, totally invading her space. (Wowzers!). “People there are very affectionate and have little or no regard for space.”
For her experience in Hungary, she learned that pedestrians do not have the right of way. People drive fast and even though you may have the signal to walk, cars start approaching as if to hurry you. Louise told us that in Hungary, it felt like people smoked everywhere and she felt like she just couldn’t get away from it.
During her trip to Amazon, Brazil she experienced the culture shock of seeing people living so simply. They grow their own food, take boats to school, and even get their medicines from the rain forest. (So Amazing!) For Louise, that was amazing to witness.
Not only did Louise experience some amazing and interesting cultural shocks, she also tried food that she was initially afraid to try. In Hungary, she tried Hungarian Liptauer, which is cheese spread made from sheep milk, goat cheese, quark and cottage cheese. (So brave!).
These trips aren’t the last of Louise, as she plans to backpack across Europe with a friend soon. (So Fierce!) Make sure you keep up with Louise and her journey across the world, by following her on Instagram at: @lulubelle2407.
Until next time….
“Boss Up and Be Blessed”
☆BossUpMag |•| 10.29.17☆