Meet the adventurer

The Ugandan-American became the first black woman to visit all 195 UN member states in October 2019. She talks about what it means to be fearless

We speak to record-breaker Jessica Nabongo

What inspires your adventures?

Curiosity — that’s what’s always inspired me. I truly just have a strong desire to see the differences and similarities in how people live everywhere in the world. Even at home in the United States. I put a lot of trust in strangers, and I believe you can travel solo anywhere.

Who was the most interesting person you met?

Zaki, my guide in Algeria. It was towards the end of my journey, and at the time there were a lot of antigovernment protests going on there. We were supposed to be touring, but we ended up sitting in a cafe, talking. I’ll never forget what he said: “I’m just living for the sake of living. You can’t have wild ambition around here, especially if you’re the oldest child.” It really struck me. Simply because of where he’d been born, his opportunities were limited to the point where he didn’t even want to think about success.

Do you have any travel heroes?

Barbara Hillary. She was the first black woman to visit the North and South Pole, and she did it aged 75 and 79; isn’t that wild? The other is Cory Lee. He’s in a wheelchair and has visited 37 countries. I can’t relate to him because I haven’t faced those challenges, but I love that he hasn’t let being in a wheelchair stop him from exploring the world. Diversity is also about abilities, age and body type.

What was the most extreme place you visited?

Let’s talk about South Sudan. The US embassy strongly discourages its citizens from travelling there, but I always say no country in the world is completely safe, and no country in the world is completely unsafe. I spent my time there with a South Sudanese woman, Nyankuir. I didn’t want to go to a compound and never leave it, so instead I visited a cattle camp, as cattle are an extremely important aspect of local Dinka culture. I spent time speaking to the elders and the children, and I found out my bride price — 30 cattle, at most, because at five-foot seven, I’m considered short there.

Did you ever experience any setbacks?

I don’t believe in failure. And I don’t have the ability to be embarrassed. Embarrassment isn’t a natural human trait, in my eyes — it comes from socialisation. If I fell over in the middle of Grand Central Station, I’d laugh at myself. I truly believe that every failure in your life is just an opportunity to learn.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

My mother has always said “humble yourself”. I appreciate it because when you travel, depending on your passport, social class and so many different things, you can go to places with a lot of ego or you can humble yourself and know that everyone is equal. It enables you to connect with all types of people, no matter if they’re a man sitting on the floor at a market or a manager at a Four Seasons property. It’s really just about seeing people as they are — human beings. Humility is so important.

Where are you off to next?

I’m off on a road trip through New England. I’m really excited about the food; because it’s the East Coast, there will be lots of amazing lobster in Maine and Rhode Island. And I can’t wait to explore the outdoors. I’m going to enjoy something new, but still stay safe, considering the current climate.

Do you have any advice for someone who’s keen to head off on an adventure?

Travel with kindness, travel with positive energy and travel without fear. What I’ve learned on my travels is that most people are good and most people really want to help you. A lot of the time, people are just really happy that you’re in their country. INTERVIEW: NORA WALLAYA

For more of Jessica Nabongo’s adventures, visit her blog, The Catch Me If You Can. Jessica has recently launched an online shop, selling goods collected from her travels.

@thecatchmeifyoucan thecatchmeifyoucan.com