My passion for travel was ignited early. My first time abroad — I was eight years old, and headed to Zimbabwe to visit my brother who was playing professional football in Bulawayo. This experience sparked a sense of adventure and curiosity, and a deep desire to learn all I could about other peoples', languages, and cultures.
Intrigued by other ways of life, in college I majored in East Asian Studies and studied Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. After graduation, I travelled to China to complete research at Xiamen University. From there I journeyed to Thailand and then throughout Southeast Asia. Over the years I have travelled to the region many times, both professionally and personally.
At Audley, I can combine my deep knowledge of the countries I love with my passion for travel. I get to share that passion with others who are eager to explore somewhere new or in a new way.
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Q&A with Alex
What鈥檚 your most vivid travel moment?
I was on safari in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, on a small dirt track road with walls of trees on either side. I heard a crack and saw a branch swaying out of rhythm up ahead. As I peered through the leaves, I heard a ground shaking trumpet. From the top of the canopy emerged the face of a full-grown African Elephant. I sat there in awe for what felt like ages. It wasn鈥檛 until her stomps started shaking the ground, and her ears started flapping against her neck that my trance was broken. I suddenly became conscious of the fact that I was only about two tusk-lengths away. We hit the gas and hightailed it down the track. I turned back to watch her through the dust, she ran out into the road, gave one last thunderous trumpet, and disappeared back into the trees. I鈥檝e never felt such a part of nature.
Where would you love to travel next?
Oman 鈥� It鈥檚 been described as the Middle East鈥檚 best-kept secret. From the sapphire-teal waters of the Gulf to the vast golden desert and imposing mountain ranges, Oman鈥檚 topography has captured my spirit of adventure. Soon I鈥檒l be out camping with camels under the stars of the Wahiba Sands.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Try as many new things as possible. Maybe it鈥檚 trying a somewhat interesting new food, accepting a random act of hospitality, or an adventure slightly outside of my comfort zone. I do it with an open mind and a smile. This has led to some of my most unexpected and favourite memories. I remind myself that I only have to try it once, and at the very least I鈥檒l have a great story to tell.