PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY OF JESSICA NABONGO, JUSTIN FOULKES. AS TOLD TO GABRIELLE JAFFE
People make places special. The countries I’ve enjoyed most haven’t been because I saw something spectacular or had the best meal of my life. It’s more about what I’ve learned through the relationships I’ve cultivated. Some people can go somewhere for two weeks, see all the major sights but never have a conversation. I can spend three days in that country, not see any landmarks, but spend three days with one person and their family. For me, this is a deeper experience.
For me, travel is about connecting with cultures in a way that’s not exploitative. To avoid ‘othering’ people, ask questions with an open mind. And truly listen. One thing I always ask is ‘What makes you happy?’ When I was in South Sudan recently, one woman told me her answer – milking her cow – and had me video her doing it. It was beautiful to see the pride she took in her work. In South Sudan, cattle are like currency. I asked a man how many cows he had, and he was offended, explaining it was like asking how much money he had.