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This email lands in your inbox every Tuesday. It's all about travel insights, personal stories, and lessons from my adventures exploring over 90 countries thus far. Whether it inspires, entertains, or enlightens, let's celebrate the beauty and diversity of this amazing world we share, from a travel perspective! 🌍✨

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Sometimes, it's not the places you visit that stay with you the most.

It's the people.

That was certainly true of my visit to Country #98: Gabon.

I arrived in Libreville with very little planned. Gabon's tourism industry isn't as developed as neighbouring Congo's, so I couldn't find any city tours online.

Fortunately, I had Antoine, my wonderfully welcoming Airbnb host, who picked me up from the airport and immediately made me feel at home.

And that turned out to be especially valuable because I quickly discovered that the language barrier in Gabon is very real and Antoine speaking fluent English was an absolute gift.

My introduction to Gabonese taxis

One of my first experiences was the local taxi system. Taxis slow down just enough for you to shout your destination, usually while several other potential passengers are doing the same.

The driver then points to the destination he prefers.

If that’s you, you’ve got to jump in before someone with a similar destination does (if space is limited). You then somehow negotiate your fare while you're already moving, picking up and dropping off other passengers along the way in the same fashion.

It sounds chaotic because… well, it is!

But somehow, it works!

And then came Charly

After helping me settle in, Antoine arranged for his cousin Charly to show me around Libreville the following day. Antoine came along too.

We toured the fast growing city: beautiful churches, historic monuments, impressive government buildings and the scenic Atlantic coastline.

When Antoine headed home for other commitments, Charly could have done the same.

Instead, when I mentioned that I had a friend staying at Paroisse Sainte Berthe, more than 20 kilometres outside the city, he simply offered to drive me there if I could top up his fuel.

He patiently navigated through traffic and roadworks, for over an hour.

I expected to meet one Kenyan nun who had recently professed her vows.

Instead, I discovered four other Kenyan sisters living in the community!

What a joyful surprise.

And Charly wasn't finished.

He hurried us back in Libreville, as he offered another unexpected gift: an invitation to witness a small part of a traditional Myènè cultural initiation ceremony for young women. It was a rare privilege (of course I accepted!) and we went to the hideaway location after meeting with his siblings.

I was warned that if I took photos, I’d also become an initiate on complementary basis!

I put my phone far out of site and focussed on the unfolding drama, amazed to witness something restricted to most outsiders.

Some experiences are simply meant to be lived. 😂

At some point I marvelled aloud at how fortunate I was. Here I was, thousands of kilometres from home, travelling alone, yet feeling completely safe and completely at home with two people who had been strangers only a day earlier.

Charly simply said: "You must have a good spirit."

I'll never forget that and realised I had met the true spirit of Ubuntu in the Gabonese through these two gentlemen.

The rest of the journey

The following morning, I attended a vibrant Mass in French at St. Peter's Church, walked along the seafront near the Presidential Palace, and discovered that the beautiful Gate of Freedom monument was rather more closely protected than I had anticipated (a military guard screamed NO! when I attempted to take a photo)!

I finished my visit at La Voile Rouge, enjoying a generous plate of pork ribs, the Atlantic views and some very satisfying people-watching as Gabonese families enjoyed a Sunday afternoon by the beach.

I didn't find a fridge magnet to bring home with me.

But I left with something much more valuable.

The memory of being welcomed, helped, trusted and cared for.

Gabon may be country number 98 in my passport, but the kindness of Antoine and Charly made it one I'll remember for a very long time.

Sometimes, it's the people, not the places, that make a country unforgettable.

Your turn: What's the kindest thing a complete stranger has ever done for you while travelling?

I'd love to hear your story. Just hit reply and share.

I read every email 😊

Your Travel Coach,

Maria Kamau (aka Mkay)

Travel Enthusiast | Bodacious Adventurer |Travel Writer

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