FIFINONO – a blog about cultural exploration

I sat on the Terrace of my Casa, sipping the freshly squeezed guava juice and watching the first sunray waking up the city. The tranquil morning of Havana is frequently interrupted by the harmonious melody of hummingbird and roosters, contrasting to the lively streets filled with upbeat Latin music and…

As we passed Stella Point, darkness surrendered to the orange light which illuminated the sky. Pink hued rays of sunrise kissed the glacier and turned it pink. Standing on top of Africa on my 30th birthday, it was a celebration to my 20s and a salute to my voyages in…

Driving towards the port in Akureyri, I recognized Plancius from miles away. This is the ship that took me to the end of the earth; the ship that inspired me to give up everything at home and begin this adventure. Resting peaceful, she waited patiently for the next expedition into…

Getting lost in Iceland became our daily routine. We often found ourselves driving aimless for hours, sometimes in pitch-dark and often with gas meter dropping faster than the distance to destination. A road-trip here was like traveling through the song It’s Oh So Quiet by Iceland’s country’s treasure Bjork’s. Everything…

Morocco is a country full of stories. Over the centuries, it has woven its ties to sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the wider Middle East into a whole piece of unique art. I miss the days dragging our luggage in the Medinas, getting lost in the Souk, and walking around the…

Ethiopia is one of the world’s oldest countries, the second-most populous nation in Africa after Nigeria, and the fastest growing economy in the region. However, it is also one of the poorest, with a per capita income of $850. The history, landscapes, and culture are fascinating. Its uncolonized history made…

“Karibu! Welcome!” “Sister from a different mother!” As we entered the local market, the local hugged me as we passed by their shops. I could get used to this. I loved their smile, laughter, and sense of gratitude, and community bonding. Here we are, Tanzania! Serengeti By the time we…

A gentle tap on my shoulder makes me jerk awake. I squeezed my puffy eyes to see a machine gun. “Passport” It was about midnight and I was on my bus to Cappadocia. The police stopped each vehicle on the street for security checks. The country has become intense after…