A journey from the late 80's in Africa till now

One of the most profound takeaways from living across different regions is the ability to challenge common misconceptions about cultures. Too often, people believe that because a region is different, it is somehow inferior. Another assumption is that people in certain places are unwilling to change or adapt. A simple difference—whether it’s in cuisine, the use of utensils, or even modes of communication—can sometimes be interpreted as a sign of superiority or backwardness. Yet, experiencing different cultures firsthand teaches that no single way is the ‘right’ way—just different ways of navigating the world.

Growing up in a liberal family where nothing was ever seen as set in stone, I learned early on that adaptation is a crucial part of life. This perspective made it easier for me to navigate different cultures and embrace the reality that each place operates by its own set of norms. Over the years, I’ve realized that adapting to an environment doesn’t always mean enjoying it—but rather understanding it and finding ways to function within it.

For example, I’ve lived in places where freedom of speech isn’t a priority. In such environments, you have options: accept the reality and find ways to enjoy life, push for change if it matters deeply, or choose to leave. My choice depends on the situation. The key lesson here is that we are always in a cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning. Having the mindset that there is always something new to understand—regardless of how much we’ve experienced—is what ultimately defines whether we thrive or struggle in new settings.

Despite cultural differences, I’ve found that there are deep-rooted similarities among people worldwide. At a fundamental level, people are drawn to those who resemble them—whether in appearance, beliefs, or even food preferences. Another striking similarity is in art. A love song in Mandarin might not be understood by a Peruvian or a Kenyan, but they would still recognize it as a love song. Emotions transcend language, and when we take the time to dig deeper into something we once considered different, we realize how universal human experiences truly are.

That said, stepping outside of our norms can be intimidating. Many people resist change simply because it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable. But once we overcome that fear, we open ourselves up to the richest experiences life has to offer. In my opinion, embracing change and immersing oneself in different cultures leads to a more fulfilling, well-rounded life.

What’s one cultural difference you once found surprising but later embraced?