Najmun Nahar Shohagi: The Fearless Globetrotter
All across the world, women are stepping out of the safe confines of their homes to explore unknown cities, countries and continents. They are challenging the idea that they cannot take care of themselves, especially when they are outdoors. Najmun Nahar Shohagi, a Bangladeshi- Swede, has set a benchmark in this regard. She has travelled to 125 countries across the world with the flag of Bangladesh. She is proud to represent her beloved motherland during her travels. In many of these trips, Najmun travelled all by herself. Growing up, Geography was Najmun's favourite subject. Looking at maps, locating countries, studying the atlas and learning about capital cities and international currencies are some of her fondest childhood memories.
She went on her first tour in 2000. "I took part in an international camp, which was organised in the hills of Pachmarhi, India. Students from 80 countries attended the camp," she explained. "I tried different activities like rock-climbing and also went on a safari there, and that is when my knack for adventures began." When she moved to Sweden to pursue her higher studies, she saw it as an opportunity to fulfill her wanderlust. Najmun's grandfather was a traveller, and his stories of roaming around the Middle East inspired her. Najmun's family is truly supportive of her aspirations.
Najmun follows a planning system for her travel expenses, which includes mapping the places to visit, finding the cheapest ways to get to those places and gathering all the necessary information, from bus connectivity to train services. She books her flights in advance of the travel dates, and makes sure to get the tickets at a bargain.
"Mostly, I travel by road, walking across the borders and sleeping in youth hostels," she added.
She also spoke about some of the challenges she dealt with throughout her travels. Many times during her adventures, she faced extremely dangerous situations which could have easily led to death. However, Najmun faced them sportingly and went ahead, travelling to one country after another. "While climbing the Rainbow Mountain in Peru, I had an altitude attack. The decreased oxygen levels started affecting my respiratory system and I felt dizzy. After a co-trekker offered me his inhaler, I regained my strength and control over my body," she mentioned. "When I went to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia for scuba-diving, midway through the journey, my pipe had a leak and the saltwater filled my mouth. At Atacama in Chile, I suffered from skin rashes and bleeding due to the harsh climate." Fortunately, the people Najmun crossed paths with during her travels, always stepped up to help her during difficult times. She believes that when it comes to travelling on your own, it is important to be fearless.
From all the countries that Najmun has visited so far, her favourite destination is Iceland. Since her father's demise in 2010, Najmun started travelling with her mother and appreciates her support even more now. By the end of 2021, she aims to fulfill her dream of travelling to every country in the world.
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