Interview with Anne Bonfert

I have hope for humanity. For the good in people. I think if we trust each other a bit more. Help others. And look after our friends and family members we’ll all live in a happier environment.

I got to know about Anne Bonfert after reading her article on Cultural Shock Coming Back Home. Her article moved me as a person. I found myself so engrossed in reading it that I read it twice. I didn’t know who she was unless I saw her article in the Medium and Bloggers Group on Facebook and that made me realize what a great soul she is.

She has amazing writing skills and she has been sharing her journey of the places she has visited and people she has come across. What makes me glued to her posts is I have been a solo traveler too and due to financial crunch I couldn’t travel after May 2019. But I haven’t given up hope yet because I know God will bless with funds to leave my footprints on maximum places I am going to visit and people I am yet to meet.

I have rejoiced reading her responses which I can claim came straight from her soul. I hope you enjoy reading and knowing about her too.

1. Where do you belong to? Is there anything you would like to change about the place you belong to?

I belong to nature. I am made to be outdoor. To be active in nature is inspiring. Nature is beautiful. I love being on the rock, in the sand, or the snow and I love being in the air. Rock climbing, sand- and snowboarding, playing beach volleyball, and going skydiving are a few of the sports I picked up in the last years. Unfortunately us humans destroyed a lot of it. A lot of the nature on earth. I would love to make the world a better place by reducing waste. I am trying to avoid using single-use plastic items at any cost. And I do motivate others to do the same. I think in 2020 everyone knows why we need to recycle more, reduce the trash we are producing and reuse as many items as possible.

2. What sets your soul on fire?

Exploring new places. Experiencing various cultures. And meeting new people. Those interactions with people from another country. They can be inspiring. They motivate you for your next goal in life. Or they might just broaden your world view.

3. Which one is your favorite family memory and why?

Building a snowman together with my parents. I love the snow.

4. Is there anyone in your life you could give your life for? If yes, why?

To my parents. They are just amazing. They worked so hard in life just for me and my sister to get the best education possible and making sure we can live our dreams.

5. Do you pour love into self from time to time?

Yes, I do. Every time I buy or find something yellow. Because yellow makes me happy. And happiness is priceless.

6. How often you observe the people near you?

I do observe people a lot. As someone who studied education, I observe especially family situations. I love watching parents interacting with their children. The way they talk to each other. The way they connect. It is always interesting. But I do observe others as well. I think it is important to pay attention to the small things in life. By observing someone’s behavior, facial expressions, or the way he is expressing himself you will learn a lot about him.

7. Why do you hope for? Does it change something within you or around you?

I have hope for humanity. For the good in people. I think if we trust each other a bit more. Help others. And look after our friends and family members we’ll all live in a happier environment. I do motivate people with my positive appearance and my willingness to do things. To plan trips together. To help a friend in a need. Or to collect money for a charity feeding the hungry. I don’t just sit around and complain. I get active. And that motivates others to do the same!

8. How does it feel like being a woman to you?

It feels strong. Empowering. Self-confident. Because that is how my parents raised me. And it feels good to be strong. It feels good to be confident in a world where you always fight against a male competitor.

9. What you would like us to remember you for?

To pick up the plastic bottle you’re walking past. To not throw any damn trash into nature. It’s really not that difficult. To buy reusable shopping bags. And say no to single-use plastic bags and other items. We can all make a difference. But we have to act. It’s small steps for us. But if we all do these small steps we can change something. What has to be changed is the mindset. The consumer‘s mind. The shopping behavior of the throwaway society. That has to change!

10. How would you describe your life?

Adventurous, nomadic, challenging, and colorful. My life is yellow. Because yellow makes me happy.

11. What keeps you on your toes and how do you like to spend your time?

I love being in nature. I love being active. I love teaching. Any skills I have developed I love to teach others. Seeing someone else’s progress in a new type of sport or activity is just the most motivating thing you can get in life.

12. When life gives you lemon what do you make out of it?

Definitely tequila! When life gives me lemons I will have a tequila with it. Together with some friends. To stand together through the next challenge we’re facing.

13. What mystery of life you would like to have an answer for?

I don’t really waste time on mysteries. I accept things the way they are if I can’t change them. As easy as that.

14. How were you different five years ago from what you are today?

I am quite different from then. A bit over 5 years ago I left Europe for the first time and lost my heart to the African continent. I was still a bit naïve, but made my way through life. Grew as a person. Learned new languages and different cultures. I’m standing now on my own feet. Solidly. Events or people’s actions won’t throw me off so easily. I’ve gone through a lot of challenges and grew as a person mentally and physically.

15. What would you like to leave as your legacy? Is there any message you would like to communicate to us?

Believe in yourself. Do small steps. See the small things in life. They will make your life happier and more fulfilled. Help others, so that one day people will help you as well. If we’re all a bit less selfish and share our happiness with others we will grow together. As friends. As a family. As a society. Because you should always continue to grow. There is always more to learn.

Anne Bonfert is a Traveler. Photographer. Writer. Teacher. Skydiving instructor. Adventure enthusiast. Nature lover. And fell in love with the African continent.