For six years she traveled around the world on foot. A wanderlust that saw her walk 20,000 miles across four continents, 13 countries, and a few islands.
Angela Maxwell, a 39 year old woman from the small city of Bend, Oregon USA, saw the global journey as a personal challenge, and a way to raise money and awareness for a nonprofit organization that supports sheltering and educating victims of sex trafficking.
Hoping to raise $20,000, Maxwell set off on her ‘walking voyage’ on May 2, 2014, selling all her belongings, except a small bike trailer, and leaving her career as a business consultant and life coach behind. She said, “I had to let go of everything. I just have a box of things at my friends house. Other than that, I don’t have a home. Literally, everything I own fits on the cart.” (1)
Championing Women
Maxwell has supported and championed women’s empowerment causes throughout her life. She previously led an effort called ‘Project SHE Thrives,’ where she traveled to different cities to interview successful women on perseverance and how they made their dreams come true.
While walking, Maxwell would think how many women around the world have little or no freedoms or opportunities like those in the United States. This inspired her to continue to raise as much as possible for the ‘Her Future Coalition,’ an organization that creates a positive change in the lives of women and girls suffering from gender violence, poverty and exploitation. (2)
Turning Trials, Tribulations And Tragedy Into Triumph
During her journey, Maxwell never used any type of transportation other than her own two feet. She wore out three pairs of boots each year, walking 20 miles a day, and always tried to carry enough food and water. She mainly dined on basic provisions such as dried noodles, rice and beans – her goal to survive on a daily budget of just $5.
For the woman who “wanted to feel the world” there were other challenges too. Heatstroke in Australia, Dengue fever in Vietnam and being caught up in extreme types of weather would slow, but never halt or dampen her perseverance.
Tragedy would also strike on a spring night in Mongolia in what Maxwell would describe as “the longest night of her life” when a Mongolian nomad entered her tent and brutally assaulted her. (3)
Her determination however, was resolute and her strength of will endured as she recalls some of the wonderful people and lifelong friends she made along the way. A woman she met in Italy asked if she could be her child’s godmother. And a sheep farmer from Sardinia invited her to stay for a month to learn local farming techniques.
“You just have that special connection that lasts a lifetime,” she said. (1)
Journey’s End Or New Beginning?
As Angela Maxwell completed her astonishing around-the-world journey on December 20, 2020, she looked forward to meeting old friends.
She has plans to write a book about her trip, and hopes to pitch an idea for a TV show that centers on the diverse roles and jobs of women around the world, from ancient traditions to modern professions.
After these projects, she is unclear what direction life will lead.
“I keep myself open,” she said. “I’m ready for the next adventure.” (1)
