From a Small Village to the World: My 100-Country Journey

Woman in a yoga pose in front of a glacial lake with snow-capped mountains in the background in Antarctica. — Finding balance at the edge of the world – Antarctica ❄️🧘‍♀️

👋 Hi, I’m Alex – a dreamer, explorer, and now, a debut author.

I grew up in a small, humble village in Vietnam — a place rooted in resilience, simplicity, and quiet hopes.
Back then, I couldn’t have imagined I’d one day set foot in over 100 countries across all 7 continents.
But here I am. And now, I want to help others believe in the impossible too.
“No dream is too big for a brave heart.”
My path wasn’t easy. Life threw its share of obstacles, but each challenge shaped my grit.
Detours became lessons. Setbacks became fuel. And every dream I clung to turned into a stepping stone toward something far greater.

Portrait of Alex Wonder - author wearing traditional ethnic costume in Sapa, Vietnam, with vibrant rice fields in the background — Wearing traditional ethnic costume in Sapa, Vietnam

A colorful world map highlighting the 102 countries and all 7 continents visited by Alex, a Vietnamese female traveler and author. — 102 countries. 7 continents. One fearless dream.

🚢 A Journey of a Lifetime: The Story Behind Lexi, a Wanderful Diary

In my early 30s, I made a bold choice — to chase a lifelong dream: visiting 100 countries and all 7 continents before turning 40.
Lexi, a Wanderful Diary — Volume 1 — shares my 38-day solo cruise from Europe across the Atlantic and around the Caribbean, where I explored countries #86 to #92. It’s part memoir, part travel diary, and a reflection on resilience, adventure, and daring to dream big.
Volume 2 follows my journey through countries #93 to #101 across the Middle East and Africa, and the unforgettable moment I finally reached my 100-country, 7-continent goal at 38.

🌍 What to Expect on This Blog

This blog is more than just a collection of posts — it’s an ongoing extension of my journey and everything I stand for. Here’s what you’ll find:
✍️ Personal stories from my travels (the raw, the real, the beautiful)
📚 Behind-the-scenes of writing and publishing as a first-time author
💡 Reflections on courage, independence, and personal growth
🧳 Travel guides and tips from my global adventures
🎯 Inspiration to help you chase the life you dream of

Author Alex Wonder jumping at the summit of Pico de las Nieves in Spain, with empowering poem text overlayed — At the peak of Gran Canaria’s highest point, I leap with the strength of every doubt I’ve transformed into belief.

Author Alex Wonder standing at Everest Base Camp with snow-covered Himalayan peaks in the background — At the foot of the world’s highest peak — Everest, realizing a dream that once felt impossible

🔥 Why I’m Doing This

I’m not a celebrity, and I didn’t grow up with a trust fund.
What I did have was a suitcase, a savings plan, and an unshakable fire in my heart.
This journey is my way of showing that bold dreams aren’t just for the privileged — they’re for anyone brave enough to chase them. If you’ve ever felt your goals were too distant or too unrealistic, let my story be proof: If I can do it, you can too.

📬 Let’s Stay Connected!

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Author Alex Wonder sitting on a rock with Mount Fitz Roy and a turquoise glacial lake in the background — Sitting in silence beneath the jagged peaks of Fitz Roy, I found a kind of peace only the wild can offer — raw, humbling, and unforgettable.

🙏 Thank You for Being Here

This blog — and this dream — wouldn’t mean the same without you reading this.
Welcome to my journey. And more importantly — welcome to yours.
Let’s wander. Let’s grow. Let’s dream boldly.
—
💛 With love,
Alex