Wanderlust Unveiled: Kate Boardman A Visual Journey Across 53 Countries with Aphantasia”
This firsthand account is based on a conversation with Kate Boardman, a 36-year-old former teacher and current content creator from Massachusetts, who has spent the last 12 years exploring 53 different countries while living abroad. The narrative has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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Kate Boardman
Hailing from a small Massachusetts town devoid of stores, Kate Boardman’s insatiable desire to explore the world ignited in eighth grade. Over the past 12 years, she has traversed 53 countries and resided in 10 diverse locations, cultivating a passion for sharing her adventures through captivating photos and videos.
Kate possesses a rare condition known as aphantasia, preventing mental visualization. Although it doesn’t significantly impact her daily life, it elucidates her compulsion to document moments. With over 3,000 videos chronicling her global odyssey, content creation becomes a unique way for her to relive experiences.
The wanderlust bug bit Kate at 14 during a transformative trip to Mexico with her grandparents, pivoting her perspective from beach resorts to authentic cultural immersion. Subsequent adventures, including a year-long exchange in Germany at 15 and international school teaching stints, laid the foundation for her nomadic lifestyle.
Venturing through Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Cambodia, Bahrain, Australia, Guatemala, and beyond, Kate embraces the title of a digital nomad. A favorite destination, Iran, left an indelible mark with its rich history, architecture, and vibrant culture, challenging misconceptions about people versus governments.
Despite a few negative encounters and a robbery in Italy, Kate remains undeterred, emphasizing the rarity of such incidents and highlighting the universality of challenges. Her resilience and commitment to exploring the world defy the conventional life trajectory scripted for many in the US.
Currently residing in Massachusetts but planning a move to Mexico, Kate continues to share her journey on Instagram, creating digital products to guide aspiring travelers. Through her content, she aims to demystify the world and inspire others to embark on their own adventures.
In documenting her travels, Kate not only compensates for her aphantasia but also crafts a vivid tapestry of global landscapes. Her story encourages embracing life’s beauty and cherishing every sunset, resonating as a testament to the transformative power of exploration.
