“my
mother
was
my first country.
the first place i ever lived.
–lands”
Nayyirah Waheed is one of my favorite poets. “Lands” beautifully illustrates where my travels began—and why my curiosity to explore the world exists.
For me, my mother has always been the reason behind my passion for travel. Ironically, she hates it. After moving to America from Eritrea as a refugee, she hoped her days of constant relocation were finally behind her and imagined her children would never want to leave. Instead, she watched her firstborn jet off to somewhere new every chance she got. That firstborn, by the way, is me.
Hi, my name is Danait!
I am an Eritrean-American, public health and criminal justice professional, avid traveler, freelance photographer, painter, and writer who has traveled to over 30 countries across 5 continents.
As an adventure junkie, I’ve camped beneath the stars in Egypt’s White Desert, fished for piranhas in Peru’s Amazon rainforest, visited volcanoes in El Salvador, and pet cheetahs in South Africa... I’ll try almost anything for the experience to say the least! But, I am still deathly afraid of cats and dogs (yes, even the little ones).
My passion lies in discovering the world and capturing beauty in the everyday moments we often overlook. Whether I am abroad or wandering through a new neighborhood at home in New York City, I love sharing the people, places, and experiences that bring me joy and perspective. These moments help me feel grounded and give me pause. I hope my stories help you feel the same—connected, inspired, and ready to embrace the beauty around you—wherever you are. Welcome!