Get to know me
Well hello there!
I’m Angela, an American humanitarian aid worker that’s been traversing the globe for over 20 years now. I responded to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, worked in drought preparedness in Kenya, and took many business and pleasure trips across Europe and Asia since the first time I left the US at the age of 20 for a study abroad experience.
I’ve been to almost 50 countries now, including ones that are truly “off-the-beaten trail” (I can talk for hours about my love for South Sudan!).
But in late 2014, I arrived in southern Türkiye to work on the Syrian humanitarian crisis and never looked back. It was my first time focusing on the Middle East region, but it quickly led to a deep interest and passion for this region, as I’ve travelled for work and fun to much of the region.
For the last 2.5 years, I’ve been living in Amman, Jordan, and I still work in the humanitarian sector as my full-time job. But one of the (many) things I’ve loved about the work that I do is that I’ve also been able to get to know the nuances of the many cultures and countries around this region. Like…
Which country uses “naam” and which ones use “eh” when I want to say “yes”? (Jordan uses “eh”. Other countries, I’m still learning…)
Where does falafel and shawarma originate from? What country makes the best? (Oh, there’s lots of food thoughts coming! But I have to say, my favorite shawarma was in Aleppo)
What does a sandstorm really look and feel like? (Dusty. And a bit like Mars)
Do Bedouins still roam the desert? (Yes! So do camel herds!)
Amman used to be called Philadelphia during the Byzantine empire?? (Really! It was!)
Can I tell the difference between Arabic and Kurdish? (Most of the time)
Why is it so common to listen to Fairuz in the morning? (Because she’s amazing and of course, nostalgia)
And even more than that, is this region safe, what with everything going on? Is it safe for a woman to travel alone?
So this is where this starts. Much of my travel across the Middle East region has been on my own. Of course, sometimes work took care of some of the logistics, but other times I organized it myself! And in all locations, I went off wandering on my own, to discover what makes that city or country unique.
I’ve almost been stranded in Erbil, Iraq because I didn’t have cash or cell access.
I travelled to Damascus in February 2025 on my own because my soul needed to be there.
I climbed inside of the Great Pyramid while jet lagged, just so I could see the sarcophagus inside.
I learned about falconry in Doha and pigeon fancying in Cairo.
I cut inches and centimeters off my hair while in Beirut because I just could not handle the August humidity.
When I was in university, I came across the quote attributed to St. Augustine: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read but a page”. Let’s not get into whether he really said this or not, because the most important point (from a long-time bookworm) is that travelling opens your world, bringing our collective understanding of what makes us all human closer together. The more we travel, the more we want to know and the more our curiosity grows. So come along on this journey with me, as we learn more about the beauty, hospitality, history and culture of the Middle East.
What is yalla habibti?
Yalla Habibti means “Let’s go, my dear” in Arabic, but in the female format. At its core, it’s an encouragement to myself to not get complacent and to live my life to the fullest.
It’s an invitation to other women who are curious but hesitant about exploring this rich, complex region.
It aims to demystify the Middle East, to break through the stereotypes and news cycle to bring understanding and empathy.
It sets out to empower the independent woman to push boundaries even further to see some of the most beautiful – and longest existing – countries, but in a safe and informed way that builds confidence in self and in others.
What will you find on Yalla Habibti?
Everything is based on first-hand experiences from myself or close friends who also have lived and worked in countries in this region. Where I share something that I have not myself personally done, I’ll note it clearly.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is intended for information, awareness raising, advice and guidance. While I share tips and experiences from my travels and life as an independent woman in the Middle East, this content should not be interpreted as a guarantee or one-size-fits-all guide. Experiences can vary widely based on nationality, ethnicity, language skills or appearances. Cultural norms, laws and conditions can change rapidly and widely across the region. While I truly believe that this region can be experienced safely and with huge amounts of fulfillment, any advice here should also be taken into consideration with your government’s travel advisories and your own discretion. And of course, I’ll try my best to note where there could be differences or where to seek further advice.
My Values
Through Yalla Habibti, and as a humanitarian and lover of cultural diversity, I would love nothing more than to empower women to explore and experience the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and authentic hospitality of the Middle East through immersive and transformative experiences that challenge misconceptions and create meaningful connection.
My core values align deeply with this desire.
- Empathy & Connection: I want to foster cross-cultural understanding, challenge stereotypes and bring the lived experiences to life in the most authentic way possible.
- Female Empowerment: I aim to build confidence in female travelers to this region, but more than that, I also want to highlight local female entrepreneurs, change-makers, and historical icons in ways that note that positive change is happening locally as well as globally.
- Respect & Cultural Integrity: This region is diverse, nuanced and complex; I will not always get it right, but I aim to learn and share in ways that highlight the depth and breadth of cultures here.
- Social Responsibility: Recognizing that tourism and travel does indeed come with negatives, I aim to ensure that all my interactions are creating a positive impact, as much as possible.