THE WANDER WOMAN

Elsa Lycias Joel interviews Dawn Lwakila, a Canadian travel writer and founder of Wander International, a travel company specialising in tailored itineraries and unique destinations.

- Dr Elsa Lycias Joel

A strong advocate for travel as therapy for women, Dawn shares her journey, experiences, and insights on making travel safer and more enriching.

Where were you born and brought up? Is there a story behind your name, 'Dawn'?

I was born in Yukon, Canada's far north, where I spent my early years growing up. As a child, I had the freedom to roam the vast Canadian wilderness, often without adult supervision. A group of us kids would set off on adventures with a couple of dogs to chase away bears and other wild beasts. We climbed mountains, discovered hidden lakes, and explored sand dunes formed by the remnants of ice-age glaciers. We navigated unfamiliar landscapes with ease, returning home only when the sunlight faded and our stomachs rumbled.

These northern communities were close-knit, where elders were respected, and people generously shared what little they had. Long, dark winters were filled with laughter and storytelling, strengthening bonds within the community.

My name, 'Dawn,' often gets confused with 'Don,' like 'Gunda' (gangster). My parents, part of the hippie generation, had a completely different name in mind for me. However, when I was born early in the morning, at first light, they felt inspired to name me Dawn. It turned out to be fitting, as I have always been a nature lover, drawn to the great outdoors.

What intrigues, bothers, terrifies, and excites you about life in India? Also, tell us about your book.