The First Woman To Travel Around The World
There have been many great explorers throughout history, but few have achieved the feat of travelling around the world. And even fewer were women. One such remarkable woman was Nellie Bly, who became the first woman to travel around the world in a mere 72 days. Her journey was an extraordinary achievement and an inspiration for women across the world.
Who was Nellie Bly?
Nellie Bly was born as Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman on May 5, 1864, in Cochran's Mills, Pennsylvania. She was an American journalist, inventor, and charity worker who was widely known for her investigative reporting and pioneering work in the field of journalism. She was also an advocate for women's rights and helped to change the perception of women in society. Her courage and dedication to her work made her a trailblazer for women in the field of journalism.
Her Journey Begins
In 1889, Nellie Bly set out on her extraordinary journey around the world. She was inspired by Jules Verne's novel "Around the World in Eighty Days" and wanted to prove that a woman could travel around the world on her own. At that time, it was believed that women were too fragile to undertake such a journey. But Bly was determined to prove them wrong.
The Journey
Bly set out on her journey on November 14, 1889, from Hoboken, New Jersey, and travelled by ship to London. She then travelled to France, Italy, Egypt, and Singapore, among other places, before returning to the United States on January 25, 1890. She covered a distance of 24,899 miles during her journey and visited places that were considered off-limits for women at that time. She even met with Jules Verne in France and interviewed him for her newspaper.
The Challenges
Travelling around the world in 72 days was no easy feat. Bly faced many challenges during her journey, including rough weather conditions, delays in transportation, and cultural differences. In Egypt, she had to fend off unwanted attention from local men, and in Singapore, she narrowly escaped a cholera outbreak. But Bly was determined to complete her journey and did not let these challenges deter her from her goal.
The Legacy
Bly's journey had a significant impact on the world. She proved that women were just as capable as men of travelling around the world and inspired many women to pursue their dreams. She received a hero's welcome on her return to the United States and was celebrated as a national celebrity. Her journey also helped to popularize the concept of adventure travel and inspired many people to undertake their own journeys around the world.
Conclusion
Nellie Bly's journey was an incredible achievement and an inspiration for women across the world. Her courage, determination, and dedication to her work made her a trailblazer for women in journalism and helped to change the perception of women in society. Her legacy continues to inspire women to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in their respective fields. She is a true hero and an inspiration for generations to come.