Meet Rosie Gabrielle, a Canadian exploring Pakistan on her bike

She hopes to present a softer image of the country this way

A Canadian youngster by the name of Rosie Gabrielle has been exploring the world alone on her bike. Her journey has brought her to Pakistan, where she is currently enjoying local cuisine and hospitality, so much so that she has labelled it “amazing and safe country.”

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The motorcyclist, who quit her job two years ago to live her dream of riding solo, has been documenting her visit on her social media pages. Just a couple of days ago, Gabrielle took to Instagram to share her experiences here. "Everyone told me it was too dangerous to come to Pakistan as a single female, let alone ride a motorcycle across the country. Now 1,500kms into my tour, I can tell you firsthand what it’s like to travel Pakistan as a solo female and what I’ve experienced so far,” she began.

"Countless smiles and cheers of joy as I pass people and they realise it’s a female riding. Numerous offers to stay in local homes wherever I stop. Families are always inviting me to stay with them. When I stop for chai or snacks at a store, most often someone will buy it for me, or the owner will not let me pay, saying I’m a guest in their country and they would love to gift this to me.”

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Gabrielle continued, “Food, food and more food! Wherever I go, I’m offered to eat wonderful home-cooked food or offered gifts of food from street vendors as I pass by. Everyone wants to say hello and ask where I’m from and are curious what I think about Pakistan.”



According to the traveller, a lot of people have been teaching her about religion as well. "They want me to know that Islam is [about] peace and love and that I am accepted just the way I am. I’ve been gifted many things now by the people and families I stay with and been given the highest attention and hospitality, even if they don’t have much to give. They make sure I’m happy,” shared Gabrielle. “And they give with their whole hearts. So many beautiful connections and heartfelt moments… I have truly fallen in love with the people here. This is Pakistan. This is the country of peace and love. And this is my unedited experience so far, as a solo female traveling by motorcycle."

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The Canadian added, "Pakistan has suffered greatly in past years due to the continuous negative image the media portrays. Since many years now, they aren’t used to seeing tourists. So they’re overjoyed to see a foreigner, not because I’m anyone special but because it gives them hope. Hope that Pakistan will once again be recognised for the beautiful country it is and the true heart of the people will be seen.”

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Gabrielle concluded her post saying, “People have labelled Pakistan as dangerous or said its people aren’t good. And I’ve seen how that personally affects them here. It brings them to tears to have such accusations and it breaks my heart to know what is said and how they’re treated abroad."

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