Baby Elephant, “Hercules” Fights Off 14 Lions | Travel Motivation

Travel Motivation: The most inspiring elephant

Most of you know I’m pouring all my energy & money into starting a vegan social impact snack company in Addis Ababa. (On a side note– I’m using all the profits from my book, Backpacking Africa for Beginners, to help fund it. So if you want some good travel karma, download it today 😉 ) And let me tell you, being an unfunded startup in a developing country is hard.

That’s why on Thursday morning, I found myself tired, excited, and most of all overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. Maybe you know the feeling? Then while eating a bowl full of my favorite Ethiopian lunch, Shiro, I came across the story of this badass elephant.

This lone little elephant found himself surrounded by 14 female lions! Attacking him, viciously, all at once.

He didn’t give up. Didn’t succumb to his terrible fate. He fought back! Hard.

While keeping his cool, he retreated into the water which got rid of most his attackers. But not all of them. Finally, he just started charging them! Until his foes were running away from him.

His stay-calm-and-carry-on attitude earned him the name, “Hercules.”

Travel Motivation

What “lion” is attacking you today? I know before my backpacking trip I was trying to figure out:

Is it too irresponsible/stupid to quit my job and just travel? (Nope– totally not!)

Where should I go? (There are lots of reasons to backpack Africa)

How much $ do I need? (I’ve already described how much backpacking Africa costs, but stick around because I’m launching a new interactive Africa Backpacking Cost Calculator soon!)

Is there ANYONE who can give me some personal, real information about backpacking Africa? (I totally can! Leave your questions in the comments below or check out my backpacking book that tells you everything you need to know.)

Anyways, whatever you’re facing today–don’t give up! Charge forward, kick some ass, and become Hercules. If one baby elephant can fight off 14 lions, you can overcome too!

Leave your questions about backpacking below. Tell me the challenges you’re facing. Or just share your personal travel motivation/”Hercules story” with me. I’d love (and definitely need) to hear some! 🙂