Known for a lifetime of overland journeys with her husband Alan, 85, Cooper has recently returned from Rwanda, after 14 years since her husband first visited and she initially declined to join him.
In an interview with BBC, she recounted her experiences in the East African nation, painting a vivid picture of its natural beauty and warm hospitality.
“I was really surprised. It was like one vast botanical garden. Green, lush plants and flowers everywhere, the people were friendly, the food terrific,” Cooper said.
Her description highlights Rwanda’s lush landscapes, often dubbed the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” where rolling green vistas, vibrant flora, and a welcoming atmosphere create an almost garden-like serenity.
Cooper and her husband Alan, have been backpacking the globe together since shortly after their marriage, embracing a spontaneous, off-the-beaten-path style of travel that has taken them across continents.
Their adventures began with overland journeys, including a memorable route through India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Over the decades, they have ventured into the Middle East and South Asia extensively, often booking flights to a destination and then relying on local hotels, public transport, and a sense of adventure to navigate from there.
Reflecting on their nomadic lifestyle, Cooper explained how external events sometimes extended their stays in unexpected ways.
“We decided we would go to Canada or Australia. We were going to go overland to India and get a boat to Australia. But when we got to India, there was the Arab-Israeli War. That trip was about eight months!” she recalled.
Cooper also reflected on how recent conflicts in the region reminded her of times past.
“That was when the Shah was in power in Iran. It was very civilized. As we approached a town, there was always a big roundabout planted with trees and flowers to welcome you. And people were lovely, friendly, educated,” she recalled, drawing a connection between past travels and present news.
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