Bourdain was undoubtedly the ultimate GOALS for most people in the travel or food space. Without a doubt he was mine. From Vietnam to Copenhagen to Iran to Nigeria, Bourdain travelled the length and breath of the earth to discover food, people and their culture.

“It’s mad, it’s bad, it’s delicious, it’s confusing, and I’ve never seen anything like it.” – Bourdain on Lagos

Everyone wanted his job. I remember having a conversation with my friend who is a travel enthusiast too.

“I want to be like Anthony Bourdain! That’s an ultimate dream. Have a successful travel show that breaks barriers and shows us the world beyond stereotypes”

I missed out on an opportunity meeting him in Nigeria. The hope was that I’ll meet him sometime in future. Like they say, the future is now!

You learnt so much from every episode of Parts Unknown, the show was relatable in every sense and had so much depth. Like the name “Parts Unknown”, every episode takes you to an unknown part of a city/country through its people. A part different from what the western media shows you. The episode on Nigeria (which is definitely my favorite episode after the Obama one), showed the world a Nigeria beyond political battles, unrest and terrorism.

It shows you a Nigeria with hardworking people and one with budding tech hubs. He had conversations with Banky W and the Kutis and also shared a meal with a family in Makoko.

I smiled all through the Episode on Nigeria and it encapsulated everything about Lagos. No one does it like Bourdain.

“It burns. It burns real good.” – Bourdain on Nigerian pepper soup. 

It’s ironic how someone who had a seemingly fulfilling life wasn’t fulfilled with life. The biggest take away from this shocking death is SEEK HELP. Could be from friends, family, a therapist or a stranger. Talk to someone….anyone….

TRIBUTES TO THE LATE HERO

As these tributes pour in, our condolences to his friends, family and colleagues and our thoughts are with them through this extremely difficult time.

Check the excerpts from his Parts Unknown episode in Lagos here

Seeking help in Nigeria? Contact any of these organizations.

Nigerian Suicide Prevention Initiative

She Writes Woman

Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative

Let’s not forget to celebrate his life by living life to the fullest! Letting go of our prejudices and seeing people as people is what Bourdain was all about. Breaking bread with strangers, experiencing cultures through the eyes of its people. Share your best Bourdain quotes with us in the comments. We’ll start,

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain