Mexico, Nigeria, Spain, Russia, Korea, Singapore – Elena is our tour guide in this literary expedition. Reading allowed her to explore different cultures, eras and perspectives from the comfort of home, and she talks about some of the most memorable novels she has read. Elena is the Head of Languages at SAIS. She has a passion for fostering global awareness and cultural empathy through literature. With more than a decade of teaching experience in diverse international contexts, she encourages students to explore the world through the stories of others, helping them see beyond borders and embrace different perspectives. Elena sees literature serving as a powerful vehicle for understanding cultures, promoting tolerance, and sparking curiosity about the world. Her mission is to inspire readers of all ages to become lifelong travellers through the pages of books. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx