In her book "Becoming," Michelle Obama reflects on her role as First Lady and emphasizes the importance of genuine connections during her travels. She expresses a desire to engage with local people instead of only interacting with political leaders. For her, understanding the culture and experiences of everyday citizens was a significant part of her visits to new places.

Michelle highlights that these international journeys allowed her to have unique experiences that her husband, Barack Obama, did not have. Her focus was on building relationships and gaining insight into the lives of those she met, which enriched her understanding of the world beyond the political landscape.