On Tuesday 21st April, we did our first ever live interview with a travel blogger on Twitter. For those of you who missed the interview, here is the transcript of this first experience. We think it was a success! And so we will regularly be carrying out similar interviews in the future so that we can discover and share together the experiences of these passionate travellers from all over the world. We hope you find their insights as interesting as we do:
Hello velvetescape a pleasure to have you there! For those who do not know you: who are you, where do you come from and why did you choose velvetescape as a name?
Velvetescape during his favourite activity: Travelling
A pleasure to be there! I’m originally from Malaysia but I’ve lived in Amsterdam for almost 20 years. My background is in banking & economics.
Velvet Escape is about getting away from our daily routine or structured lives and exploring, being adventurous, reflecting and doing it in style (that’s the ‘velvet’ touch!). My travels are my velvet escapes!
And how do you find the time to travel so much? I’m starting to wonder how you’re finding time to work!
I had up to 40 days of leave a year. I took a sabbatical last year, went around the world in 5 months and I’m still on my sabbatical.
Lucky you. I know a lot of people who would love to do the same!
We have a question by one of our fellow followers: @Cristian20 During your travel, what sense develops itself the most? And what was your strongest souvenir?
Senses: Primarily sight & sound. However, taste & smell are in a good 3rd & 4th position! I love food & wines.
Souvenir: I bought a fabulous Mapucho Indian ceremonial mask last year in central Chile. The mask is made of a combination of bronze and copper, and is studded with lapis lazuli.
By @traveldudes Are you a Backpacker, Flashpacker or something else?
I read the definitions and I’m not sure! I don’t have a backpack (though I used to have one during my student days). I love great hotels, food & wine and I can’t do without my iPodTouch, cellphone & laptop. So, maybe I’m not a flashpacker! Or am I…?!
By @Meaghan10s I would love to know… What is velvetescape’s most visually inspiring travel moment?
Lago Grey, Torres del Paine - By Velvetescape
Good one! In Patagonia. Torres del Paine National Park was mind-blowing! The Perito Moreno glacier was spectacular as well. I felt awe-struck, inspired and small.
To read Velvetescape’s article on Patagonia, please click here.
Great article! A question from our VP marketing: smells while travelling, what are your strongest memories (both pleasant and unpleasant!)
Pleasant smells: driving through central Corsica in late spring with the window open. The scents from the maquis were overpowering: Gorgeous lavender and myrtle shrubs. They use the flowers from these shrubs to make perfumes.
Unpleasant smells: driving past the port of Izmir many years ago. The chemical stench was unbearable! Heard it’s cleaned up now.
Can’t agree more about Corsica! A question by @antoinegrillon where did you have the most tasty travel experience? What was it?
Fresh prawns and scallops in a whisky and cumin sauce - By Velvetescape
Too many tasty experiences! To start: scallops & prawns in Valparaiso, Chile
In Bologna, I had THE most divine spaghetti alio/olio peperoncino. So simple yet so heavenly!
And I will never forget that solomillo (steak) with fat, white asparagus in the Rioja! Wow!
Making me hungry!! by @solotraveler How do you want a hotel to treat your sense of sound? Any place you remember?
Like most people I guess, I love sounds of nature. Staying at an overwater villa in Bora-Bora & hearing the gentle lapping of the waves (Velvetescape’s article on Bora-Bora) Stunning eh? It sure was. I also remember a hotel I stayed at on St. Lucia. Each morning, small multi-coloured birds would sit at the window sill & sing. What a way to wake up!
By @traveldudes When traveling alone, what fascinates you most? why is it so important for you?!
What fascinates me the most are the majesty of nature, different cultures and often, the ingenuity of mankind. I also find it fascinating to see how adaptable the human spirit is.
Travel (especially alone) is important for our personal development I think. It’s empowering and it opens our minds to new ideas & perspectives. It certainly has played a big role in shaping the person I am today.
What’s the most amazing place you’ve been to, when thinking about the people you met?
Ishak Pasha - By Velvetescape
Turkey: So hospitable. I fell ill in a small village near the border with Syria & they cared for me like their child. That made a huge impression on me. (Velvetescape’s article about Eastern Turkey)
Bali: Friendly, gracious & hospitable people. (Velvetescape’s article about Bali)
Finally, Cambodia. Despite being wartorn & poor, the people are so gentle and hospitable. I admire their spirit to forgive & move on.
Last question: what would you like to say to the people following us: you’re totally free to say whatever you want!
Thank you for following us & this interview. I encourage everyone to travel to free our minds & to grow as an individual. Enjoy yourself, learn new things and travel safe! Cheers!
Thank you Velvetescape and see you all soon for the next Splendia Twitter Interview.
Similar Posts:
- The first Splendia Twitter interview: “Travel is a feast for the five senses”
- Interview of Jenlaceda: a Canadian traveler – blogger – photographer
- Interview of Jennifer, a blogger living in Dubaï: The secrets of the United Arab Emirates
- Interview of Dreamsequins: A fashion addict living in New York
- Splendia winner enjoys luxurious weekend in Paris
