On Tuesday 21^st April 2009, Splendia did our first ever live Twitter interview with Keith Jenkins, the travel blogger behind Velvet Escape. For those of you who missed the interview, here is the transcript  of the interview with Keith as he shares some of his favourite memories from his travels…

Hello Keith, a pleasure to meet you! For those who don’t know you – who are you, where do you come from and what is Velvet Escape about?

A pleasure to meet you too! I‘m originally from Malaysia but I’ve lived in Amsterdam for almost 20 years. My background is in banking an economics but I took a sabbatical last year for five months and I’m still on my sabbatical! Velvet Escape is about getting away from our daily routine or structured lives and exploring, being adventurous, reflecting and doing it in style. My travels are my velvet escapes!

We have a question from one of our Splendia Twitter followers, @Cristian20: What is your favourite souvenir from travelling?

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.

From @traveldudes: Are you a backpacker, a 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 and wine and I can’t do without my iPodTouch, cellphone and laptop. So, maybe I’m not a flashpacker! Or am I…?!

From @Meaghan10s: What is your most visually inspiring travel moment?

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.

A question from our marketing team at Splendia: What are your strongest smell memories whilst travelling (both pleasant and unpleasant!)

A pleasant smell was 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. An unpleasant smell was driving past the port of Izmir many years ago – the chemical stench was unbearable, although I heard it’s been cleaned up now.

From @antoinegrillon: Where did you have the most tasty travel experience? What was it?

Too many tasty experiences! To start, scallops & prawns in Valparaiso, Chile. In Bologna I had the most divine spaghetti alio peperoncino – so simple yet so heavenly! I will never forget that solomillo (steak) with fat, white asparagus in the Rioja… wow!

You’re making me hungry! From @solotraveler: Which hotels do you remember especially?

Like most people I guess, I love the sounds of nature. Staying at an overwater villa in Bora-Bora and hearing the gentle lapping of the waves was especially memorable. I also remember a hotel I stayed at in St. Lucia. Each morning, small multi-coloured birds would sit at the window and sing. What a way to wake up!

From @traveldudes: When traveling alone, what fascinates you the most? Why iis it so important to you?

What fascinates me the most is 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.

Where is the most amazing place you’ve been to, when thinking about the people you met?

Turkey – so hospitable. I fell ill in a small village near the border with Syria and they cared for me like their child. That made a huge impression on me.

Bali – friendly, gracious & hospitable people.

Finally, Cambodia – despite most of the people living in unfortunate conditions, they are so gentle. I admire their spirit to forgive and move on.

Last question: what would you like to say to the people following us?

Thank you for following us and this interview. I encourage everyone to travel to free our minds and to grow as an individual. Enjoy yourself, learn new things and travel safe!

Thank you Keith.  Watch out for the next Splendia interview coming soon!

To see Keith’s blog, click here. For more informationan about Splendia, or to see our worldwide collection of unique Luxury & Character Hotels, click here.