Interview of Jenlaceda: a Canadian traveler – blogger – photographer

On 26th May, we did our fourth live interview with a travel blogger on Twitter. Jenlaceda is a true lover of travel and photography so even with a two-year-old in her arms, she still manages to live her passion to the full.  Read on to find out how…

Good afternoon everyone, we are more than pleased to welcome @jenlaceda from myfolieadeux,  how are you?

It’s 10 C degrees in Toronto (to know more about Toronto: Wikipedia) right now, but I am feeling fabulous about this twitterview!

I guessed you would prefer to be in Europe! Could you tell us a bit about yourself? Why your blog, adventures, how do you travel?

I think many will be surprised to know that I am a full-time worker in the healthcare industry, but my passion lies in TRAVEL. I get the requisite 5 weeks vacation/year but I try my best to stretch that out as far as possible by vacationing over Canadian holidays so that I get an extra day here or there. I started travelling when I was 2 years old and my dad would work his behind off to send me everywhere. He himself didn’t travel much, but he made sure I did! For my 16th birthday, my parents asked if I wanted a big party with my friends, but I said, “ No, I would prefer a trip to Europe.” That’s when a love affair with Europe started. My blog is my creative outlet on pursuing a life long passion and love affair with travel. We have a question from @velvetescape : When did you get started with photography? Your blog is full of beautiful pictures

My uncle was a professional photographer, so I used to hang out in his studio in The Philippines. I wish I had paid more attention to what he was teaching me…  Then one day, I decided to dust the cobwebs off an old camera I had found in my parent’s closet. The camera was a Canon FILM SLR. My interest in photography had started, but before the digital age kicked in, buying film and processing them were very expensive!  Now that digital SLR’s are available, photography has become a more forgiving practice. It’s still a trial-and-error process, but at least you don’t have to pay to develop crappy photos! I have no formal training in photography, so I just do my best. If you are interested in seeing some of my travel photographs, you can visit my blog.

You usually travel with your family. How does it change your way of planning your vacations and to travel?

I want my daughter to have the same rich experiences that I’ve had. But travelling with a child certainly changes our style. We have to pick child-friendly hotels, for instance. Also, we can’t travel long distances straight—I guess Australia will be off our list until our daughter is a bit older. Also, wherever we go, we have to bring more provisions—diapers, snacks (in case they didn’t like the foreign food), bribes (lollipops for the airplane’s take off and landing), entertainment (books, crayons, small toys), mini toiletries (for emergencies on the road)
Recently, we travelled with our two year-old who was undergoing her “terrible two’s”. She wanted to ride the Barcelona subway repeatedly so we had to make her enjoy the experience. Meanwhile I was thinking, “oh my god, I want to go shopping on Passeig de Gracia now”. But at same time, I see the wonder and awe in her eyes and I know that even if she will not remember the trip, that she will remember the feeling (hopefully, the joy) of travel. We all loved the Barcelona Metro because it is efficient and it is clean! We were able to take our daughter around for rides and still had time for shopping at the Passeig de Gracia.

Nice feeling… from @velvetescape When choosing a destination, what factors play a role? How do you plan your trip?

Whatever my head and heart tells me. Also, we like to browse the internet and travel blogs like velvetescape for fresh ideas. Right now, the key factor is, because I’m travelling with my family a lot, whether it is safe and enjoyable for them. But if I’m travelling alone like @thesolowriter, then it’s pretty much wherever the wind takes me! I always plan my travels with guidebooks, hotel directory services like @splendiahotels, and of course, travel bloggers’ advice.

Speaking of safe places, Barcelona used to be a bit “dangerous”. You came back last week, what’s your feeling about the city now?

I first came to Barcelona in ’88 then in ’96. Everyone warned us that pickpockets were rife in the city. True enough, my 1st day in Barcelona during my ’96 trip, a 5-year-old gypsy girl robbed me! In the Catedral, no less! So I spent a horrible 1st day in Barcelona at the police station!  Luckily, an undercover police saw the whole thing and he helped me get my money back!
However, during our visit last week, I said to myself, “wow, what a difference 13 years make!” Barcelona has cleaned up well!  Facilities are excellent, and I had never felt threatened or harassed in the streets in any way! This is no wonder that Barcelona had been named No.2 Most Livable City in the World! It has even surpassed London & Paris.

A question from @travelogged: What’s your favorite museum/attraction in Barcelona?

Barrio Gotico is my favourite “open air” museum although the Sagrada Familia and Mercat Sant Josep should not be missed. I have thousands of photos from recent travels. I will surely post more on Barcelona on the coming days! I have put up some photos of Morocco on my blog.

Thank you Jenifer, waiting for these pictures. Would you add something? You’re free to tell us anything you want!

Thank you Splendiahotels for the engaging opportunity! That was fun!

PS: last minute question from @velvetescape (again!) What aspect of Marrakech impressed u most?

How do I begin? Just look at these photos. It’s very hard take a bad photo in Marrakech. The city is chaotic and dirty and hot, but it is sensational! I could definitely live there! If I could, I would!

Happy Travels, everyone!

A special thx to @jenlaceda @velvetescape @travelogged for their participation

Thanks for helping us book our hotels in Marrakech and Barcelona! Looking forward to staying at more places in your portfolio.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

David

Latest posts by David (see all)

• A Tour of London’s Hidden & Most Prolific Squares - March 3, 2010
• Hospitality & History in Amsterdam: “The World’s Smallest Metropolis” - February 15, 2010
• A Truly Green Hotel in Vienna - November 25, 2009
• A Personal Guide to Rio de Janeiro - September 23, 2009
• Interview of Dreamsequins: A fashion addict living in New York - June 10, 2009