Liebster Award 2016 Nomination

I’d like to thank Jessie Read, from https://travelandtrouvailles.wordpress.com for my Liebster Award nomination!   Jessie writes a wonderful travel blog, full of fantastic stories of her travels all over the world, from backpacking around India to exploring San Francisco.  She is also developing topics on music and food, pretty much all of the best things in life!  Please check it out using the link above and get ready to be inspired!

The Liebster Award 2016 is an online award that is given to bloggers by other bloggers. The earliest case of the award goes as far back as 2011. Liebster in German means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.  It’s such a great way to explore new blogs and expand your network in the blogging industry.

Official rules of The Liebster Award 2016 if your blog has been nominated and you have chosen to accept it, are below.  I’ve found varying rules on the internet, so hopefully I have included them all!

• Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog. Try to include a little promotion for the person who nominated you.
• Display the award on your blog — by including it in your post and/or displaying it using a “widget” or a “gadget”.  Images you can use for your 2016 Liebster Award can be found here.
• Answer your nominator’s questions and create 11 questions for your own nominees to answer.
• Nominate 5 – 11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have a less than 200 followers.
• Give 10 random facts about yourself
• List these rules in your post.
• Once you have written and published it, you then have to: Inform the people/blogs that you nominated that they have been nominated for the Liebster award and provide a link for them to your post so that they can learn about it.

Responses to Jessie’s Questions  

1 Why did you start writing your blog?  

I have always kept a handwritten journal when I travel, but these get rather heavy after a while.  I thought keeping a travel blog would be a great way to record all my travels and share them with my family and friends, plus I would only have to carry around my laptop!  Turns out blogging is a fantastic way to connect with likeminded travellers – plus it’s a great way to get inspired!  I also love having all my travels recorded in one place.

2 What is the best food item / dish you have tried abroad, and where was it?

This is a really tricky one!  I love food and lots of dishes come to mind. I’ve particularly enjoyed cooking classes in various countries, as its always so satisfying to try a meal you have cooked all by yourself – french desserts in Paris, Pad Thai in Bangkok and savoury Vietnamese pancakes in Ho Chi Minh city all come to mind.

3 If you had to choose one country (aside from your own) to move to permanently, which would you choose?

Well, I am about to move to Germany, which will be a real adventure.  But if I had to choose another country, probably England – I just love the history in this place.  It is such a tiny country that has had such a large impact on the world.  I don’t think I would ever get bored of London, with its history, theatre, art and architecture.  Other than that, I wouldn’t mind landing on a tropical island somewhere in the Pacific and spending the rest of my days surfing and sipping on coconut juice!

4 What has been your favourite travel experience so far?

This is a tough question!  I loved zip lining through the jungle in Northern Laos.  We stayed in treehouses over night and even had our dinner brought in via zip lines.  I also loved doing a motorbike tour from Dalat to Nha Trang in Vietnam – cruising through the countryside on a bike is the most amazing feeling.  So invigorating and free! And of course, travelling up the East coast in a camper van was another highlight.  I learnt to surf, did a four-wheel drive tour on Fraser Island and even a sky dive at Mission Beach!  Wonderful memories!

5 Can you speak any foreign languages?

I learnt French at school (a long time ago now), which I can speak at a beginner level.  I’m currently learning German, in preparation for a working holiday over there.

6 What is your preferred way to travel? (Bike / train / plane / walking, etc)

For long stretches of travel, I love taking the train and watching the countryside change out the window along the way.  But, nothing beats getting out and exploring an area by foot, soaking in all the little details.  I enjoy hiking into remote places with beautiful views too!

7 What job do you do now / what do you want to do in the future?

I’m trained as a primary school teacher.  I have taught art full-time, before getting the travel bug.  Now, I largely do relief teaching, which offers excellent flexibility.  I have taught all over Australia, including Perth, Albany, Broome, Melbourne and the Atherton Tablelands.  I have also done some work as a musician, largely in Western Australia.  I am looking forward to perhaps doing some English teaching overseas.  In the future, I would love to develop my travel writing into a career.  I even have a few book ideas up my sleeve!

8 Where is your favourite place to be?

I love the tropics, largely because I love hot climates and travelling light!  I really bonded with the North of Australia when I lived in Broome for half a year.  Having said that, I’m so excited to be going back to Europe – the age and history of this place is astounding and I love all things old!

9 Do you like reading? If so, talk a bit about a book you’ve enjoyed

I love reading!  Recently, I have been getting through a lot of books by Belinda Alexander – ‘White Gardenia’ and ‘Silver Wattle’ were both fantastic.  Her books tend to incorporate history and travel with a strong female lead.  They really hook me in.  I’m currently reading Bill Bryson’s ‘Down Under,’ which gives a wonderful impression of Australia and makes me laugh!  I’m always on the look out for good books – any suggestions welcome.

10 What’s your favourite animal?

Camels.  Ever since I was a child, I’ve had a soft spot for these lovely creatures.  Did you know they have double eyelashes to help them keep the sand out in the desert?  They were key figures in the recent history of Australia too, helping on explorations and in building the overland telegraph line.

11 List three things on your bucket list

• Living in Europe (less than a week to go now)
• Backpacking through South America, particularly Machu Picchu
• Hiking in Nepal

11 Random Facts About Me

1. I have worked and lived in all four corners of Australia
2. I play the piano accordion
3. I used to do lots of dancing as a kid – Jazz Ballet, Flamenco, Irish, Tap
4. I sleep talk
5. I grew up with a horse, two dogs, chooks, ducks and a Jersey Cow
6. I’ve kept a journal ever since I was a child
7. I just recently fell in love with cats
8. I studied film and drama before becoming a teacher
9. I play tennis
10. My favourite colour is green
11. I can now stand up on a surfboard and ride waves in!

My Nominations

https://thissmallcorner.com

https://candeloblooms.com

https://hikeminded.wordpress.com

https://carinelifeblog.wordpress.com

https://dreamflydiscover.wordpress.com

My Questions

1. What inspired you to start writing a blog?
2. Tell me three things people might not know about you?
3. Where do you find inspiration for your writing?
4. How has your attitude to blogging changed over time?
5. What’s one of the best places you’ve ever been and why?
6. Name three things you always put in your backpack/suitcase.
7. Name a few favourite books (preferably travel-related) – I’m always looking for new recommendations!
8. What’s the first thing you do when you arrive in a new place?
9. How will your blog look in 5 years time?
10. How would you describe your travel style?
11. Any travel goals for 2016?

Look forward to reading your answers!