Social Worker || ENFP || Fur Mama || Cheap Flight Finder Wait, isn't there already an "About Me" page for the chica who runs this blog? Yeah, there is, but readers have been asking me to answer the same questions I have asked my friends in the Backpacker Buddies series; so, without further ado:
Describe yourself as a traveler. I travel for local experiences and nature. I am not a big fan of cities (don’t ask about how I ended up living in NYC), but I love experiencing new natural environments and local cultures. I am also a backpacker—I believe in minimalism in traveling (and life in general). I take a carry-on backpack, try to unplug as much as you can while running a blog, and travel as slowly as possible. I believe budget travel allows for more intimate interactions with locals than other types of travel, which is also why I tend to work that way. Pick a travel quote that best describes why you travel. The quote that was used by Semester at Sea to inspire me to begin travelling in the first place was one by Mark Twain. It still motivates me: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” What is your #1 Bucket List experience? This is such a difficult question! But, I am looking forward to the day that Jimmy and I buy a van and traverse the Pan-American Highway from the top of Alaska to the bottom of South America. What is your biggest travel pet peeve? Travelers who believe that local customs/language/whatever should change to cater to them. It frustrates me to no end. What is the one "luxury" item that you always bring with you? I don’t really have anything that I bring with me, but my creature comfort on the road is a hot shower (which is really hard to find). Everyone always asks...where is your favorite place you've been? Why? A small village in Ghana. It absolutely changed my life and put me on my current trajectory. My “aha moment” was standing in the Wli Falls, the locals were warm and welcoming, and spending time with children who had been trafficked deeply affected me. I cried when we sailed away. I vow to go back. Is there anywhere that you've absolutely hated or would never go back to? Why? I think I’d give anywhere a second chance, but I truly don’t understand the hype around Morocco. Maybe I need a re-do? What is your favorite way to get from point A to point B? I love trains. You can meet people and see a lot of the country through railways. How has travel changed you? It completely changed me and my journey. I am more introspective, I stand up for human rights more often, I understand my own privilege and power and how to use it for positive change, and I have become more open to the universe and others. It has made me an overall better person, and a much happier person at that. Any advice for the newbies? Just do it. There will always be reasons not to and people who doubt you. In difficult and scary situations, I always will myself to have five seconds of complete bravery, and I have never regretted it. So use that five second courage to hit “complete reservation” on a plane ticket or try that crazy food or say hi to that fellow backpacker. It could literally change your life. Where do you think you're next journey will be? Just bought my ticket to Northern Ireland this July. Stay tuned! ♥ Have any other questions for Farrah? Comment below!
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Ubud,
I can't believe we're parting tomorrow. I don't know where to begin in thanking you for the amazing week I've spent with you. Countless times, I found myself in disbelief that you even exist. How could there be a place as refreshingly beautiful as you? Your countless palm trees, colorful and fragrant flowers, intricately designed doors and statues, shimmering rice paddies, holy temples, and smiling faces still have me awestruck. Thank you for our gracious host family who welcomed us with open arms. They have been kind, fair, and generous. I can still taste Iwayan's breakfasts and see Weyan Sudira's grin as we cheered him on at his local football game. Because of you, Ubud, our family has grown to include them. Thank you for the relaxation that comes with spending time here. It's funny; every day we seemed to slow down more and more–and be perfectly happy with the change of pace. Never needing plans or agendas, my friends and I enjoyed our company more completely. The simple details became moments of joy–a floating butterfly, perfect flower, a swaying branch. Thank you for sharing your spirituality with us. Your invitation to Saraswati–a Hindu celebration–was met with stunned faces. We were nervous to offend you if we "messed up" during the rituals, but that anxiety soon left us when everyone embraced our presence. The temple leaders were patient and led us in our own practice, ensuring we used the correct flowers and placed the rice on our foreheads. You gave us extra blessings for our upcoming travels. The sweet smell of incense on my clothes lingers, reminding me that you, Ubud, are with us in our physical and spiritual journeys. Thank you for your helpful and gracious residents. There are few places in the world that I have felt so completely safe. Taxi drivers gave directions when we did not need transportation, shop owners explained their craft without expectation, and locals were hospitable when we were stuck in the rain without shelter. These simple acts have made me feel even more at home here. And as I sit on the deck of our room at Yobi House, listening to birds and roosters, pigs and insects, I really do feel at home. It's strange to think that by this time tomorrow, I will be exploring a new place. Ubud, I will miss you. You will always, and sincerely, have a special place in my heart. Don't ever change, okay? With all my love–until we meet again, Farrah Have you ever been to Ubud? What was your time like there? For photos of Ubud and other places, check out my Photo Friday posts. |
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