Scarlet Nguni

A recently reformed cynic, corporate junkie, reckless romantic disaster on a lifelong quest to live write & love, Scarlet was forced from the American business world and into writing by a stroke (of good luck). She can now be found watching blue cranes in the Overberg, wine glass in hand, listening to indie folk rock with Mowgli, Maximus and Simba (the cat tribe)… planning the next adventure.

You can work pretty much where you want to – on the road, do you find it hard to work or do you just have fun and work when you come back home?

I try to balance what I do when on the hoof - I take photo's, post a few instagram shots, Twitter updates and make notes. I think it's really important to try drop as much of the outside world's worries so you can absorb as much of the on location experience as possible. Then when I get home, I start by editing photos and reading through the notes I made; bringing back impressions and helping formulate the piece. Once I've effectively traveled there twice, I start to write...

Do you feel many people are envious of your lifestyle?

At times, definitely. Getting to travel, experience magical places, be creative and work for yourself are high points people often consider 'lucky'. But as with any occupations, there's draw backs. Whenever we feel jealous, I think it's because we see only the 'up' side of something and believe that's the whole. Even light casts a shadow - all occupations and passions have less than desirable aspects.

In which countries have people recognised you, even when you thought nobody would?

I try as far as possible to remain unseen - I'm generally quite private which is why I use a pseudonym. But there have been a few times when I've mentioned the blog and someone, when I least expect it says :: "Oh you're Scarlet!"

Which three items would you never travel without?

My iPhone, meds and a notebook.

Are there any specific souvenirs or other things you collect from the places you go to?

I love collecting little things that cross my path, like a rock or feather, porcupine quills or a piece of bark. I do this even when I'm not working as they serve to remind me of a magical moment or place. Bringing them back makes me stay connected to the beautiful places I've been to.

Tagged as: South Africa

ScarletNguni
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