Brendan Harding

Born in Ireland I spent the first part of my career as a graphic artist and musician. Twelve years ago the passion for travel and writing merged and after a degree in creative writing I began to forge my way in the world as a professional travel writer.

It’s been hard work with many sacrifices – both financial and personal – but the lifestyle rewards have outweighed any of these negatives.

My work has been published around the world and has appeared in several anthologies. My first book is getting closer and closer despite having taken over fours to find a format which allows my voice to resonate.

For six years I ran an eye-care charity in the Kenyan bush and this has been my constant source of inspiration as a traveler and as a human being.

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 keep my diary up to date as I travel but do the real grind when I get home. However, sometimes I just have to finish a piece in-situ while the images are fresh in my mind.

Do you feel many people are envious of your lifestyle?

I think so, until they discover that I'm not a travel writer for the money - it's pretty non-existant - but as a lifestyle choice. But yes, most people I meet are pretty envious and their first question is usually "where to next?" or "where are just back from?".

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

I don't get recognised unless I've been to the country before. But it has happened in Croatia, Poland and the US.

Which three items would you never travel without?

Moleskine notebooks (with pens of course), camera and an open mind.

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

I tend to take a small piece of rock from my destinations, I'm not sure why but they seem like a great reminder. Also my photos are good souvenirs. But the greatest souvenir I take from every destination is the memory of the people I've met and the things I've seen. Sounds cliched, but very true.

Tagged as: Ireland

BrendanHarding
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