Natalia Sokolova

I travel and write with my partner in crime, Jonathan. We have been together for half a decade and our passion for travel and adventure has been a big part of the glue that holds us together. We tend to steer away from the beaten path preferably on two wheels, whether its a motorbike or a bicycle. We strive to find places before they become overly commercialized or places that have simply been overlooked by others. We hardly make reservations ahead of time because we really don’t know where we will end up in a couple of days or even in a few hours. Our motto is everything will always work out and that has been the case 99 percent of the time.

That’s us in a nutshell. All we really want is to see what’s left of the world before jungles are clear cut, animals become endangered and local businesses get taken over by multinationals. I travel to educate myself on what has become of the world and of our humanity.

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?

The toughest part of being back home is having to sit still and conform to Western customs. I do a lot of work on my blog while at home so I feel very productive in that matter. It also drives me to get back on the road again.

Do you feel many people are envious of your lifestyle?

Envy is a strong word. Envy and jealousy are such ugly emotions and I would hate for anyone to feel that way towards me. I don't think people are envious, but more inspired. Numerous times my friends have told me that they are living vicariously through me. I do enjoy hearing that but at the same time I feel that they should get off their own butt and go explore the world instead of experiencing things through me.

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

I have yet to be recognized. I don't think I have been at this game for that long. Although I totally felt like a rock star among 5 year old students in Korea. I had to sign SO many autographs!

Which three items would you never travel without?

I would never travel without a guidebook, camera and an open mind. Too corny?

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

I used to collect fridge magnets but then I kind of stopped when I realized how kitschy those things look. I really enjoy bringing back a T-shirt or two and a wacky craft. Basically I'll bring back something that would elicit a reaction from my friends and something that will bring back pleasant memories as soon as I look at it.

Tagged as: Canada

NataliaSokolova
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