A few months ago I was encouraged to continue sharing my travel stories in hopes of inspiring others to see more and do more of what this big beautiful world (and all the people in it) has to offer. The encouragement came in the form of an email that was quite unexpected and much appreciated. The wonderfully funny American-in-England known as ‘ The Mother Hen’ over at Mother Hen Diaries nominated my fledgling blog for a Liebster Award. The award is a way for bloggers to shine a little light on new blogs (like mine) that they enjoy and to give recipients the opportunity to pay it forward by nominating other blogs. Thank you for the nod Mother Hen. I’m encouraged to keep calm, travel and blog on!
Part of receiving this award involves answering 10 questions posed by the nominator so, here goes:
1. Why did you start your blog, and why did you choose this name?
I think the perfect answer to this question resides right here.
2. What is your idea of the perfect night out?
A lively restaurant with great food, lots of friends sitting around a round table and wine flowing freely.
3. What is your favorite article of clothing and why?
Flip flops. They epitomize how I like to BE – casual, comfy and ready for the beach.
4. If you were a pizza, which one would you be?
Any pizza that is light on the cheese. I love pizza and I do want some cheese on it (mozzarella only) but only enough to achieve that nice melted appearance. I’m not a big cheddar cheese fan – a character flaw according to many people who know this about me.
5. Name your top 5 all time favorite guilty-pleasure songs.
Anything by Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie’s Dancing on the Ceiling, Crowded House’s Weather With You. I know these are all ‘old’ songs but they were chosen largely based on where they send me back to in my mind when I listen to them. Great memories of awesome times. Also, who doesn’t like Pharrell Williams’ song Happy?
6. If you could choose to live on any island, which would it be and why?
New Zealand’s south island. I think I could feel ‘home’ there. Mountains, beaches, glaciers and fjords – what more could you ask for?
7. What is the farthest you have travelled? What brought you there?
Hmmm. I suppose technically the farthest I’ve been from home (Canada) is Australia but the farthest I felt from home and from my own culture was when I was in Israel. Both were remarkable and amazing experiences. I went to Australia following 4 years of an undergraduate degree and 2 years spent in a lab pursuing a Master’s degree – the freedom of a year roaming around Oz was just what my soul needed. I went to Israel when I was part of an adventure travel show that was filming an episode there. From Jerusalem to the Dead Sea and the Red sea, I had such a memorable experience there.
8. Beatles or Stones?
Hmm…that’s a tough one but I’ll go with the Beatles.
9. If you could be any breed of chicken, which one would it be? Why?
Had to do a little research for this one – couldn’t name a single chicken breed! Post Google search I can now say I’d be quite happy as an “Alonissos island chicken” from Greece – any excuse to revisit the Greek islands ;)
10. Who do you want to be when you grow up?
I would love to be simply a better version of myself. That way I can pursue my goals with gusto and revel in the individuals my girls will become when they are adults themselves.
11. How much wood does a woodchuck actually chuck? (It’s one of the burning issues of our time…I can’t believe no one has ever properly answered it, but go on… have at it!)
None! Woodchucks, better known as ground hogs, can’t actually chuck wood. Need proof? Just sing the song …”How much wood would a woodchuck chuck IF a woodchuck could chuck wood”.
Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer
In keeping with the tradition of the Liebster Awards, I’d also like to acknowledge a couple of travel blogs that I have come to enjoy recently. I hope you’ll check them out.
I’ll be nominating a few more once I’ve had time to explore more of the blogoshpere and then I’ll pose my own set of questions to them so that we can all learn more about each of their travel aspirations and inspirations. Inspiration can come from anyone or anything at any time, its only a matter of having an open mind and a flexible schedule. Travel on!
You lose sight of things… and when you travel, everything balances out
Passion Searcher 
Well done Tanya! What a lovely post, and thanks for the nod! I am so happy to finally hear a proper answer to the woodchuck riddle at long last… Thrash almost farm girl gave a cracker as well. A lush post as always, darling. Our nights out sound like the same night!
Thanks again! I’m on the search for some great new blogs to keep it going.
wow – tough and DIFFERENT questions. Nice job answering them! I’m glad when I did the Liebster Award no-one asked me about what type of chicken I’d like to be!
Ha! Yes, I definitely had to do a little research on the chicken question. I saw your award post not long ago – nicely done! – nice to be in such good company :) Now to choose some great new blogs to keep the light shining…..
Congratulations on your amazing nominations Tanya! I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am for following your dreams! I only wish you we’re here to enjoy our travel adventure in the countryside of Girona, Spain. xo
I wish I was there too but I’m so excited for you and your family to be having this amazing experience. Living vicariously over here. Enjoy the olives!