A couple of weeks ago I got a nice tweet from Cynthia (Discovering Secrets). She nominated me for the Liebster Award. Thank you so much Cynthia, I really appreciate it! Although it’s my second Liebster Award, I still get butterflies in my stomach. For the people who don’t know what the Liebster Award is all about, it’s an online award given to newbie bloggers to put them in the spotlight and get to know them better. This second award gives me the perfect opportunity to tell you a little more about myself. Cynthia’s blog is in English and so are her questions. I answered them in Dutch and English, so pick whatever you prefer. Here we go!

1. If you would  go on a world trip and you could bring two animals with you, which animals would you bring and why?

This is a hard question for me. In some type of phantasy world the answer would be easy: two dogs! Preferably a white husky (‘snow’) and a brown labrador (‘choco’). Two jolly companions who would run and play on the beaches and cuddle me into sleep at night. How I would love that. The only thing is, it’s just not possible. You see, I’m allergic to most pets. No cats, guinea pigs or cute rats for me. None of that. Fish are an option, but cuddling with glass is no fun. So I let this question pass.

Liebster award honden

Aren’t they cute? 

2. Imagine somebody offers to teach you any kind of dance you want, what dance would it be?

I love discovering new cultures and their traditions, and traditions also include folk dance. For instance in Cambodia I saw some dancers perform the local Apsara. A gracious dance where you move your fingers and hands in a slow and dainty manner. Every movement has a specific meaning and stands for pain, jealousy or even anger. All shown by one single movement. Apsara is not an easy dance. You have to tighten all your muscles and keep your balance in order to move graciously and still. It’s the traditional way of telling an old story to the locals. I would love to learn these types of dances one day.

3. What is your favorite kinda music to listen to when planning a trip?

This fall I’m going to China. I’m so excited and started to plan the trip right away. Travel guide? Check! Gigantic map of China? Check! And when I grab this map, I love to put on some inspiring music. For instance ‘Maps’ of Maroon 5, but also ‘Stare into the sun’ of Graffiti6 and ‘New Slang’ from The Shins are great songs. Basically any song that gives me that getaway feeling is good.

China planning map

4. What is the most satisfying thing you get out of your blog?

Turning my pictures and memories into inspiring posts and getting some positive feedback on it. These are the moments that those late nights on the couch with my laptop paid off. I’m a real doubter and re-read my posts at least 10 times before I hit that ‘Publice’ button. So when I get some good response I know did my job well.

5. If you would only be able to see 3 colors for the rest of your life, what colors would be that be?

That’s a tough question. I like so many colors and don’t want to rule any out. But if I have to, my first pick would be the color blue. Nothing makes me happier like a perfect blue sky. An instant spring feeling that calls for special beers, icecream and so forth. My second pick would be the color green. Like the grass on the ground, the leaves on the trees and the large fields in the countryside. I’m a real country type and would choose the grass anytime over the brown stones of the city. And last but not least, I would pick yellow. The color of my favorite seasons, the yellow flowers during springtime and the yellow leaves in the fall.

colors blue yellow green

6. If you could have any other nationality in the world, where would you be from and why?

I’ve always been interested in Russia and I would love to have some Russian blood running through my veins. I think that Russian women are strong, proud and full of confidence. They’re not afraid. Something the Dutch women can learn from. Most women here are insecure and restrained. We have a Dutch saying that describes the typical Dutch behaviour: ‘Just act normal, that’s already crazy enough.’ A pity, because there’s nothing wrong with being proud at yourself and expressing this.

7. What’s your favorite drink in summer?

In summer I love to drink something light and breezy like a rose beer or a white beer. Or a simple white wine, that’s also fine. As long as it is smooth like the weather. The perfect location during the summer is my back yard. It’s pretty big, so there’s plenty of space to get a glimpse of the sun.

8. If you would have been a famous writer, who would you prefer to have been?

I really liked the movie ‘The Kiterunner’ referring to the similar book written by Khaled Hosseini. This book mainly takes place in Afghanistan, a country with a difficult history. But it also has a beautiful culture, just like Iran and some Central Asian countries have. Blue mosques, ancient Persian history and vast deserts. And on top of that, no mass tourism, only you and your memories.

Iran Photography

Architecture of a mosque in Iran. Photography of Mohammad Domiri.

9. Imagine you would have a time machine, which time and place would you go to and why?

Like I said before, I’m a real history geek. I even thought about studying history at the university, but in the end I didn’t. If I had to pick one time periode, I would definitely choose the Dutch Golden Age. A periode of time filled with wanderlust, dreams and exotic places. Loading up the ship, setting sail and setting off into the unknown. It’s that road trip feeling, only now on sea. It had to be an amazing feeling.

10. If you had your own personal cook for one night, what would your menu look like?

I’m a vegetarian and so my ideal menu would only contain vegetarian meals. I’m a huge fan of the Moroccan cuisine and so as a starter I’ll take some couscous with tomato, cucumber and carrots. For the main course I choose a combination of Indian and Nepalese dishes. Take for instance the momos (dumplings), a vegetable curry or a tomato chutney. Nepal is a true veggie heaven, because the Nepali don’t eat much meat. Perfect! And for dessert (a crucial part of the menu) I choose a lovely Italian tiramisu. My all-time favorite!

Liebster toetje

Sadly no picture of a tiramisu, but still this dessert tasted delicious.

11. What’s the thing that always manages to make you happy, no matter what?

Obviously traveling makes me happy. I love having some trips planned ahead so I can get all excited and read up on stuff. But also the smaller things in life can put a smile on my face. Just like silly things like dessert, going to the hairdresser, watching cat videos or a barbeque in spring. Nothing beats that first spring sun beam. Love it!

And now…?

Usually at this point I have to nominate a couple newbie bloggers I’d like to put in the spotlight, but I already did this last time so today I’m doing things differently. Let me know in the comments which question yóu liked and how you would have answered it. I’m looking forward to reading your answers!

Author

"Don't let your dreams be dreams. Go live your dreams. Go travel".

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