Thursday Traveler: Brenna of Le Fabuleux Destin de Brenna

Every Thursday, A Dangerous Business will be shining the spotlight on a world nomad, travel blogger, armchair adventurer, or just someone really cool in the travel world. This week, the traveler is Brenna of Le Fabuleux Destin de Brenna. A native Philadelphian, Brenna has taken the plunge and moved to rural France. Between sumptuous meals and knee-high boots, she has left her American ways behind in search of adventure.

1. How do you define the word “traveler,” and why would you consider yourself one?

Traveling is about surrendering everything you know and diving into a magical and sometimes scary world. I have a natural curiosity towards new people and places that seems to be never-ending.

2. What has been your favorite travel experience thus far?

The first time I ever left the United States, I was a 14-year-old exchange student in Haugesund, Norway. I was like a little kid in Disney World; I don’t know if I will ever appreciate anything as much as I did that first trip. I savored every moment; taking in the breathtaking views from the rich mountaintops, trying to kneeboard through the fjords without going under, trekking to the neighbors’ house for milk and eggs, and trying to speak Norwegian to my host family. I try to keep my life in perspective and appreciate ever moment like I did when I was first in Norway.

3. How about your proudest travel moment?

Every time someone thinks I am a local in the place I was visiting or living in. When I was living in Aix-en-Provence, France, I remember the first time someone though I was Aixoise; my smile was uncontrollable!

4. Have you had any travel mishaps or bad experiences? If so, have these influenced how you view the place where they happened? Would you go back?

Of course! When you’re traveling, you plan and plan, but nothing ever goes exactly how you think. I have many a time been lost, or verbally harassed (as most women travelers have been), or generally uncomfortable. But sometimes those are the experiences that change you the most. Luckily, I have never had a grave mishap, and I don’t like to judge places based on bad experiences I’ve had.

5. Name one thing you can’t travel without.

My journal. I write down all of my thoughts, no matter how stupid I think they are. It’s for my eyes only!

6. Name one thing you wish you COULD travel without.

Luggage? Does that count as one thing? I envy some women I see traveling; always glamorous and composed, never panting to haul heavy luggage up the metro stairs or looking like a bagwoman while trying to see the local sites. How do they do it? I just want to look effortlessly beautiful… daily. Shouldn’t be too hard, right?

7. What do you think has been the biggest thing you’ve learned while traveling (about yourself, a destination, a culture, travel itself)?

Humans all share similar characteristics — there will be good ones and bad ones, but one thing is for certain: people will always surprise you. There is no sense in holding onto judgments or preconceived notions, because one of the biggest treasures in the world is the natural goodness in people.

8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

My favorite places in the world are where family and friends surround me. But if I had to pick one location where we could all be together, it would be the south of France. Close to the sea, we could savor the Mediterranean diet full of olive oil and fresh vegetables, and embrace the absolutely divine French savoir-vivre.

9. Name one place you’d like to see or one experience you’d like to have before you die.

I wrote my undergrad thesis on French African Women’s Literature — I am dying to get to North Africa to see with my own eyes what life is like there.

10. If there was one thing you wish somebody would have told you before you started traveling, what would it be?

You are a diplomat to your culture and your country. My parents always told me this, but sometimes I feel like it is not stressed enough. Own it! Although sometimes I feel like I am defending myself; it’s worth it. I love the USA!

Visit Brenna’s site: Le Fabuleux Destin de Brenna
Follow Brenna on Twitter: @fabdestinbrenna

——

Are you a travel blogger who has something to say on these topics? Do you know of somebody really interesting in the travel universe that you’d like to see interviewed? Speak up! The Thursday Traveler needs some interview subjects.

You may also like: