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 Jeannie Mark of Nomadic Chick. Jeannie’s corporate job boldly quit her, so in June 2010 she embarked on a world exploration. She’s been to England, Denmark, the U.S., India and all across Canada. This fall, she continues her journey with more travel shenanigans in store.
1. How do you define the word “traveler,” and why would you consider yourself one?
A person who has the compulsion to leave their home and seek out experiences in a completely alien place. I consider myself an experience collector, so not sure if “traveler” is the right term. LOL. Maybe it is?
2. What has been your favorite travel experience thus far?
India. Truth is, I hated and loved it usually within a span of five minutes. It’s jarring, grotesque, beautiful, jaw-dropping. Everything. I WILL go back.
3. How about your proudest travel moment?
Probably facing 43 unruly kids during my volunteer stint in India. I was scared of what to do, how to behave properly. But by the end of my volunteer work, the kids and I had bonded so much that I knew I’d miss them immensely.
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?
Everyone raves about London, but frankly, I was freezing every bloody second. I chose to go in November, and every single flat I stayed in was drafty. Is the heat on in here? (As she bangs the 18th-century boiler.) The architecture sang with dullness. Brown, non-descript and depressing. I am in awe of its history and completely missed those bits, so know for a fact I have to go back in order to make a fair Jeannie assessment. But, it will be July, people. No more shivering for me!
5. Name one thing you can’t travel without.
My laptop, I do everything on it. Email, chat, Skype and even my journal is on the computer!
6. Name one thing you wish you COULD travel without.
Clothes. I wish we could all be naked travelers. How cheap and easy would that be? How cheap and easy would that make me? Don’t answer that!
7. What do you think has been the biggest thing you’ve learned while traveling (about yourself, a destination, a culture, travel itself)?
A big thing I discovered is you can’t make assumptions about anything. A new city, person or even cultural event. Surprises come in so many forms, which sounds wildly unpredictable, but it’s seriously the best thing about travel.
8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I honestly can’t answer that question, as I’m still figuring that out! Ask me in another year.
9. Name one place you’d like to see or one experience you’d like to have before you die.
Considering the theme of my website: Spain. All of it. Every flim-flam flamenco joint will be mined by yours truly.
10. If there was one thing you wish somebody would have told you before you started traveling, what would it be?
That thongs are a bad idea, but I’ve been wearing them for 8 + years, I can’t go back now!
Visit Jeannie’s site: Nomadic Chick
Follow Jeannie on Twitter: @nomadicchick
“Like” Jeannie on Facebook: Nomadic Chick
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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.
This was a super fun interview. Again, thanks for asking. I use to be awkward at these, but I’m getting better as I go along. You caught me on an upswing, girl.
Whoo, upswing! Lol. I had fun reading through your answers as I put this post together. Thanks for agreeing! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I don’t think nakedness will help with the freezing situation in London…
Dalene Heck recently posted..Ireland Is Working It. Hard.
Guess thongs wouldn’t help either my degree of cold either, huh?
Oh revise, scratch that extra “either”, you get the gist.
LOVED this! And honey, I totally feel you on the thongs.
And now I’m scared about my move to London in the fall. Eeps!
London has nothing on where I live in the winter — northern Ohio winters are ROUGH.
Get space heaters! Lots of them. And German boyfriends are also natural furnaces.
Naked travel! Jeannie you need to get yourself a boat. Clothes are optional in The Middle of Nowhere. It’s nice and cool in the tropics, and it saves having to do laundry.
Torre recently posted..My Problem With Big Decisions
I like the saving laundry part.
Had no idea you were so clothes averse Jeannie. Does this mean you have enjoyed clothing free beaches since you have such an aversion to thongs and material which covers our bodies?
Jeremy Branham recently posted..10 ways to save money in Paris on a budget
Not sure I needed to know about your panty choice…but I sure feel like I know you better now!!
Gillian @OneGiantStep recently posted..7 Ways from Flying Phobiast to Flying Diva
In the realm of TMI, whoops.
Great interview. Looks like you picked a bad time to visit London!! Loved the last answer haha.
Roy | Cruisesurfingz recently posted..Returning To Riga (You Know, Latvia)
Great interview! I am in total agreeance with the laptop and clothes – I mean, clearly the laptop is way more important!
Cherina recently posted..Photo Essay: Remembering Venice
Haha, Jeannie, you sure are getting some attention with that naked travel comment!
This was a really fun interview to read, makes me wish I knew Jeanie in real life. And her answer about India was so spot on — “hated it and loved it within a span of 5 minutes.” I can completely relate.
I can assure you — she’s just as awesome in real life!
You know what surprised me about you in real life? Your skin! Flawless. Gorgeous. I want it.
Hahaha. Well I’m sorry, but you can’t have it. I kind of need it! Especially if this whole naked traveling thing catches on…
Great to see Jeannie in the spotlight! I’m a bit disappointed that her biggest travel highlight wasn’t meeting me in Copenhagen, but hey ho!
Regards, Si
LOL. Now, I did remember meeting you and having good laughs and tasty beer with you!
Awww loved this interview! I’m not a huge London fan either. Spain yes and I would LOVE to travel in that country with you.
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..Dominican Republic: Day 2 (Part 5)
I knew you’d say that. Is this because your husband is Latin?
I think London is cold in the winter because its just so dreary and wet. Light rain which is freezing soaks you in seconds. The cold – I swear the cold can be worse in London than the mountains of Colorado at times.
You’re too funny Jeannie! Traveling without clothes… that’s a new one but I like it!!
Annie recently posted..Lesson #12: Don’t Be Such a Mama’s Boy!
Arghhh… we’re going to London in November, hopefully we don’t hate it as much as you!
Do Canadians use the US definition of thongs or the Aussie definition? Haha.
Kieron recently posted..The Best Round-the-World Trip Advice From Experienced Travelers
No wonder I don’t like thongs, plastic is so uncomfortable!
Nomadic CHick recently posted..Love Should Not Be My Drug