Cheers to my first post of 2017! The Travel Whispers Blogger Challenge was created by Stephanie Fox and is a set of 10 questions designed to make bloggers reflect on the best moments of 2016 while looking forward to the travel goals in 2017. It’s a great way to be inspired by fellow bloggers and connect. Check out the links below to other great blogs that have participated, or find us on social media with the hashtag #TravelWhispers.
Here are my answers.
1. If you had to move to a country that you’ve NEVER been to, and live there for ten years, where would you go?
I think I would choose Mexico. I have not been there yet ( side note: SO SHAMEFUL for a Southern California girl who loves Mexican food and culture to have not traveled just across the border yet) but it would be a great opportunity to brush up on my Spanish and eat comida delicioso todos los dias.
2. If you had to live in a hotel for the rest of your life, which hotel would you choose and why?
The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. It is the cutest most whimsical place I have ever stayed in! I loved and the quirky, unique design of the room, the elegant restaurants, the cute pool area, and the pink-everywhere color palette. I could definitely see myself living there and eating the pink champagne cake every day!
3. If you could only eat the cuisine of one nationality forever more, which would you choose?
I can’t choose between Japanese and Mexican cuisine. I love both of them equally. So, I will have to go with “American” because in New York City there is a Japanese and Mexican food fusion place called Takumi Taco with delicious concoctions like “spicy tuna taco”, and “Japanese Curry Beef Taco.” I could eat those lovely foods forever more. That counts as “American,” right? Food fusions? 🙂
4. Who has given you ‘holiday envy’ this year, and how?
Basically,every female solo travel blogger I follow! It’s so awesome that they travel for a living. I could not get enough of My Life’s a Travel Movie‘s photos in Egypt, following Journalist on the Run’s Overland adventure to Cape Town, having “cute rage” (because I LOVE ELEPHANTS) seeing Oneika the Traveler’s photos at the elephant sanctuary in Thailand, and The Blog Abroad‘s amazing trip to Peru! #Goals.
5. If you had to look at the same sunrise or the same sunset every day, where in the world would you never get bored of seeing? Please don’t say sitting outside Cafe Mambo in Ibiza.
I am definitely not a morning person so I don’t see very many sunrises. When I do though I am in complete awe. There is just something so special about seeing the world wake up. If I had to look at the same one everyday, I would never get bored of the amazing sunrise as seen from Haleakala Crater in Maui. It’s breath taking.
6. If you were taking a ‘staycation’ in your home town, where would it be and what would you recommend others to do?
I’m very lucky to live in San Diego, California because there is so much to do here. I always have tons of suggestions for people when they visit and I even wrote up a post for another blog here. I would definitely stay in a cute hotel or AirBnb close to the Little Italy/Downtown area and enjoy the great Italian food and cafes. I would take a stroll in Balboa Park and browse some museums. Make myself a picnic basket complete with carne asada fries and rolled tacos from Taco Salsa then head to Coronado Beach and enjoy it while the sun sets. Then I would go sing karaoke in the Convoy/Kearny Mesa Area and grab some dinner at any of the great Asian food places in the area. Life is good in San Diego 🙂 .
7. Describe your perfect travel day of the year?
It was in Maui with my now fiancé. We were driving around the island in our rented Jeep taking in the beauty of Maui and stopping for photos. During one of the photo stops, he proposed! It was a total surprise, and he was so adorable and nervous. I think I said, “Thank you” after he asked. Then we ended the day eating at Leoda’s , our favorite place in Maui. If you are ever in Maui they have the best Chicken and Waffles, and pies.
8. What have you ticked off your bucket list in 2016?
My first solo trip abroad. I went to Ireland in July and it was as beautiful as I imagined. I had so much fun seeing things I had only read about and seen on TV like Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Dublin, Wicklow National Park, and Newgrange ! I’m so grateful I got to do that, and solo traveling is incredibly freeing and very fun!
9. What is top of your travel bucket list for 2017?
Enjoy my Honeymoon in French Polynesia, and see the Heiva in Tahiti. Hangout with great company and enjoy delicious food and culture in Japan. It will be my first time in both countries and I have always wanted to go. I can’t wait!
10. Share your favorite Instagram photo of 2016?
This photo was taken right after my good friend, Josh and I met Michelle Obama at the White House in October 2016. It was a totally surreal and crazy experience, and definitely one I will never forget. We did get to take a photo with Mrs. Obama which would have been my favorite Instagram photo of 2016, but we still have yet to receive it from the White House 😛 .
Check out other bloggers that have taken part in the Travel Whispers Blogger Challenge:
- Challenge Creator: Stephanie Fox
- Challengers Before Me:
- Up Late With Tristan and Cindy
- Vintage Blue Suitcase
- The Manini Experience
- Challenger after Me :
And if you want to get involved, join the Facebook group!
JamieBLT 
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