What beats the moment when someone notices your hard work? We know that every start is difficult and going out of your comfort zone is always complicated. We are sincerely grateful to Wander Bird who nominated us for the Sunshine Blogger Award 2018. She has been to some amazing places in India, the country we wish to visit in the near future. This nomination means more than just being part of a big blogger community where we connect with each other; it gives us the motivation to write our story with even bigger joy. Keep reading to find out what were the 11 questions she asked us about!
QUESTIONS FROM WANDER BIRD:
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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DECIDE THE NAME OF YOUR BLOG? EXPLAIN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF YOUR BLOG NAME.
It took us some time to determine the name of our blog. What we wanted to include in the name was an impression that would say something about us. The WILD stands for that adventurous part of us which contributed to changing the planned life, where we pretty much knew what tomorrow will look like. It also stands for our love of nature: we love to go to the wilderness and go wild, maybe do some crazy dance when no one is around. We love the diversity of our charming home planet. To be able to go around, not being tied to one place is something we connected to the FREE part of the blog name. Our blog is about our experiences and about these we write the DIARY from our hearts.
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WHEN DID YOU START TRAVEL BLOGGING? DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR?
The idea was born about a year before we started blogging. Little by little we started dreaming about changing our lifestyle and making some changes to make the transition easier. With that, we mean selling what we didn’t actually need. In that time, we were able to freely dream about our adventures in the future, make up some funny stories before we would go to sleep or just watch the photos of other bloggers with some motivational envy. We actively started blogging in December 2017 and since then, we’ve published our stories a few times a week. So far, we have explored our homeland, Slovenia. We had the most delicious pizza in Naples and even though we ate it every day, we couldn’t get enough of it. In December, we were enjoying the Christmas spirit and mulled wine in Vienna. A delicious dish called Cevapcici led us all the way to the Leskovac and Sarajevo. We thought that we would be convinced which ones are the best ones but couldn’t make up our minds. The Croatian island Krk is a special place for us, but we won’t say why – you check the blog and read the whole story! At the moment, we are traveling around Asia: we are currently in Vietnam and we have been to Singapore and Malaysia. Our traveling pace isn’t the fastest one because we like to feel the place before we move on; in just a few days, that is not possible.
Sunshine Blogger Award: Vivi what are you searching?
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WHICH IS YOUR MOST FAVORITE PLACE THAT YOU VISITED SO FAR AND WHY?
Every place has something that others don’t. If the Tioman Island would be free of sand flies, we’d pick this one. So our favorite place still remains the peaceful Velika Planina in Slovenian mountains.
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APART FROM BLOGGING, WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS AND HOBBIES?
We like reading: Vivi is more into romantic novels, while Ian is more into the history-based stories. Vivi likes to listen to Ian’s summary of those truth-based books rather than actually read them. Swimming is the exercise both of us enjoy, the beach time is always so much fun. Watching all that wildlife above and under the sea, it doesn’t get old. Ian loves making photos and keeping track with new technology is his passion. Vivi likes to mix her own creams and facial masks. We absolutely enjoy traveling to different places and taste different food.
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WHICH IS YOUR MOST PREFERRED SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM TO ENGAGE WITH FELLOW BLOGGERS AND WHY?
Steemit. The platform is relatively new and people are friendly. It also doesn’t hurt that it allows us to earn some money.
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WHICH IS THE MOST VIVID MEMORY OF ALL YOUR JOURNEYS SO FAR?
In Kuala Lumpur, we just sat down to have a taste of a Durian cake. Before we got the cake, an old lady came from the street into the restaurant and offered us to buy a bottle of water. Even though we showed her our 8L bottle that we had just bought in the store and the 1,5L bottle on the table, she didn’t give up. After some time, she moved on to the table across from us. Nevertheless, she kept watching us like a hawk and when we finished and left the restaurant, she followed us outside. Ian took some photos of the restaurant taking his time because she was still behind us and we were hoping she would move on. Well, she didn’t. Instead, she followed us all the way back to our hotel. When the elevator arrived, she was still behind us, like a shadow, and followed us inside it. We were relieved when three ladies entered a second before the doors closed. We then tricked the old woman into going out at the same floor as the ladies did and then we went to hide in our room. I must admit I’m curious as to when that the old lady finally gave up looking for us.
Sunshine Blogger Award: Kuala Lumpur can be a funny city
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WHAT WOULD YOU CATEGORIZE YOURSELF AS – TRAVEL WRITER, BLOGGER OR INFLUENCER?
Hm, we’ say travel blogger.
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DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL OUTFIT FOR A ROAD TRIP. WHAT WOULD YOU PREFER THE MOST AND WHY?
The road trip demands long hours of sitting still, so a loose waist is important. from a woman’s perspective, I prefer pants because they allow you to move a little. I usually keep it simple, stretchy top and loose pants, with keeping in mind who will be in charge of the AC. If it is not us, then some long sleeve clothing can be handy. A cardigan is useful as it has multiple purposes and can be used as a blanket or pillow.
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WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 TRAVEL DESTINATIONS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST AND WHY?
France – especially Provence, where you find lavender fields and small villages, the beautiful old architecture and good food.
Costa Rica –this country has astonishing nature.
French Polynesia – it is so beautiful. Our dream is to island hop there.
Kongo – to see and support the Gorillas.
Japan – the philosophy of the Japanese people, their food and nature.
The list goes on.
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WHAT WOULD YOU PREFER BEST – READING BOOKS OR WATCHING MOVIES? WRITE ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE BOOK/MOVIE AND MENTION WHY IT’S YOUR FAVORITE.
Vivi: prefer books and regret not having time to read more. Reading books gives you much more than a movie, but movies with popcorn are also nice. Hmmm, I don’t have a favorite book. I really liked the French movie The Intouchables, because it is funny despite the sad story. It gives an insight into people influencing each other.
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WHAT IS YOUR LONG-TERM GOAL FOR YOUR BLOG?
The goal of our blog is that it would get some recognition and allow us to continue traveling and to see as much as possible. Sometimes we get a feeling that with the way that we humans treat our home planet, in a few decades, there will not be much more to see. The globalization has plenty of benefits but there are also some downsides: the biggest one we have experienced so far is the decrease in diversity.
Sunshine Blogger Award: Bench in Bled
ABOUT THE SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD
The Sunshine Blogger Award is awarded by bloggers to new bloggers to recognize their achievements and offer support. It feels so nice to be a part of such a supportive community!
“The Sunshine Blogger Award is given to those who are creative, positive, and inspiring while spreading sunshine to the blogging community.”
RULES
- Thank the blogger who nominated you for the blog post and links them back to their blog.
- Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
- Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.
OUR QUESTIONS:
- WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL TOO?
- DO YOU DO A WEB RESEARCH BEFORE YOU CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION?
- THE BEST AND THE WORST EXPERIENCE YOU HAD ON YOUR TRAVELS?
- YOU EVER GOT A FEELING THAT THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON?
- WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CUISINE? WHY?
- HOW/WHEN DID YOU GET STARTED WITH BLOGGING?
- WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BLOGGING FOR YOU?
- WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE, WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STARTING A BLOG?
- WHAT PLATFORM OF SOCIAL MEDIA HAS HELPED YOUR BLOG GROW THE MOST?
- WHAT IS YOUR LONG-TERM GOAL FOR YOUR BLOG?
- DO YOU ACTIVELY FOLLOW ANY BLOGGERS/VLOGGERS/INFLUENCERS?
WE NOMINATE:
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SAILING CALYPSO – authors Jasna and Rick
Their home is a sailboat Calypso, which is also their ride around some of the most beautiful, intact, remote islands. Their stories are always interesting and inspired by the people and surroundings. The unspoiled nature that they are able to visit with their sailing skills is undoubtedly worth seeing. The fact that they are difficult to reach makes them even more special and Sailing Calypso crew share the story really well.
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OUTCAST VAGABOND – author Jeff Epps
Jeff is from Cambria and his long-lasting wish is to travel to every country in the world. Along the way, he wants to inspire and encourage others to travel more. In relation to that, he recently established a travel educational group – Outcast University. His life changed a few years ago when he read an article about Johnny Ward. Before Jeff started traveling moved from the US to China.
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FOR91DAYS – author Jürgen and Mike
They were already in about 20 locations and like their name says they stay in one place for 91 days. That gives them a real insight of the place and not just scrape of the surface. Their last destination was Lisbon and there they were part of some interesting celebrations. I was surprised how Fallas looks like! We nominate them because we salute the idea of spending more time in one place.
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MAGDALENAREWT – author Magdalena
She is aware that we live only once, and that is why she loves enjoying life. She likes exploring and writing to ignite someone else’s passions as well. We nominate her because she is a brave young woman who isn’t afraid to jump into the unknown.
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WANDERING BOO – author Shelley
Shelley is passionate about Yoga and is inspired to bring visibility to the wide range of healthy travel options that exist around the world. Not only she teaches Yoga around the world but also writes blog posts about the traveling experiences. I like her suggestion for solo female travelers to wear a modest ring, sometimes the unwanted attention can be overwhelming and backup plan never hurts.
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HEATHER ON HER TRAVELS – author Heather
Heather started pursuing her passion for more wild traveling expeditions after she raised her children. She is a great example for those who think traveling and blogging are only for youngsters. Passion has nothing to do with age and we second that.
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WITH HUSBAND IN TOW – authors Amber and Eric
Traveling around the world means to them more than seeing new places. It enables them to have a taste of the delicious food and wines. With their posts, they share some more than just culinary and vacation advice.
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MR & MS ROMANCE – Jim and Christina
Together they travel, eat, drink and share their experiences. Sharing with others is important to them and they love doing it. In their stories, a humor note can be found in order to bring a smile to the readers face.
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DRONE & DSLR– authors Devesh and Neha
The couple who travels and wants to inspire others to travel more with their outstanding aerial photography. Bird’s-eye view brings another dimension to their blog. Traveling is more than just some pilgrimage from one touristic point to the other it is about the bigger picture.
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VIKI FLIP FLOP – author Viky
Her first passion is traveling and that inspired her to start writing a blog about where she goes. She loves to push others out of their comfort zones and hopes to change the world by changing people. Her blog is a space where she shares her thoughts on travel, people, adventures, and festivals.
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WE JUST TRAVEL – authors Katja and Mic
Passion to travel and restless feet keeps them in search of a new adventure and their blog is a place where they share their stories. They like to sit in the local sidewalk restaurants where they can talk to locals. If the tiny restaurant is close to the sea and serves some seafood they are happy.
