I’ll take up Sam’s challenge to answer his interview questions.

1. If you could travel back in time to meet a historical figure, who would it be and why?

I’d like to go back to the 30s and put a bullet through Hitler. On a more personal note, I’d love to meet my maternal grandmother, who died before I was born.

2. Are there any social norms or practices you’ve encountered on your travels that you wish were normal in your native culture?

I wish it was possible to return things and get a refund in New Zealand! I love that about the US.

3. Is there anything you do on your travels or in your every day life to try to minimise your impact on the environment?

I’m vegan, which means I have a lower environmental impact than meat eaters straight off the bat.

We’re very non-wasteful generally and don’t acquire a lot of stuff e.g., we wear our clothing out before buying new things. We also walk a lot.

4. Are there any places in the world you wouldn’t visit out of principle, perhaps because the government of a particular country upholds a law that goes against your own beliefs? And do you think such boycotts are effective?

If women can’t drive there, I don’t wanna go there.

5. What is one food you could now never eat in your home country again because you’ve tasted the original version in its country of origin and you’ve been forever spoiled?

- Mexican! Fresh tortillas, real salsa, Mexican avocados. Mole! What passes for Mexican in New Zealand is pretty dreadful. I never want to eat tortillas that come in plastic with preservatives.

- Since I experienced California strawberries 10 years ago, I basically haven’t eaten NZ strawberries. NZ strawberries make great jam but that’s about it.

- However I reckon my vegan pad thai is better than any I ate in Thailand, maybe because I load it up with garlic and the buddhist version lacks that.

6. If you could build your own home from scratch, what features would you include that are perhaps things you’ve come across in different places around the world on your travels?

I’m more of a tiny apartment person than a house person. Gimme wood floors and I’m happy.

7. What is one thing that is too large or impractical to travel with that you wish you could bring with you when you travel?

My Mum! I’m sure she wouldn’t like me referring to her as large and impractical but nevermind……

8. In your opinion, is there any value in making a distinction between tourist and traveller? Do you make this distinction, and if so which do you consider yourself?

I don’t think of myself as either. I pretty much “hang out” rather than do much of anything. I feel like I don’t move around enough to consider myself a “traveler.” I think people should do what they enjoy. I don’t care whether that’s touristy or not.

9. For you, what are the most and least liveable cities you’ve visited?

New York is the city that’s the best fit for my personality. I can imagine living in LA too. London’s weather is too grey for me, but I like big cities. I like brash cities – I don’t like Melbourne or San Francisco for example. I prefer Sydney and LA. I love the culture of walking in NYC and the mixed business/residential neighborhoods. LA has that too to some extent.

London and anywhere with that type of weather is least livable for me.

10. Do you have any irrational fears that your travels have helped you overcome? How?

Don’t think so

11. Tell us one belief that is held up by society as ‘common sense’ but that you think is ridiculous/silly/backward and why.

I’m not sure what to say to this one. I’ve always found the notion of work clothing pretty ridiculous. I mean I understand wearing uniform if you work in a restaurant or if you work somewhere you need to be easily identified as staff, but I don’t understand taking people more seriously because of what they wear.

My questions

This is where I come up with 11 questions for other people to answer. I’ll invite anyone you wants to participate to take up the baton.

1. If you had to give up your passport and get another country’s passport, what would you pick?

2. Best meal you’ve eaten anywhere?

3. Most creative thing you’ve ever done to save money during your travels?

4. If you couldn’t ever travel again but could pick any city to be confined to, where would you pick?

5. Are there any books you read as a child that inspired your travel interests? For example, I remember reading the Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley High and becoming obsessed with America.

6. What was the first trip you took as an adult?

7. What’s something you pack that’s not absolutely essential but you like having it?

8. Any common travel/travel blogger wisdom that you disagree with? For example, I disagree with people who recommend traveling in low season.

9. What do you know now about traveling cheaply that you wish you’d known earlier?

10. What perks have you managed to acquire while traveling by being friendly or asking for them (not related to being a travel blogger)? For example, a few days ago I was told my seat for a flight didn’t recline. I asked the gate agent if there were any other options and was reseated.

11. Are your sleeping/waking times similar when you’re traveling to when you’re at home? What time do you get up and go to sleep while traveling?