Interview With Satu Rommi of Indian Travel Journey
Please give my readers a background about yourself. What made you want to start indiantraveljourney.com?
I'm originally from Finland but have lived in four different countries so far. My background is in journalism and I've been writing all my life for newspapers and magazines, but I had never tried blogging before. I had returned from India and I had spent more than three years living and traveling there, so I had a lot of travel stories and tips to share. It was the perfect time to start blogging about India.
In all of your travels, in your opinion what country has the best food? and the worst food?
I haven't been to Italy yet, but thanks to my half-Italian boyfriend I think Italian food is the best in the world. I think any food can become "the worst" if you eat only that food long enough. Towards the end of my three years in India I was getting very bored with white rice and lentils after eating it almost every day for years.
When you first started traveling, did your family support your decision?
I don't think my family really understands why I want to travel and why I just can't settle down and live like everyone else. They don't have much of a choice though because I'm sure I'll keep traveling at least some of the time.
If you had to choose one favourite destination, which one would each of you chose?
Thailand is one of the best places in the world for holidays and for travelling. Great food, lots to see and do, beautiful beaches, traveling around is easy, and it is relatively safe and cheap. I'm happy to return to Thailand over and over again.
What has been the least exciting destination you've traveled to?
Scottsdale, Arizona. I spent a few weeks there and it was the most boring place I have ever been to. It is basically just a collection of shopping malls and golf courses in the middle of the desert. The desert's beautiful though!
Did you always have a love of travel or did you develop your passion for traveling as you got older?
I've always had a love of travel but I didn't start to travel outside Europe until I was in my mid-20's. That's when I went to Africa on an overland trip. It was a 3-week trip through 5 countries in East Africa and it was the beginning of a passion for travel that hasn't stopped since.
What impact has indiantraveljourney.com had on your lives?
I was not sure how I'd like blogging since I had been writing mainly for magazines and newspapers before, and I have only been writing online for a few years. But I love my blog! The blog is the place where I can write what I want and how I want. No editors telling me what I can say and cannot! I love the freedom of expression it gives me.
What has been the most surprising destination you've been to? Meaning, you had a specific mindset about a certain destination but it was totally a different experience than you had imagined.
Los Angeles. I didn't think I would like it, but I actually really enjoyed it. I only spent a short time there but a friend to me and my boyfriend around Hollywood and it was so much nicer and prettier than I thought it would be.
If you had to decide which destination has been the most influential in your life, which destination would you chose?
India! I have spent so much time in India that of course it has influenced me a lot, but India is also very special. I've had good experiences and bad experiences in India but it is the one place that has influenced me the most and still has a hold on me.
What advice would you give to a newbie traveler?
Go for it, but beware, your life might never be the same again.
In 10 years, do you see yourself still traveling or slowing down?
After returning from India I thought I wanted to slow down, but I have itchy feet. I think I'm still going to be traveling!
Thanks Satu for the interview. Please visit his blog @ Indian Travel Journey
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