I created the “Travellers’ Tales” section to give other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels on my blog. Today I would like to introduce you to Viola, a travel blogger from Canada . She blogs at The Blessing Bucket .
I would love to hear about your travels too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales” , fill in the quick questionnaire and email it to me with your blog links.
I am Viola, a 27 year old girl who was born in China but grew up in Canada. Ever since I was young, I have been curious about the world. Since graduating from university, I have travelled to 30 + countries. I quit my job in 2018 to become a full time wanderer and blogger. Life has been an adventure and I look forward to seeing where it will take me next!
My earlier travel memory was going to Singapore with my parents at the age of 6. It was my first time being in a place so different from my hometown, so I was a little confused but excited at the same time. I remember eating satay skewers at a hawker centre, taking photos with the Merlion, and giving my parents a lot of grief because I couldn’t take the humid weather.
I just came back from a big trip through Asia and Europe. My last stop was London!
I would say the best thing I did in London was watching “Aladdin” on the West End. It was the most amazing musical I have ever seen! Everything from the music, to the dance numbers, to the costumes were pure magic. I almost cried when the actors started singing“ A Whole New World”. I highly recommend catching a West End show when in London. Big tip: Purchase ticket directly at the box office on the day. I only paid 20 pounds for my front row seat!
It’s so hard to pick just one but I would say I really loved my volunteer/work holiday in Mexico last year. I spent three weeks in Cancun volunteering at a hostel in exchange for accommodation. It was the most relaxing job ever. I would spend the mornings hanging out at reception with other volunteers and in the afternoon, I would head to the beach. Mexico really has some stunning pristine beaches. Ahh how I miss dipping my toes in the cool water of the Caribbean Sea.
My favourite destination to travel to in the world is probably Japan. I taught English in Japan for two years and absolutely enjoyed the experience. I recently revisited the country and it was so exciting to be a part of Japanese culture again. It felt like going home. I really missed the delicious food, the kind people, the beautiful language…I can’t wait to go back to Japan many more times!
There are many must-dos in Japan. If I were to pick just one, I would say cherry blossom viewing during spring time. Cherry blossoms, AKA sakura, hold significant meanings in Japanese culture. Since their blooming time aligns with the start of school and fiscal year for businesses, these delicate flowers symbolize new beginnings. There are sakura trees everywhere in Japan. Every spring, the country turns into a pink dream and it’s quite a sight to behold. There’s nothing more blissful than having a picnic with family and friends surrounded by pink sakura!
I have travelled solo, with friends, with a romantic partner, and with strangers I’ve met on the road. My favourite companion may be a surprising choice but I love traveling with my aunt. My cool aunt Rong lives in China. Since she retired last year, she really wanted to travel and see the world. So I started taking her on some trips with me. We have travelled in the Philippines and Japan together. While I plan the trips and translates for her (she doesn’t speak English), she looks after me like a mom and help me take lots of photos. We have so much fun whenever we get together.
I would have to say I always need my eye mask and ear plugs when travelling. I am a light sleeper and easily disturbed by brightness and sounds.
My best travel advice is to not get too attached to your original plans. Things can often change on the road. Weather conditions, constructions, sudden unexpected events…you just never know. There were so many times when my trips turned out not differently from what I expected.
For example, I went to Cappadocia (Turkey) recently, hoping to check off my bucket list dream of riding a hot air balloon over the martian-looking landscape. Just our luck, it was very windy during our time there and the balloons kept getting canceled. It was quite disappointing. But after some moping, my friend and I changed our attitude and found other fun things to do in Cappadocia. You just have to roll with the punches.
I have a very long bucket list. The one place at the top right now is South Africa. Growing up, my favourite Disney movie was Lion King. To this day, whenever I hear “Circle of Life”, it gives me chills. I have always dreamt of going on a safari and seeing animals in the wild. The day I get to meet Simba will be the best day of my life. 😛
You can connect with me by visiting my blog: The Blessing Bucket
Or find me on my Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest .
Thank you, Viola , for sharing your fascinating adventures with us!
I would love to hear about your travels too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales”, fill in the quick questionnaire and email it to me with your blog links.
Who will I feature next? I’ve got an exciting line-up ahead. Make sure you subscribe to the free newsletter so you don’t miss out on some exciting travel tales.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
