Almost every day I am asked interesting questions from all over the world and I thought I would start sharing my responses to them, along with travel related giveaways. I love questions, thus please feel free to ask me anything in the comments or send me a private message if you prefer.
Q16. Which country is your favorite to shop in?
A16. What an impossible question to answer! I will narrow it down to five places: I love the incredible sales you can find in the United States of America, the exotic jewelry you can find in India, the sensational leather you can find in Argentina, the sexy swimwear you can find in Brasil, and the glamorous designer clothes you can find in Italy.
Me in Jaipur, India modeling my brand new twelve stranded tourmaline necklace.
Q17. How do you negotiate all your travel with your own business and creating a home for your family (and seeing your family!)?
A17. I gave up on achieving balance years ago, as I simply do not think it is possible to attain. Before I was married I was already struggling with how to allocate my time and energy between my two businesses, myself, traveling, and my family. When I added my husband into the mix I truly thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown! When I finally let go of the idea that I would one day figure out how to balance it all is when I found the most peace in my life. I do the best that I can by delegating, sometimes saying no to things I want to say yes to, multitasking, making to-do lists, planning in advance, surrounding myself with people who contribute positively to my life, prioritizing, and refusing to feel guilty at the end of the day if I simply cannot accomplish everything that I set out to do. Also, my husband comes first and I take good care of my health, because if I am not 100% body, mind, and soul everything else in my life suffers. Hopefully, once we have children I will be able to adjust my life yet again.
Q18. What is your favorite Hawaii island?
A18. Half a decade ago, while I was living in New York City, I found myself in a relationship with an Australian. In less than a year I visited Down Under three times. In order to make the flights less daunting, I would layover in Hawaii on the way to and from Oz. The island that I fell most in love with was Kauai. I do not think I could live there, as it is too small for me, but its natural beauty and friendly locals make it irresistible! I have unforgettable memories from my time on the island ranging from hiking a canyon to riding in a helicopter to watching the sunset on a deserted beach.
Q19. If you were given $7500 for a holiday, where would you go and what would you do?
A19. My #1 dream destination is Antarctica. In a heartbeat I would book a cruise there, as it is the last continent left for me to visit. I would make sure to visit my in-laws in Buenos Aires, Argentina on the way down there as well!
Q20. How do you stay healthy on the road?
A20. I do not believe in working out while traveling. Since I am not a longterm traveler and my trips are usually less than a week in length, every second I have on the road is precious and I do not want to waste one in the hotel gym. Having said that, I always try to fit in adventurous activities that get my heart pumping and my body moving, such as scuba diving, getting lost in a city which forces me to walk even further, climbing mountains, and carrying my extremely heaving camera equipments everywhere. Of course, before and after trips I try to visit the gym more frequently and watch my diet more closely.
For this giveaway I am offering the chance to win a brand-new Pan Am Travel T-shirt in a size XXL (will fit a size M-XXL perfectly). The Pan Am brands carries on its rich history through images brought to life on high quality T-shirts that are both fashionable and comfortable at the same time.
I don’t believe in working out while traveling either but the trouble is I’ve been traveling for ten consecutive months so I had better change my mentality or it’s not going to be pretty!
Ahhh I love Kauai. I’ve only been there and Oahu. If I make it to that state again, the Big Island and Molokai are at the top of my list!
It’s so true, the US has the best deals! I always stock up when I go home.
Why is Africa not among you top places to places to visit given the sheer natural magnificence there is? Is it the weather? People? lack of…? I’d love to know.
I am also dying to visit Antarctica! I just need lots and lots of layers!
Great answers!! I’ll definitely keep some of these in mind. Travel can be exhausting and full of complicated logistics but it is SO WORTH IT.
I never believed in working out while traveling, but it is time to convince myself that I am no longer traveling – I am an expat, and can’t get away with this excuse any longer since I don’t fit into the clothes I came here a year ago in!!
I’d love to know, given your background in TCM, what must-haves in that department you take when you travel!
I always try to get in workouts while I’m on business travel, and I’ve made it a goal to do one active adventurous activity (e.g. surfing in San Diego!) on each of my trips. But I’m totally with you on not going to the gym on leisure trips; I spend so much time doing things outside or just walking around the city that I really don’t have to!
Girl you look like a super model in that first pic!
I have heard such amazing things about Kauai – would love to return to Hawaii to visit that island in particular!
I’m so glad to know that I’m not the only one dying to visit Antarctica! I just think it would be the most beautiful, secluded, truly natural place. I’m sure I’d be over the cold by the end, but it is definitely a life goal of mine!
I love your idea of not achieving balance. 🙂 That is SO freeing. 🙂
Antarctica is one of my dream travel destinations as well! I definitely want to go on cruise there one day in my life and even though that’s not quite feasible for me at the moment, it’s still nice to have my eyes on a goal, even if I will only accomplish it in decades. 🙂 By the way, I’m wondering where you’re living: I always just kind of assumed that you and you’re husband were living in Argentina, but apparently I’m wrong 🙂
Do you use BB/CC/DD Cream? If so, what’s you’re absolute favorite?
And thanks for the comment on my blog! You’re so cute!
Kauai is so beautiful. I’m so happy that we went there for our honeymoon!!!!
Such great advice about not trying to achieve balance. You are totally right… and I think the MOST important thing is to surround yourself with people who add positive energy to your life. This is something I really have to work at… we’ve all had energy vampires in our lives from time to time, non?
By the way, love your short hair!
Loved reading your answers to these and getting to know you a bit better!
Looking stunning in the photo with the jewelry! A great Ask Andi question would be what is your favorite photograph of you ever taken on your travels and what is your favorite photograph to have ever taken on your travels. Hugs from Colombia, darling!
Antarctica is very beautiful place.
I can only imagine!!!