The following interview was originally posted on Life and Bliss. They graciously reached out to me to answer a couple of questions regarding traveling and being a working Mom. I was so completely touched by how the interview turned out, that I thought I would share it here as well. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Dreaming of travel but just can’t seem to make it happen? Before you have a panic attack from sheer frustration, take a breather and let seasoned traveler Andi Perullo de Ledesma of My Beautiful Adventures inspire you into achieving that dream. Andi is a wife / mother / Chinese Medicine Doctor / travel photojournalist / blogger. There are so many slashes needed to describe her, we can’t believe time traveler or clone master isn’t included in the list. What we find really cool about Andi is how she manages to balance her passions, enjoy life, and still find time to cuddle little Joaquín until he falls asleep. Here’s a peek at what her life as a travel blogger of many hats is like.
ANDI AS A TRAVELER
More than just seeing and experiencing new places, for Andi, travel is a constant source of inspiration. “Traveling is a great way to become inspired; even the planning process itself will stimulate your creative juices I promise!”
She also finds traveling to be life changing. “There are two trips that I consider to be the most life changing for me. The first was to Buenos Aires, Argentina a decade ago. That is when and where I met my husband and I also fell deeply in love with South America (it is my favorite continent). The second was to Brasil around five years ago. It was my first solo trip in a country where I did not speak the language. I celebrated New Year’s Eve on Copacabana Beach, trekked through the Amazon, and went diving for seahorses.”
ANDI AS A MOTHER TO BABY JOAQUÍN
Like any seasoned traveler, Andi dreams of the day when she can finally travel the world with Joaquín. But like any concerned mom, she also believes in being patient and waiting until he is the right age. “Currently, he is really thriving with his schedule at home and I do not want to disrupt that. I know my son and I know that a long car drive or long flight would be a miserable experience for him.” One of their priorities is to take him down to Buenos Aires to meet his extended family. Another is to take him somewhere tropical because he loves the water. “Travel will definitely be a top priority and we will most likely take advantage of any school vacation he might have to explore a new country.”
ANDI AS A CHINESE MEDICINE DOCTOR AND BUSINESS OWNER
Andi is very dedicated as a Chinese Medicine Doctor. She doesn’t just consider it a job. It’s one of her passions. But even that had to take the backseat when her son was born. “Before having my son, I worked seven days a week and would see a patient whenever they needed me. Now I only work two days a week and I have to say no a lot. It was very difficult for me at first, but with time I have made peace with the fact that my family, not my career, comes first.” Helping her along are family members whom she can count on to help her out with looking after Joaquín.
ANDI AS A BLOGGER AND PHOTOGRAPHER
While Andi warns that blogging is a huge commitment and is not for everyone, she is also quick to credit her blog for all the doors it opened for her. “I will be honest and admit that I have had the good fortune to experience things and visit places that most people only dream about. A day does not go by where I do not count my blessings.”
“On the days that I am not in the clinic, I try to work on my blog when Joaquín naps. I also have a photography business as well and I will only say yes to a client as long as the shoot does not interfere with putting my son to sleep. That is my favorite part of the day!”
ANDI’S ADVICE
While the roles Andi performs are varied, she’s able to balance them and find a way to make them work together so that she can live a life where her priorities come first. She’s living proof that no matter how many things we have going on in our lives, we can still make our dreams happen. Yes, even that dream trip you’ve been putting off.
Here’s a last piece of advice from Andi. “There is something so extraordinary about traveling alone, especially as a woman. It is incredibly empowering and it teaches you more about yourself than anything else you could do in life.” She adds, “I always tell people to follow their heart and dream big.”
What a fun way to get to know you better! Great interview and photos. Joaquin in the suitcase is just too cute.
Gina || On the Daily Express
Thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed the interview! Isn’t that pic of Joaquin the best? 🙂
Beautiful! You rock Andi!! And I love the new site. Very nice xxx
Awww this comment made my day, thank you so very, very much! XO