When did you start having an interest in travelling?
V: For as long as I can remember. My first memory was when I was three years old looking out the car window at the yellow juniper plants. My father always travelled and told me about his trips. I wanted to go to all those places.
When did you start travelling?
V: My first trip was to Peipsi järv (lake) when I was growing up in Saaremaa (Estonia's largest island). As a child, I traveled twice a year between Saaremaa and the mainland.
Where in the world have you travelled?
V: I've been to all the continents (not including Antarctia) several times.
What was your favourite place?
V: Norway, Bali and obviously Estonia.
What was the most beautiful place?
V: In my opinion, Switzerland and Norway.
What has been the most exciting thing you have done while travelling?
V: Being face to face with Mount Everest in such a small plane sitting next to the pilot and taking photos close up; seeing the pyramids and riding camels in Egypt; seeing the Taj Mahal and riding an elephant in India; and climbing the Great Wall of China.
If you could go back to one place where would it be?
V: Norway and Egypt.
If you could go anywhere in the world you have never been where would you go?
V: New Zealand.
What is your favourite way to travel?
V: Cruise absolutely. I also like to ride the bus. A lot can be seen that way.
Do you have any funny travel stories?
V: Every place had funny stories. I was known for being quite mischievous. For instance, in Egypt when the camel was grunting at me, I told it to “shut up” and it echoed throughout Cairo.
Do you have any travel tips?
V: Get to know a lot about the country in advance by reading, watching videos etc. When you're there, live in the moment and don't worry about anything in the world. Take in as much as you can. Your memories are timeless. No one can take them away from you. You can always relive them.
. . .
Valve used to write travel articles accompanied by photos for the newspapers Meie Elu and Vaba Eestlane and the magazines/journals Triinu and Tulimuld. I'm honoured to carry on in her footsteps. Next week I'll continue blogging about how I started travelling/working as an au pair (nanny) in Ireland. I'll also give ideas as to ways other young Estonians have worked or volunteered around the world. Hopefully these blogs can serve as inspiration to others!
Kaarin Lupp
Hey young Estos! We want to hear your stories! Share your experiences and photos with story@eestielu.ca.
Photo gallery – Photos: Private collection
