Meet Philippa Francis our new guest blogger

Over the last few years, I have fallen in love with travel and I am not sure I will be able to stop, except for my other great love; writing. After studying journalism at Rhodes and Stellenbosch Universities, I wanted to get a taste of the bigger world. I have worked all sorts of jobs and I have saved. I have 'bused' around Europe and backpacked around south-east Asia. I have seen magical sights and met wonderful people from all walks of life. One day, in the not too distant future, I hope to bring it all back to South Africa; the experiences, the memories, the records, the cultural knowledge, and put it into my journalistic endeavours full time. Currently, I am teaching English in Hong Kong.Quick Q&A

1. To where was your first international trip?
   My first proper international adventure was to England after I graduated from university. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I went over with no job, made very little money while I was there and returned to the glorious sun after 18 months with a heap of mixed emotions and some fantastic memories.

    

   Philippa Francis | Travel Blogger

    

2. How many countries have you lived in?
   I have lived in six countries in my life; South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique (this counts even though I was at boarding school in SA), England, South Korea and Hong Kong.
3. Would you consider yourself a "nomad"? I wouldn't consider myself a nomad in the true sense of the word. Moving around a lot as a youngster has certainly made it easier to move around as an adult. I love travel and experiencing new cultures. But even if it not for very long, I prefer to be settled wherever I am. It provides a sense of security, I suppose.
4.  Which destination would you travel back to a MILLION TIMES?
   I couldn't choose just one because there are so many. I will have to choose a couple. Central Laos has some of the most glorious scenery I have ever seen and some of the most legendary people I have met. Hop on a motorbike and explore. You will not be disappointed. I would go back this very day.Rome, Italy is somewhere I have always wanted to go back to. It's a pity Europe is so far away and so expensive. This city stole my heart when I was there on a bus tour in 2010. The ancient history, the art, the architectural delights, the food, the language and the driving was all a little mesmerizing.
5. What's next on your travel bucket list?
   India is definitely next on my travel bucket list. But I want to spend a good length of time there. There is so much to see, so much to taste, so much to write about.