So here it is, a blog regarding this awesome award, and one I feel very proud to be a part of!
OK so admittedly it isn’t a traditional “award”, no acceptance speech is required and I don’t have anything to display on a shelf but it’s a fantastic idea! kudos to the person who invented it!
I was chuffed to bits to be nominated by ByLandAndSea and I it’s been a real honour to not only answer her questions, but to talk to other bloggers whom I have nominated. I have felt a real sense of community.
I have loved the entire experience - questioning is a big past time of mine and to do it on a bigger scale in such a joyful way has been an absolute pleasure! I sincerely hope my nominees have had as much fun as I have!
OK so admittedly it isn’t a traditional “award”, no acceptance speech is required and I don’t have anything to display on a shelf but it’s a fantastic idea! kudos to the person who invented it!
I was chuffed to bits to be nominated by ByLandAndSea and I it’s been a real honour to not only answer her questions, but to talk to other bloggers whom I have nominated. I have felt a real sense of community.
I have loved the entire experience - questioning is a big past time of mine and to do it on a bigger scale in such a joyful way has been an absolute pleasure! I sincerely hope my nominees have had as much fun as I have!
As a newbie blogger, the Liebster Award is the perfect way of showing support and respect within the blogosphere and I feel it has really catapulted me into this community in a way I never anticipated! Awesome!
So what does it mean and how does it work?
Liebster is a German word meaning “favourite” or “beloved” (apparently it also means sweetheart but I will quickly move on from this …) so bear this in mind when I tell you how it works.
The Liebster Award is a nomination by another blogger given to those who are less-profile, are new, and have less than 200 subscribers. It’s a way of helping them gain recognition for their hard work.
What are the Rules?
So what does it mean and how does it work?
Liebster is a German word meaning “favourite” or “beloved” (apparently it also means sweetheart but I will quickly move on from this …) so bear this in mind when I tell you how it works.
The Liebster Award is a nomination by another blogger given to those who are less-profile, are new, and have less than 200 subscribers. It’s a way of helping them gain recognition for their hard work.
What are the Rules?
Let’s kick this off then! Here are 11 completely useless facts about me!
FACT 1:
I adore pandas and in 2013 I got to achieve my life-long ambition of not just seeing one, I cuddled one!!
Angie fulfilling a dream - Chengdu, China
FACT 2:
I have 7 tattoos but 3 of which are cover ups so I have actually had 10. I also have my tongue pierced.
FACT 3:
I am petrified of heights – I can climb really tall buildings, but I just can’t sit on a horse! I didn’t let this stop me from doing a sky dive in Namibia!
FACT 4:
I proposed to my husband on leap year day (in 3 different ways!)
FACT 5:
I cannot cook – I’m terrible! I put a pizza in the oven with the plastic tray still on the bottom!
FACT 6:
I hold a Lady Title! Yes I am officially Lady Angie Briggs!
FACT 7:
I am super clumsy! I didn’t actually know this until I met my husband and I didn’t believe him – until he carried out a survey and asked all my close friends who all said “yes she is clumsy, we just didn’t think to mention it because it’s part of who you are”
FACT 8:
My guilty pleasure is watching Home & Away and Neighbours, I have even been to where both they are filmed!
I have 7 tattoos but 3 of which are cover ups so I have actually had 10. I also have my tongue pierced.
FACT 3:
I am petrified of heights – I can climb really tall buildings, but I just can’t sit on a horse! I didn’t let this stop me from doing a sky dive in Namibia!
FACT 4:
I proposed to my husband on leap year day (in 3 different ways!)
FACT 5:
I cannot cook – I’m terrible! I put a pizza in the oven with the plastic tray still on the bottom!
FACT 6:
I hold a Lady Title! Yes I am officially Lady Angie Briggs!
FACT 7:
I am super clumsy! I didn’t actually know this until I met my husband and I didn’t believe him – until he carried out a survey and asked all my close friends who all said “yes she is clumsy, we just didn’t think to mention it because it’s part of who you are”
FACT 8:
My guilty pleasure is watching Home & Away and Neighbours, I have even been to where both they are filmed!
Angie in Ramsay Street
Summer Bay - Another Angie destination
FACT 9:
I love to collect stamps in my passport – I will ask for one even if the Country doesn’t usually give one out!
FACT 10:
Until the invention of flavoured ciders, there wasn’t actually an alcohol beverage I liked the taste of. It didn’t stop me drinking though, I just didn’t enjoy it ….. only the happy effects
FACT 11:
I absolutely love any excuse for fancy dress! I even drag my workmates and friends into it at any opportunity.
I love to collect stamps in my passport – I will ask for one even if the Country doesn’t usually give one out!
FACT 10:
Until the invention of flavoured ciders, there wasn’t actually an alcohol beverage I liked the taste of. It didn’t stop me drinking though, I just didn’t enjoy it ….. only the happy effects
FACT 11:
I absolutely love any excuse for fancy dress! I even drag my workmates and friends into it at any opportunity.
The 11 questions asked of me:
Question 1:
Out of all the countries you have visited, which one did you like the most?
Now this is a difficult one! For me, travelling has meant different things over the years for various reasons and each of the places I have been has left an impact on me in different ways; therefore I’m afraid I’m going to have to say there are 4!
Australia –I did a year’s working visa here and the experience of “living” in another country was incredible. I always say my heart is still there!
Iceland – if anyone asks me which Country they should visit, I always say Iceland! Mainly because it is so inspirational and the land breathtakingly beautiful (check out my blog “10 breathtaking sights of Iceland”)
China – I had always been apprehensive about travelling to China due to the language barrier, differences in cultural attitude with regard to animals and human-rights (like the one child policy) but having just re-read my journal to create a blog, I wrote “I believe that the 1 Country people should visit in the whole world out of everywhere I have been, it has to be China!”
Borneo – this place changed us from “All Inclusive package holiday” tourists to “independent” travellers, it also showed us how amazing diving could be! The community spirit we felt at Scuba Junkie in Mabul left such a lasting impression on us and turned our entire thought process of future adventures on its head!
Question 1:
Out of all the countries you have visited, which one did you like the most?
Now this is a difficult one! For me, travelling has meant different things over the years for various reasons and each of the places I have been has left an impact on me in different ways; therefore I’m afraid I’m going to have to say there are 4!
Australia –I did a year’s working visa here and the experience of “living” in another country was incredible. I always say my heart is still there!
Iceland – if anyone asks me which Country they should visit, I always say Iceland! Mainly because it is so inspirational and the land breathtakingly beautiful (check out my blog “10 breathtaking sights of Iceland”)
China – I had always been apprehensive about travelling to China due to the language barrier, differences in cultural attitude with regard to animals and human-rights (like the one child policy) but having just re-read my journal to create a blog, I wrote “I believe that the 1 Country people should visit in the whole world out of everywhere I have been, it has to be China!”
Borneo – this place changed us from “All Inclusive package holiday” tourists to “independent” travellers, it also showed us how amazing diving could be! The community spirit we felt at Scuba Junkie in Mabul left such a lasting impression on us and turned our entire thought process of future adventures on its head!
Question 2:
What/Who inspires you to travel this world?
The need to see new countries, see new cultures and experience what else is out there is what inspires me to travel this amazing planet we live on.
Question 3:
Name the top 3 most beautiful beaches you have visited.
I am a self-confessed beach snob, if it’s not pure white, then I am disappointed! And so the following beaches are all pristine, powder soft white sand.
Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, Australia:
Any beach on Grand Turk, Caribbean:
Saona Island, Dominican Republic:
Question 4:
Why did you start your travel blog?
I have kept a journal for all major adventures during my travelling life, whether
it be early days of backpacking or luxury tours after I was married. People are always asking to hear about my holidays and I thought the time was right to turn my journals into something I could share.
Question 5:
Give a tip for other bloggers or potential blog starters.
Engage with other bloggers! Being part of a community is much more fun than doing it alone! I have enjoyed my time as a blogger so much more through speaking with other people and meeting new people. Sharing experiences etc is part of being a traveller (well, the traveller that I am anyway!)
Question 6:
What do you think of selfie sticks?
I think selfie sticks are good! I am guilty of the “selfie” photo of me and the person sitting next to me whether it be my long suffering husband, best friends or that awesome person that I have just been chatting to on a beach/in a biar! A selfie stick just means you can get more people into your photo :-)
Why did you start your travel blog?
I have kept a journal for all major adventures during my travelling life, whether
it be early days of backpacking or luxury tours after I was married. People are always asking to hear about my holidays and I thought the time was right to turn my journals into something I could share.
Question 5:
Give a tip for other bloggers or potential blog starters.
Engage with other bloggers! Being part of a community is much more fun than doing it alone! I have enjoyed my time as a blogger so much more through speaking with other people and meeting new people. Sharing experiences etc is part of being a traveller (well, the traveller that I am anyway!)
Question 6:
What do you think of selfie sticks?
I think selfie sticks are good! I am guilty of the “selfie” photo of me and the person sitting next to me whether it be my long suffering husband, best friends or that awesome person that I have just been chatting to on a beach/in a biar! A selfie stick just means you can get more people into your photo :-)
Question 7:
When were you officially bitten by the travel bug?
I was officially bitten in Africa – by the travel bug that is, not an animal on one of the many game drives I experienced during my 2 months overlanding! It was on my second trip to Africa where the travel bug bit me, because this time I was wiser of what to expect and more sure of the person that I was. The hardships, trials and tribulations I experienced during my first encounter helped shape the person I was to become but it also helped me prepare myself for the next adventure …. even though I didn’t know what that was!
Question 8:
If your budget was unlimited what would your itinerary include?
Working with animals and diving! I would start volunteering with Pandas in Chengdu, China (top of my bucket list!) then would intersperse diving destinations (because of the amazing beaches and awesome people you meet) with animal encounters i.e volunteering, conservation, game drives etc.
Oh my god, my mind is racing now – I have a vision before me of the life I would lead if I won the lottery .... sorry, I can’t answer any more questions, I’m off to buy a lottery ticket!!
Question 9:
Backpacking trip or luxury trip?
Now this is very interesting because if you would have asked me this question a year or so ago I would have answered differently! “Back in the day” I started off as a traditional backpacker but morphed into a backpacker who had a suitcase instead of a backpack. After Sy and I married, we were DINK’s (double income, no kids – it’s what our guide in China called us!), and our holidays were always All Inclusive so became much more luxurious – we absolutely loved it!
Then we went to Borneo - and it turned everything upside down! We chose to stay with Scuba Junkie because of the amazing reviews on Trip Advisor of how they run their dive operation. We had the option to pick a water village but the diving was more important than a water village. Scuba Junkie catered for backpackers as well as holiday makers and the vibe there was everything we have always looked for – a place where people share their diving adventures and travel stories. It took me right back to my backpacking days and the happiness I felt.
Recently when we were in our luxury All Inclusive resort on our “Renewal of wedding vows” trip in Jamaica, we didn’t feel right. We looked at one another and said we felt out of place – we missed the casual vibe of Scuba Junkie and the interaction with backpackers we had in the bar. The backpacking community is so warm and welcoming and we realised that this was now who we were!
And so, you ask, backpacking trip or luxury trip? I say backpacking trip!! (for now anyway, ask me in a year when I’ve experienced cold showers and noisy accommodation and I may change my mind again lol)
Question 10:
Worst experience while travelling?
This would have to be when I was scammed in Thailand back in 2002. The scammers used the attacks on 9/11 as the reason why their government were doing a deal on jewellery – they told me it was to encourage travellers to come to their country as tourism was effected by the attacks. I can’t believe I actually fell for it but I was shocked when I realised I had been a fool but also hurt that a terrorist attack could be used for profit.
Yes I was naïve and I totally realise that now, and in truth, my pride was damaged that I had been so gullible. It has taken me 14 years to put this experience into perspective, accept the reasons why scammers do this and forgive Thailand. I am happy to say I have put it all behind me now, in fact we intend to go next year for Songkran!! Bring it on ... looking forward to it very much!!
Question 11:
How did you determine the target audience of your blog?
I see my target audience as people who love travelling. End of. It doesn’t matter how old, young, novice or experienced they are – I just want to attract people who love to read and talk about travelling. Everyone has a different adventure to tell and people’s perspective is always interesting – I love to hear it, and I love to learn from others.
When were you officially bitten by the travel bug?
I was officially bitten in Africa – by the travel bug that is, not an animal on one of the many game drives I experienced during my 2 months overlanding! It was on my second trip to Africa where the travel bug bit me, because this time I was wiser of what to expect and more sure of the person that I was. The hardships, trials and tribulations I experienced during my first encounter helped shape the person I was to become but it also helped me prepare myself for the next adventure …. even though I didn’t know what that was!
Question 8:
If your budget was unlimited what would your itinerary include?
Working with animals and diving! I would start volunteering with Pandas in Chengdu, China (top of my bucket list!) then would intersperse diving destinations (because of the amazing beaches and awesome people you meet) with animal encounters i.e volunteering, conservation, game drives etc.
Oh my god, my mind is racing now – I have a vision before me of the life I would lead if I won the lottery .... sorry, I can’t answer any more questions, I’m off to buy a lottery ticket!!
Question 9:
Backpacking trip or luxury trip?
Now this is very interesting because if you would have asked me this question a year or so ago I would have answered differently! “Back in the day” I started off as a traditional backpacker but morphed into a backpacker who had a suitcase instead of a backpack. After Sy and I married, we were DINK’s (double income, no kids – it’s what our guide in China called us!), and our holidays were always All Inclusive so became much more luxurious – we absolutely loved it!
Then we went to Borneo - and it turned everything upside down! We chose to stay with Scuba Junkie because of the amazing reviews on Trip Advisor of how they run their dive operation. We had the option to pick a water village but the diving was more important than a water village. Scuba Junkie catered for backpackers as well as holiday makers and the vibe there was everything we have always looked for – a place where people share their diving adventures and travel stories. It took me right back to my backpacking days and the happiness I felt.
Recently when we were in our luxury All Inclusive resort on our “Renewal of wedding vows” trip in Jamaica, we didn’t feel right. We looked at one another and said we felt out of place – we missed the casual vibe of Scuba Junkie and the interaction with backpackers we had in the bar. The backpacking community is so warm and welcoming and we realised that this was now who we were!
And so, you ask, backpacking trip or luxury trip? I say backpacking trip!! (for now anyway, ask me in a year when I’ve experienced cold showers and noisy accommodation and I may change my mind again lol)
Question 10:
Worst experience while travelling?
This would have to be when I was scammed in Thailand back in 2002. The scammers used the attacks on 9/11 as the reason why their government were doing a deal on jewellery – they told me it was to encourage travellers to come to their country as tourism was effected by the attacks. I can’t believe I actually fell for it but I was shocked when I realised I had been a fool but also hurt that a terrorist attack could be used for profit.
Yes I was naïve and I totally realise that now, and in truth, my pride was damaged that I had been so gullible. It has taken me 14 years to put this experience into perspective, accept the reasons why scammers do this and forgive Thailand. I am happy to say I have put it all behind me now, in fact we intend to go next year for Songkran!! Bring it on ... looking forward to it very much!!
Question 11:
How did you determine the target audience of your blog?
I see my target audience as people who love travelling. End of. It doesn’t matter how old, young, novice or experienced they are – I just want to attract people who love to read and talk about travelling. Everyone has a different adventure to tell and people’s perspective is always interesting – I love to hear it, and I love to learn from others.
My questions for the nominees:
- How many years would you say you’ve been travelling and can you remember your first trip away and how it made you feel?
- When you are travelling/away from home, what do you miss most?
- I have confessed to my guilty pleasure in life, but what is yours? This could be doing something, a TV programme or maybe even music!
- Have you ever seen or done anything so incredible that you became emotional?
- As a blogger, what is the post you are most proud of and why? Share the link here.
- Have you had a fear that you confronted whilst travelling?
- Are you a mountain, ocean, animal or architecture person (or which mixture)
- If you were stranded on a dessert island, what famous person would you want to be there with you and why?
- Do you have “one thing you want to do before you die” and if so, what is it?
- Do you have 1 luxury or unnecessary item (like a tin of spam or a doll) that you must take with you on your travels? What is it and why?
- Is there one thing you need to buy as a souvenir or do you collect something specific on your travels? It could be a present for someone or perhaps you have to own a pair of socks from every new country you visit!
Now the most important part ….. who am I nominating??
I feel very proud to have hand-picked my nominees and they were chosen for their variety and for various reasons which I would like to share.
Deasha – from Travel and Fitness
I personally met Deasha in Mabul at Scuba Junkie as she is a fellow diver. One of the things I love about her is how she keeps fit during her travels and gives others advice on doing the same! She dispels the myth that you need a gym to be healthy when out on the road!
Kevin – from Explore Without Fear
An adventure traveller who faces his fears head on, he doesn’t let anything stop him travelling the world – and he takes you along for the ride! You can’t help but read his blogs and want to test your boundaries
Katie – from Brilliant Media Marketing
Not only does Katie blog about her travels, she gives brilliant Social Media Marketing advice for other bloggers such as me! What a perfect combination to have. I confess, I was very jealous of her Liebster Award nomination blog – she can definitely teach me a thing or two!
Helena – from Through An Aussie's Eyes
As a Brit, I love the Aussie sense of humour and the way they just say it as it is! Despite living the other side of the world, Helena doesn’t let this stop her from catching 5 flights to get to where she wants to go! Plus, she will push you, and herself, outside the comfort zone!
Dawn – from Grey World Nomads
Age is most definitely not a barrier for travelling, you are as young as you feel and as a self confessed “mature” traveller, Dawn is still showing us all how we should continue to be. She has a fascinating insight into some of the most amazing countries!
Danik – from Danik the Explorer
Talk about an action man – Danik travels to destinations to run marathons as well as travelling for pure pleasure! Such an interesting reason to travel and a different perspective, I feel exhausted just thinking about his next run …. and in what conditions??!
Anna – from Two Nerds Travel
Mrs Nerd, Anna, travels with her husband Ben aka Mr Nerd and they love places connected with nature, especially water, well nature apart from spiders, don’t show her a spider photo! As a travelling couple ourselves who also love nature, I can’t help but identify with the Nerds!
Corynne – from Runaway Coco
What I love about Corynne is her honesty and how she embraces travel despite being an introvert. She shows that anyone can travel and anyone can enjoy it …. Plus she has been known to post yummy recipies for food on her website!
Stephanie – from 1 Adventure Travel
An ex-pat living the dream! Stephanie is fellow diver and amateur photographer so has much to write about and, thanks to her “awesome husband”, dragging her up mountains and “down cobbled stone streets” she embraces being outside of her comfort zone!
I feel very proud to have hand-picked my nominees and they were chosen for their variety and for various reasons which I would like to share.
Deasha – from Travel and Fitness
I personally met Deasha in Mabul at Scuba Junkie as she is a fellow diver. One of the things I love about her is how she keeps fit during her travels and gives others advice on doing the same! She dispels the myth that you need a gym to be healthy when out on the road!
Kevin – from Explore Without Fear
An adventure traveller who faces his fears head on, he doesn’t let anything stop him travelling the world – and he takes you along for the ride! You can’t help but read his blogs and want to test your boundaries
Katie – from Brilliant Media Marketing
Not only does Katie blog about her travels, she gives brilliant Social Media Marketing advice for other bloggers such as me! What a perfect combination to have. I confess, I was very jealous of her Liebster Award nomination blog – she can definitely teach me a thing or two!
Helena – from Through An Aussie's Eyes
As a Brit, I love the Aussie sense of humour and the way they just say it as it is! Despite living the other side of the world, Helena doesn’t let this stop her from catching 5 flights to get to where she wants to go! Plus, she will push you, and herself, outside the comfort zone!
Dawn – from Grey World Nomads
Age is most definitely not a barrier for travelling, you are as young as you feel and as a self confessed “mature” traveller, Dawn is still showing us all how we should continue to be. She has a fascinating insight into some of the most amazing countries!
Danik – from Danik the Explorer
Talk about an action man – Danik travels to destinations to run marathons as well as travelling for pure pleasure! Such an interesting reason to travel and a different perspective, I feel exhausted just thinking about his next run …. and in what conditions??!
Anna – from Two Nerds Travel
Mrs Nerd, Anna, travels with her husband Ben aka Mr Nerd and they love places connected with nature, especially water, well nature apart from spiders, don’t show her a spider photo! As a travelling couple ourselves who also love nature, I can’t help but identify with the Nerds!
Corynne – from Runaway Coco
What I love about Corynne is her honesty and how she embraces travel despite being an introvert. She shows that anyone can travel and anyone can enjoy it …. Plus she has been known to post yummy recipies for food on her website!
Stephanie – from 1 Adventure Travel
An ex-pat living the dream! Stephanie is fellow diver and amateur photographer so has much to write about and, thanks to her “awesome husband”, dragging her up mountains and “down cobbled stone streets” she embraces being outside of her comfort zone!
