Interview: Robin Locker of My Melange
This weeks interview is with Robin of My Melange. Interestingly Robin had no strong desire to travel until she watched Under the Tuscan Sun! What is your first memory of traveling?
Is there anywhere you wouldn’t ever travel to (or return to)?
There are so many places I would LOVE to explore, but unfortunately, the long flights may prohibit me from actually going, as I am not the best flier. The spirit is there, but the flesh might not be willing. Kyoto Japan, India, Australia and anywhere in French Polynesia make that list. I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to go to Las Vegas. Gambling and showgirls just ain’t my thing.
What one tip would you give those writing about travel?
Don’t forget the photos. I think it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words. So often I don’t make it through a long, yet interesting piece covering a destination, simply because there was never a photo to draw me in or make me want to know more about the place.
Do you write as you travel or wait until you return?
Actually both. I’m always taking good notes, so I guess part of that can be considered ‘writing’. Sometimes the quick play-by-play stories, like a restaurant or hotel review, is best if written right away, when the experience is vivid and fresh in my mind. But, after I return from a trip and when the collection of experiences has time to sink in, another good story idea will pop up. I think that’s the fun of writing. Some trips can have a new and deeper meaning, which result in new story angles many years later.
Who inspires you to write?
Without naming names - there are so many talented travel writers that I look up to and who inspire me to not only write, but write better. I’d say that having an audience, however large or small, inspires me to write as well. As long as my work can be useful and helpful to others and there are folks reading, I’ll be motivated to keep writing.
What, other than a passport, can you not travel without?
My trusted Tumi wheelie carry-on bag, a digital camera, a pen and a notebook.
Are you an organized traveler or do you wander?
Again, I’d say a bit of both. It depends on the circumstances and my travel goals. I’m organized in that I need to have set hotel reservations and a good idea of what I need and want to do or see during my travels. If I am short on time, it helps me to be extremely organized, so that I can make sure I am able to collect the info I need. But I do try to build time into my itinerary to just wander. Take photos, get lost, pay attention to the sounds, people and aromas around you. You need that time. That is generally where the memorable moments and the unexpected magic happens. Many a great, even humorous story, has been born from something that wasn’t planned.
Where do you plan on traveling to next?
Being that my twin passions are France and Italy, rest assured it will be one of those. If I were a betting person, I’d say most likely Italy. I’m dying to get to the Italian Riviera, the Piedmont region and I also have some friends in Calabria that I have been wanting to visit.
Many thanks to Robin for agreeing to take part. Stay tuned for more Travel interviews in the next few weeks. Let me know if you wish to be interviewed :)
