FAIR MAGAZINE Fair Magazine #3 - Fallen For You | Page 16

The corporate world used to be her comfort zone so the routine of office
work did not bother her until Australia opened up her eyes that traveling is
for everyone.

Naomi Mallorca, a traveler and a blogger did not at
all plan to set on life-changing journeys. Now, she’s
enjoying every bit of the peculiarities of a bigger and
wider world. “Traveling opened my heart to be more
understanding and to be more open in accepting
others. It also makes me appreciate more the Filipino
culture. It fortified my convictions about God’s hedge
of protection over me wherever I go,” she said.
The interlude in Germany is not yet over yet she is
currently wandering the enigmatic beauty of Paris
for her to pen another travel diary rich in fascinating
experiences. Here are some of the bits and pieces
from her travels and get to know more about some
of the bizarre cultures and beauty regimen she tried.

POSTDAM, GERMANY

Q: What was your profession before you started to
travel?
I worked as a manager for human resources for a
start-up software company in Eastwood, Quezon
City. When the company closed down, I applied for
a work and study visa to Australia.
Q: Why did you decide to become a traveler?
It was not a pre-planned, conscious decision. I
labeled myself as an accidental traveler. I wasn’t
born with a silver spoon so I had this distorted notion
that traveling is a luxury that only the rich can afford.
My perspective changed only when I set my foot in
Australia.
LUBECK, GERMANY

“CONFIDENCE AND
FLEXIBILITY ARE ESSENTIAL
ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAVELING
SOLO. THE ABILITY TO THINK
ON MY FEET IS ALWAYS INSIDE
MY LUGGAGE. AND THE MOST
INDISPENSABLE ARMOR IS
PRAYER, EVEN IF ONE IS A
SEASONED TROOPER.”
NAOMI MALLORACA
16

Q: What have you learned in your travels that can
inspire others?
The training and values my parents taught me while
growing up came in handy during my travels. My
mother trained me to prepare the things I needed for
the next day so I wouldn’t forget any essentials. My
late dad taught me to be organized and neat while
on the go. Confidence and flexibility are essential
especially when traveling solo. The ability to think
on my feet is always inside my luggage. And the
most indispensable armor is prayer, even if one is a
seasoned trooper.
Q: What are the interesting cultures and traditions
you have experienced and encountered?
I find most Australians laid-back, straightforward,
and polite. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ are their favorite
words. Bus drivers always greet the passengers with
a warm smile. Australia is an egalitarian society and
everybody treats everybody equally regardless of
income, position, or background. On a lighter note,
I’ve learned that Australians love to abbreviate!
They call Brisbane ‘Brizzie’, Gold Coast ‘Goldy’,
mosquito ‘Mozzie’, sunglasses ‘sunnies’. In general,
Aussies are warm and friendly. I experienced first-

hand what I coined as an Aussie kindness.
In Germany, I toned down my warmth and
friendliness as I discovered that Germans are not as
warm as Australians. Germany is far more structured
than Australia. I voiced no complaint about the
punctuality of Germans. What ruffled my feathers
was their literal perfectionism at times. A perfect
poached egg has to be out of hot, boiling water
not later than 6 minutes. Not a second less, not a
second more.
Denmark’s sense of patriotism can be seen in their
streets and houses and establishments. Denmark
flags are almost everywhere! And Danes are
extremely serious about their door designs. In fact,
I’ve collected photos of the most artistic and stylish
front doors of Romo Island in southern Denmark.
Q: How do you stay fit?
Hamburg, where I am based, is a bicycle-friendly
city. I cycle three times a week when I attend my
Pilates and Aerobics classes.
Q: How do you stay fit?
Hamburg, where I am based, is a bicycle-friendly
city. I cycle three times a week when I attend my
Pilates and Aerobics classes.
Q: What beauty regimen or products have you
encountered from the locals in the countries you
visited?
In Australia, I used manuka honey. In Germany, I
combine Vitamin E and ground coffee and rub the
paste on my face. I use olive oil or mayonnaise for
my hair an hour before shower.
Q: How did your life change when you started to
travel?
I’ve embraced diversity, adversity, and differences
with an open heart. Diplomacy is always my first
remedy. I’ve become more patient, tolerant, and
accepting of people.
Q: How do you define beauty?
Beauty encompasses the mind, heart, body, and soul.
Q: How do you relax after a busy day?
I read, write, or shoot strangers, churches, and cafes
around Hamburg.
Q: What are your guiding principles in life?
You are your own wall. When in doubt, choose
kindness. Ask God to bless the land where you are
planted. Let all you do be sprinkled with love.