Travel Secrets Monsoon Issue 2016 | Page 19

TS INTERVIEW Living in London but travelling on an Indian passport. How do you manage that? Aah I could probably write a thesis on this one—we’ve spent insane amounts of time and money applying for visas over the years. Our passport booklets have visa stamps all over the place (thus the name ‘Bruised Passports’). On the bright side, London is geographically conducive to exploring the world— Africa, Europe, and even the US are just a short flight away. It’s the perfect base for frequent travellers. You both write beautifully: is this a natural talent or did you learn writing? Bloggers/writers whose work you admire? Thanks a million—I’m so glad you enjoy our articles. I’ve been a freelance journalist for years. I’m also a lecturer of English Literature, so my profession involves a lot of academic writing. I’m really passionate about writing and articulating my feelings about a place. But it’s definitely a skill I’ve honed over the years, thanks to my degrees in English Literature. Both of us love Jodi’s ruminations on food around the world. Some of my favourite authors include Marquez, Kafka, and Murakami. You’ve sampled street food and local cuisines from different countries. A meal memory that stands out. Bowls of pho from tiny shacks in the alleys of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. We love going hunting for local treasures recommended by people who live in the city and South East Asia is a goldmine for street food connoisseurs. On the opposite end of the spectrum is a luxurious dinner at Aman Canal Grande in Venice. The restaurant is housed in a Count’s mansion—we had the most exquisite Italian meal, overlooking Venice’s famed Grand Canal, here. Words can’t do justice to either experience. travelsecretsmag.com monsoon issue 2016 Travel Secrets  19