The Travel Ten: Jenny from Stepping String

Here we go guys, another Travel Ten is upon us! This week my interviewee is an international globetrotter who’s already managed to live in 8 different countries. What an achievement! Introducing Jenny from Stepping String.

Jenny is a British-born traveller who’s been working out ways she can live and travel abroad since leaving school. So far she’s visited 25 countries, lived in 8 and is always on the lookout for more adventures. Currently living in Uganda, Jenny is travelling and crafting as she goes.

Her blog Stepping String is full of her travel tales, advice and photography.

Jenny pretending to be a giant at Legoland in the UK

Best place you’ve ever been?

Oh this is really hard! I love everywhere I’ve been for different reasons. I’m going to pick Yang Shuo in China. This is such a beautiful part of China – surrounded by limestone peaks covered in greenery. There’s also a lot to do there. You can hire bikes and cycle past through villages and rice paddies. Or you can take one of the many cooking classes the town has to offer. This last one is worth it for the included trip to the market. I also had the most delicious spicy river shrimps here. I could definitely return and spend many more days here.

Worst place you’ve ever been?

Discounting places in the UK – Milan. I feel like that is a controversial choice. I may be being unfair to Milan and it’s coloured by the fact one of my friends got really ill there so we mainly spent time at the hospital. But, I also found it a bit too shiny and souless. I’m not that interested in expensive clothes shops, which is what Milan mainly is.

Yang Shuo, Jenny’s favourite place

Favourite food you’ve eaten on the road?

I loved all the freshly made naan in India. Mmm, so good. Or having fresh fruit  on beaches in Thailand. Or dumplings in China. Or the sushi in Japan. Basically I like food from everywhere.

Funniest travel moment?

Hmmm… travel gives lots of laughs – like the time I discovered Indian soap operas for the first time. Then there are the many ridiculous situations I’ve found myself in. I’m not sure I can pick. Okay here’s one…

When I was living in Japan I had a job teaching English in a language school. One of their specialities were themed parties for the child students every couple of months. One month the company decided the theme would be ‘Australia’. As our school only had three teachers the director chose me to host the party as the ‘closest’ they had to a real Australian. That’s how I found myself wearing an Australian flag as a cape and singing the Kookaburra song about 18 times to a group of bemused Japanese 8 year olds.

Three things you always carry in your luggage?

If you discount things like my passport and money then three things I always carry are insect repellent (all the mosquitos in the world are drawn to my sweet, sweet blood), my kindle, and a sketchbook and pen.

Most embarrassing travel moment?

I once crashed my bike into a Thai river. That was pretty embarrassing. I was peddling merrily along back from the school I was working in when one of the pedals on the bike fell off. I’m not the most balanced person at the best of times so I completely lost control, veered madly off the road and ended up sliding down the river bank. All this was just outside a bar filled with Thai men drinking whiskey. None of them helped me. They just stared as I crashed, then emerged red faced, muddy and dripping from the river.

The greatest challenge you’ve faced while travelling?

I think I’ve been pretty lucky in my travels that nothing really bad has happened to me. In general things have been pretty smooth. I would say the greatest challenge has been getting myself understood when I don’t speak the language. This was particularly tricky in China at train stations. I find though that patience and hand gestures go a long way.

One thing you don’t like about travel?

Flying. I hate heights and being so high in the air makes me weak-kneed with panic. Sadly flying is just so convenient I end up doing it much more than I would like. If there is any other option I take it. Hence why I’ve done so many long coach and train trips (for example I once got trains from the UK to Croatia rather than fly, that was all kinds of awesome). If I was rich I would travel by land or sea all the time.

Jenny relaxing with her kindle in Goa, India

Top three dream destinations you’ve never been before?

South America. Can I have a whole continent? Well I’m taking it. I’ve not been to any South American countries and I’m longing to do a big trip of all of them. The landscapes, history and fabrics look amazing. Also, would be great chance to practise my terrible Spanish.

Vietnam. I’d love to do a bicycle tour of Vietnam and gorge myself on delicious food.

Egypt. Ever since I was a child I’ve wanted to go to Egypt and see the pyramids. I used to have a slight obsession with ancient Egypt. I foolishly made a pact with a friend that we would go together though which is why it’s not happened yet.

Most useful piece of travel advice?

Don’t over pack. A heavy suitcase is a real impediment to successful travel. It makes it so difficult to hurl yourself onto transport and to walk around. Ideally I only take a smallish backpack travelling with me. You probably do not need as much stuff as you think you do.

Thanks very much, Jenny! Sounds like you’ve had some sweet adenveutes. If you’d like to hear more from Jenny, take a peek at her blog or Twitter.

Wondering what the Travel Ten is all about? Check out my explanation and my personal answers to these questions here.

Are you a travel blogger or avid nomad and want to be featured in the Travel Ten? Simply email me at gottakeepmovin88@gmail.com and I will send you the details. Thanks!