Welcome to Around the World in Seven Questions, a series where I interview bloggers from around the globe about their travel aspirations and inspiration! Today’s featured blogger is Amy, from The Wayfarer’s Book.
Here’s what she has to say about herself. Amy Butler is an American English teacher who enjoys the thrill of one-way tickets and finding donuts in far-flung destinations. You can read more of her (pastry-focused) adventures at The Wayfarer’s Book.
around the world: the wayfarer’s book
Tell us about yourself! How did you get started traveling?
My first memories of traveling are family road trips, stuffing the car to the brim with books and snacks and games (and clothes) for the infinite drive to my grandparents’ house. I took my first trip to Europe with my aunt on a whirlwind tour to England, France, and Italy. I was fourteen and pretty easily mesmerized by the romance of travel. After that I’d pack in travel on weekends and vacations, but I always yearned for more adventure in my daily life. In 2015 I quit my job in New York to travel and work abroad. It hasn’t always been a smooth ride, but it’s been a wild one!
Where are you now?
I currently live and teach English in Kiev, Ukraine – a destination I never had considered when I was initially getting my CELTA to teach English abroad! I first came to Kiev in the spring of 2015 with a guy I was dating. Even though he and I went separate ways, I loved Kiev so much that I decided to sign a full year-long contract and put down some roots. It is fascinating to live in a country that’s growing and developing so much. There’s so much history here and so much potential, which I find very inspiring.
Have you lived abroad? Do you have advice for travellers looking to work and live in a different country?
I was an au pair in England when I was twenty, spending six months with a family that had four delightful (and very energetic) kids. After graduating from university and working for a few years, I decided I wanted to live abroad again. I considered au pairing and young people work visas for places like Australia, but I wanted a job that would give me a sustainable, long-term life abroad. I decided to retrain to be an English teacher. In 2013, I completed a CELTA course, and since then have taught in New York, Singapore, and Kiev.
My best advice for people who want to live and work abroad is to find a job you love – so many people I know who moved home didn’t do it because they didn’t like the country. They just didn’t like (or even hated) their job. It’s very difficult to switch jobs once you’re already in a country, since your residency paperwork is often tied to your employment, which means many people who quit their jobs also then have to go home. So whether it’s teaching, coding, au pairing, or picking fruit, really think if you’ll be happy with your employer before you sign on with them.
What is your favourite destination, and why? Do you have any recommendations? Any funny stories?
Can I give a few answers?? I adore Kiev, especially for expats and travelers looking for ‘undiscovered’ Europe. It’s a fascinating mix of European and Slavic culture, with a shade of post Soviet-ism, filled with friendly and curious people. I’m aching to get back to Mexico – it’s such a huge country with so much delicious food I didn’t get to try! And I think Belgrade is one of the most underrated capitals in Europe. Great café culture, growing craft beer scene, and friendly people.
What is your ultimate travel destination? Have you been there, or do you have plans to go there anytime soon?
The Maldives! Basically, I just dream of staying in an overwater bungalow. It’s probably not going to happen any time soon, though…
I did get to go to Cuba last year, which was crazy. Getting a chance to see the country just as relations with the US were warming up was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – not only to see the country at that particular moment, but to learn about its history and way of life.
What is the craziest travel-related thing you have ever done? Let’s leave super illegal out of this but otherwise……… tell us everything 😉
I’m not an especially crazy traveler, but my three-week trip to Mexico was basically planned on the ground. I was trying to use my Southwest miles before I left the US indefinitely, so I bought a ticket to Mexico City and a ticket out of Belize City for three weeks after. At the very least I would book my accommodation the day before, but a lot of other plans were made on the fly!
Do you prefer to travel solo, or with someone? Why? If you travel with friends, do you think your friendship is stronger for that reason? If you travel alone, do you find it difficult to meet people on your travels?
I enjoy solo travel and traveling with friends or family. There are definitely perks (and drawbacks!) to both. I think the most important thing to remember when you travel with friends and family is that you’re going to have to compromise to come out it with happy relationships. But the benefit is that you have someone to share your experiences with – and push you to try things you might not have otherwise considered!
Solo travel can be lonely, but it’s never particularly difficult to meet people. Especially with dozens of Facebook groups to support travelers, including girl traveler groups, it doesn’t have to be hard to make connections. Whenever I see a traveler is coming to Kiev I offer to meet up for coffee or a drink. A lot of times, if you need a friend, all you have to do is ask!
You can follow Amy’s adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. She’s also on Snapchat @wayfarersbook. Thanks for sharing your adventures, Amy!