Why do you think it is important to travel?
Travel, near or far, is about discovery for me. And this is always exciting….seeing + feeling a new place…researching the interesting (and cultural) sites, the restaurants, the markets, the shops - anything + everything. You learn so much.
Whats your favorite mode of travel?
Any mode….train, ferry, plane, car - depends on the time I have, or how panoramic + idyllic the route is :)
What do you think of the future of travel? How do you see the future of our society? How do you think we can contribute?
That’s a big question... I was on the Galapagos Islands in the 1980’s, I won’t go back, because I don’t want to disturb Nature. I would also never go anywhere on a massive Cruise ship, for example. Never leave any plastic behind. When on a beach, gather plastic + rubbish, if you can….for a few hours…walking up and down a beach. If you fly somewhere, and you have time, spend time there….try not to zip in&out. Support the small + local businesses wherever you go.
What would be your dream trip?
I have never been to India nor to Brazil, or to Bhutan, or to the less famous Indonesian islands etc. There is still so much to explore. Thankfully, I have all these places still to look forward to.
What are some of your favorite journeys that you took?
Cambodia in the early 1990’s, when no one was around in Angkor Wat, and the local children were our guides. Rwanda + DRC (Lake Kivu area) with La Voyageuse - my friends Nadine Strittmatter and Natasha Montrose. Any trip to Japan was a highlight - one of my favorite places & culture in the World. Roadtripping with my friend Coralie in the US South West (Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas etc) - I love that Red Earth. Travelling through Spain, then taking the ferry over to Tangier, and continuing through Morocco by train + taxi. Being a tourist in Thailand, my homeland - but I never go to an island that has an airport!Glamping road trip in Scotland with my friend Paul - I didn’t know I was a happy (free style) camper!
What are your favorite addresses in the world?
There is a simple + very special small hotel on Yakushima (Japan) called “Soyotei”. Yakushima is a very special island, the forests are truly magical….and you have wonderful swimming holes. The “Diane Fossey camp" hike in Rwanda is also very special. I have rarely seen such a beautiful forest sanctuary. You understand why she has set up camp there on that specific plateau. It feels like a holy site. Tangier is also a special place…hidden and secretive…I get a real sense of discovery. I think it’s important to mix “high and low” when you travel, in terms of hospitality.
What are your favorite places and activities where you live?
I live in Paris, France. I cycle around everywhere. I love to see museums, art exhibitions - anything cultural or artsy, and I love to eat out! And I love my yoga instructors. I love to catch up with my friends. My favorite museum is “La Bourse de Commerce” (Pinault Foundation). The Gustave Moreau House / Museum is also a gem. Paris really is a feast for the eyes, architecturally speaking.
What is one of your favorite things that you found on a trip?
I usually buy something from my travels. One thing I use daily (to sleep) is my “Zirbelkissen” from the hotel “Zirmerhof” in Südtirol. I also buy ceramics or something for the dining table or a kitchen tool. Japan has the best incense for my taste / nose, heart + soul.
Tell us something about your object the `Porte Monnaie” from Thailand that is available in our Webshop that you recommend?
“Khomapastr” is a traditional Thai company, they hand print all their textiles, it’s for upholstery + clothing. It cannot get more old school than this! I love authentic things - the real deals! The credit card holder is small + handy, yet is opulent at the same time (because of the print). You cannot say where it is from, it’s full of fantasy.The material gets better with time, the cotton gets a “waxy” sheen.