Meet the Nomads: Gaye Emami

Gaye is one of the bravest female traveler that I know. She would probably be the only person that I know that has traveled and enjoyed the beaches of Basilan which I also dreamed of visiting in the near future.

A newly wed backpacker and soon-to-be mom author of Pinay Travel Junkie strolls the beaches of Asia and wanders around the historical sites savoring the grandeur of every culture.

Get to know her more, visit Gaye at http://www.pinaytraveljunkie.com.

Here's Flip's short interview with Gaye

How did you discover your passion for travelling?

"I was in college then. I joined the school's outdoor org to try something different (uhm, post break up angst). I was never the adventurous type, but I've always been an avid listener of my dad's travel stories. He was able to roam around the Philippines because of work. And since I was pretty much reserved inside my comfort shell, I thought I wouldn't be able to do that in a million years!"

What’s the most horrible experience that you’ve had on the road?

"Bed bug bites I got from a B&B in Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia. I never thought it could actually ruin a trip! I painstakingly hiked Bako National Park's trails with them."

What’s the most outstanding travel experience that you’ve ever had?

"Traveling while pregnant! Because I proved to myself that indeed, nothing can stop me from wandering. During my first trimester, I visited Borneo once again (but with less strenuous hikes) and also did a 2-week backpacking trip in Visayas with my hubby. Had a couple of trips too in Quezon and Zambales in my second trimester.

It would be cool to show the photos someday to our daughter and I'll say, "You were already traveling while inside mummy's belly!

I shared a few tips to fellow preggy travelers on my blog, and hopefully this will prove that pregnancy does not have to be synonymous with confinement."

What’s the biggest realization that you’ve got out of travelling?

"I learned to live a basic life and I have become very appreciative of what I have. Some tourists can't leave home without their many gadgets, or even fancy clothes and toiletries. I don't have anything against them (and I do bring a few gadgets sometimes), it's just that for me, worrying about unnecessary things will distract me from total travel immersion."

What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?

"I look at different destinations as my classrooms. The thought of learning something new from another culture and people through experience and conversations (not just books!) thrills me. That's what keeps me going."

This is a silly and hypothetical one. If you would be given a chance to travel with a popular person or a celebrity, who would it be and why?

"Maureen Wheeler. After I've read The Lonely Planet Story, she instantly became an inspiration. I would love to hear her stories first hand about backpacking in the 70's, and raising a family while establishing a travel publishing business."

What could stop you from travelling?

"Obviously being married (thank goodness my hubby's a fellow travel junkie too) and pregnancy couldn't. Being broke, for sure."

Among the places that you’ve been to, which one fascinated you the most?

"Argh! So many awesome places. But the craziest would have to be my Basilan trip. Now that's an off the beaten path! I was invited by a group of Basilenos I met in Zamboanga for a day tour. They made it sound so safe so I took the risk. Seriously, I sent a text message to my sister about my funeral program just in case something happens to me.

I remember how insanely hospitable the locals were, probably cause they don't see much tourists. They offered their goods (produce and seafood) to me practically for free."

What's the best travel advice that you could give for a novice traveler like me?

"First of all Flip, you're not a novice traveler. Haha! Well, there are the luxurious vacationers and the budget backpackers. If you're a cheapskate like me, you can peruse my blog for various advices and tips (so many mention!).

 

But really, whichever tourist/traveler class you belong, it doesn't really matter. You be the judge of what can make you happy. Don't get affected if others say you spend too much just to have a great time... or you're a trying hard broke backpacker. What's important are the lessons you've learned which made you a better, open-minded person.

Soak 'em all up. The sights, smells and tastes of a destination."

What do you think about yourself?

"A reincarnated hippie. I dream of utopia and a borderless world."

"Pinaytraveljunkie.com, reportage revolving around a Filipina backacker's adventures and misadventures - from solo travels, to 'barkada' getaways, to romantic escapades... and soon about family vacations (I am currently eight months on the way!)." - Gaye