Offbeat Guides Writer Interview – Victoria Nguyen
July 27th, 2009 by Zain Iqbal
Want to know how to look great while hitting the beach this summer? Interested in finding a hotel off the beaten path? Looking for tips on how to not get crushed while crossing the streets of Ho Chi Minh City? Victoria’s array of knowledge is useful for any traveler, which is why we’re featuring an interview with her to kick off the week!
- First trip overseas?
When I was 13 years old I went to Vietnam, which is where my parents are from. It was my first time there, and I fell in love. Since then, I’ve been back twice, and it constantly appears in my dreams despite of every where else I’ve been (is that weird?). - Where are you off to next?
Honestly I will go anywhere, anytime, at a drop of a dime. When you’re inflicted with the travel bug, it doesn’t matter where you’re going as long as you’re going. - Best offbeat souvenir?
I collect rocks from places that move me for one reason or another. My favorite rock I’ve taken home is a square-ish little guy I found on the ground floor of Vietnam’s Perfume Pagoda. The pagoda is in a cave that is considered to be one of holiest sites for Buddhists. I like to think that everything is this world has a spirit or energy, so it feels special to take a little bit of that home with you.Plus, you put all the rocks together on a tray, and voila! — it makes for a unique home-decor display. - Longest plane delay?
Only a couple hours. Nothing to complain about. - Food you would fly for?
Foie, cheese, coffee, and crepes in France; beer in Belgium; falafels in Amsterdam; seafood in Da Nang, Vietnam; crawfish and beignets in New Orleans; Thai food in Thailand; creme caramel in Barcelona; and of course, anywhere my Mom is cooking. - What do you collect when you travel?
I collect hearts, because I’m such a stud. ;) But really: I usually come away with thousands of pictures, ticket stubs, hotel key cards, beer coasters, receipts, scarves, jewelry, and anything else that strikes my fancy — I’m kind of a pack rat.
Build your own personalized travel guide now
You should follow us on Twitter here
Liked this article?
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can also skip to the end and leave a response or trackback from your own site.
This website doesn’t render the pictures.
btw – crawfish and beignets AND cafe au lait were essential to my last New Orleans experience. mmmmm.