Natália Martins Becattini Pereira swapped Brazil for France when she became one of the lucky winners of the Big Blog Exchange 2013. This year, a new batch of hopefuls will enter the Big Blog Exchange (BBE) with the goal of exchanging blogs, locations and lives with another winner.
In this interview, the first of a series with last year’s winners, Natália tells us why grasping the opportunity to take part in this one-of-a-kind blogging competition was so worth it.
Full name: Natália Martins Becattini Pereira
Age: 26
Blog url: http://www.360meridianos.com
Where do you live: Brazil
Where did you visit on the BBE: France
What were the biggest highlights of the exchange?
When I look at my pictures of the trip, I realise that besides all the incredible places I’ve been, the two things I miss the most are the fantastic food and the people I met. I knew about the famous French gastronomy but haven’t had the opportunity to really taste it before. And I love all the textures and flavours.
Also, I had a great time with the girls I met in Biarritz and all the HI staff in all the cities were very kind. All the random people I talked with during my exploration also contributed to make this trip unforgettable. French people are very warm, fun and proud of their history and culture. I love it!
Has the BBE changed you?
Yes! I believe that it’s impossible to travel across an ocean and remain the same. I discovered so many things about the world during the BBE! Now I eat things I wouldn’t eat before just because I had the opportunity to try it in France and realised that it’s actually good. I fell in love with the Basque culture and want to go back. And, as I was travelling alone most of the time, it was also a great opportunity to be with myself.
Did the experience change your views about travel?
I have always been afraid of travelling alone, in part because I’m an introvert and it’s not so easy for me to meet other travellers. I thought I’d be lonely most of the time but it was actually a great experience! Now I’m not afraid to travel by myself any more and would do it again if I had the chance.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of entering?
Write with passion on your blog and be yourself.
Would you have done anything differently looking back?
In the beginning I was very tired because I was rushing everywhere. I would stay longer in Paris and Lyon and spend less days in the other places.
Sum up the BBE in three words:
Learning, experience and adventure.
Feeling inspired? Sign up for this year’s Big Blog Exchange and watch the trailer for the Big Blog Exchange 2014 here.
