My name is Marta,
just a little Italian in constant search of new Adventures
I love travel to always new places, but I like the word EXPLORE more. Nowdays everyone seems to be willing to visit as many places as possible, taking that ritual picture, and then move to the next one. I have been there, and still can’t stop picturing every second of my journeys, but that is not the whole point.
I believe real travelling does not always mean going very far, but also deeply exploring what we have around.
What I look for are very unique experiences:
Meet real people, listen to their stories and live in their same way, ever just for a few days. Learn how do they cook, eat and approach the everyday life. Discover the best hidden spots, family traditions and hacks on pretty much everything.
I know it is usually easier when on holidays to the other side of the planet, but sometimes even just a deep conversation with your neighbour or a walk around your own city can lead to a new discover.
I am talking about looking for Adventures, but most of the time they actually find me. I believe if you live with an open mind, kindly talk with everyone and do not let fear stop you, everything will easily unfold.
I met lots of amazing people, who in many cases guided me to little big Adventures, just asking some stupid questions in the street or start talking on the bus. Especially in countries where tourists are not so used to be nice with locals, just a smile and a couple of random words can be the start of long and enriching conversations. And I got hospitality, lifts, tips, cooking lessons, guided tours invitation to parties and more, just for that.
Once I asked to a man in a remote Cuban village why do people where so helpful for apparently no reason. He explained me that having someone coming from that far, somewhere they will probably never be able to go, be willing to listen and learn from them, was already the best reward. Their only possibility to leave a piece of them to the big World, and trying to imagine, trough my stories and pictures, different lives in different places.
I cannot say it is always the same everywhere and for everyone. People are different, and cultures even more. But I could share tons of stories about it, and that is one of my goals.
I am not a full time traveler (maybe, one day..), but I still get constant questions from family and friends on how can I pay for my trips. Funny truth, I always realize I actually spend less during my travels than most of them for the everyday life at home.
It is all about wise choices, good money management and a bit of adaptability
And learn how locals do. With this I am not saying we should all travel on philipino jeepneys, do wild camping or eat bento boxes all the time (just to name a few), but is it always good to know you have the choice. And then decide if feeling fancy for a shorter while or save money to extend your stay. I definitely prefer the second option, and I want to share my Travel Tips and Guides to make Travelling a bit more accessible for everyone.
But why Cheeky?
I know the term cheeky can sound strange, and be synonym of rude or disrespectful. But I like to use it in the nicest possible way, as people do to define a funny and talkative kid.
I grew up with everyone saying to don’t talk with strangers, and usually shy of speaking with anyone. Until a first hospitality job, the early travels, and a few bites of bravery showed me that people are mostly not that bad. It has been a blending of willpower and even survival instinct (ask for stranger’s help saved me from good troubles a few times). But I now know that get rid of shyness has been the best journey, and has guided me to some pretty good Adventures.
Now I am basically the old lady who starts talking with everyone on the bus, sometimes even in languages I don’t really know.
Well, maybe not that old (yet), but surely as much chatty.
I am still not totally sure it was a compliment, but I somehow liked it, and it popped into my mind when I was setting up the blog.
I write in English because it somehow feels more natural to me: I spent one year living and working in Australia, my first life changing Adventure, and I always read books and blogs in this language. Also, I would love to share some insider tips on Italy with the newbies.
A bit more about me..
I love nature and outdoor activities. Following an healthy and active lifestyle, cooking with the most natural ingredients, and always hunting for new skills and knowledge. I am a bit obsessed with recycling and making the most environmentally friendly choices in the everyday life, even if flights are still my weak spot. I love personal growth: life will always be our most important journey, and constantly improve and overcome little big limits has to be a daily goal. I have discovered it trough travelling, but opportunities are hidden in every corner.
Nothing excites me more than planning and living a new Adventure, especially if it is something unconventional and apparently out of my reach. The scariest, the better! There is no better fuel than figuring out how fare you have come. And then tell people your stories and hear them say: did you really do that?
If I did, everyone can do it too. For any adventure that pops into your mind, there will always be a way to make it easier, cheaper and in some ways also better: it could be doing some volunteering, finding a seasonal job, or try to do everything like a local.