Interview: Léa from Become a Dinosaur, Creator of Memories

We asked ten questions about the trip to Leah of Become a Dinosaur.

Passionate about illustration and cooking, Léa wanted to share her creative and cultural daily life through her blog Become a Dinosaur. Always on the lookout for new discoveries, she has accumulated many travel memories that she shares with us.

JR : For you, travel is synonymous with...?

For me, traveling is synonymous with discovery. I love discovering new regions and culinary traditions. I love returning from my travels with my head full of memories and the feeling of having grown from the experience.

Discovering new cultures and ways of life allows me to gain perspective on my everyday life. Little by little, my horizons broaden, and I learn to live with more gentleness.

JR : The first item I put in my suitcase is my toiletry bag. It contains all my essential personal hygiene items, and it's important to me to have them readily accessible upon arrival.

One book, or if I'm traveling light, my e-reader. As a little bookworm, I never go anywhere, not even for a short trip, without a book. When I travel, I like to take my time. Reading is one of my ways to relax, whether on public transport, at a café terrace, etc.

For some time now, my partner has also started reading more and more often; it's a pleasure to read together on vacation.

JR : When you travel in dreams, where do you go?

Right now, when I look at the all-gray weather through the window, I dream of being in a house in Tuscany. Taking my time to rediscover the region, going for long walks in the Italian countryside, enjoying the markets, and having big feasts. I have a grandma mentality, but I own it!

I also have many travel desires; I would love to go on a road trip in Scotland, discover Greece, and the Basque Country!

JR : Your worst travel memory?

I haven't had any “disastrous” trips, but if I want to talk about my worst trip, I can mention my experience in Brussels. I talked about it briefly on the blog, I couldn't quite “feel” this city. Which I find a real shame, because I had only heard good things about it! Maybe I'll go back one day to give this city a second chance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

JR : A fragrance that invites you to escape?

If there are scents that make me travel, it's those of dishes and culinary specialties. The smell of cinnamon takes me to Sweden where Kanelbullar abound, that of tomatoes transports me to Italy, and nothing beats the smell of apple pie to return to Amsterdam.

JR : What is your next destination?

We haven't planned our next destination yet, as we're coming to the end of summer and will be going into hibernation! But we plan to go and discover the Basque Country, traversing it from end to end. I can't wait to get started on this trip.

JR : What is your favorite hotel? For what reasons?

I never travel by hotel. To be honest, I've only had to sleep in a hotel two or three times in my life, mostly when I was taking entrance exams for my studies. I prefer to stay in AirBnb, rent a room from locals, or even go camping. I have very good memories of my family camping trips, and I increasingly want to repeat the experience.

JR : What do you do to pass the time on a plane?

As mentioned before, I always have a book with me. My commutes on public transport go by smoothly thanks to my current read. But after a good hike, it's also quite possible that I'll fall asleep. Except for on planes, where I still have trouble dozing off, cars are like a lullaby to me; a few kilometers and I'm already drifting off.

JR : Your best travel memory from when you were a child?

I've had the chance to travel all over France with my parents. We'd go camping in a tent during the summer months or in a mobile home during the off-season. I mostly have good memories of camping, I like to remember the sound of zippers, the stove, and flip-flops.

JR : You feel at home when you are...?

Comfortably settled with a book. Whether it's when it's cooler with a blanket, or in the shade of a tree in the summer.

Even having lived in countries other than France, I can't really figure out what makes me feel at home. For example, I felt good when I was in my apartment in Amsterdam, whereas in Stockholm I wasn't as serene. It's all a matter of feeling, I think 🙂

Thank you Leah for answering our questions, she can be found on her website Become a Dinosaur And on on Facebook page !