As I wrote my 10th Celeb Travelogue today (yay!), I got reminded of the top 10 celebrities I listed down when I first proposed the idea of this series to my manager last year.
I clearly remember, the first celeb I wanted to interview for the series, was none other than the hot and bubbly Shenaz Treasurywala (from the Ishq Vishq fame). Not for any other reason, but the fact that she chose travel over movies. Therefore, a perfect fit for this section aimed at bringing forth unique travel experiences from across the world.
Model, VJ, actress and a travel writer-cum-host, when I finally managed to have a candid conversation with Ms. Treasurywala, I shot these quick 10 questions at her (It’s all about 10′s, you see!)
BG: What type of a traveller are you?
Shenaz: Spontaneous and compulsive. One day I’m in one place, next day I just buy a ticket and I am somewhere else. I have an escapist quality.
BG: The most amazing thing that travel has taught you!
Shenaz: There is no better school than the world school of travel. The best thing that travel has taught me is NOT to be judgmental and to respect every culture, race and custom.
BG: A travel behaviour that annoys you.
Shenaz: I like waking up and going out to explore the place and not staying in the hotel till 1 pm. So if I’m travelling with someone who likes to stay in the hotel all day, I get antsy. But usually, I just leave them to do their thing and I do mine.
BG: What is it like to be a travel show host?
Shenaz: Wonderful! It’s not a job. It’s a blessing! Most of the shows I produce, fund and write myself, like Culture Shock. Watch me getting slapped by a monkey in Thailand at a party exclusively for wild monkeys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nRILLmIUGg
BG: Some travel tips you have picked up as a travel host!
Shenaz:
- Travel alone at least once in your life. It’s the way to force yourself to meeting new people (even if you’re shy)
- Try all kinds of cuisine. You live once. Taste it all.
- Don’t judge, just join!
BG: The craziest thing you have done on a holiday.
Shenaz: I almost bought a camel. But then realized I had nowhere to put it. I even made a video on it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UBZ-1e3BAE
BG: What are the kind of hotels you like staying in?
Shenaz: Gone are my backpacking days. Now I like a little luxury. I enjoy staying in quirky boutique hotels with character and different rooms. This is one of my all time favorites. It’s a mini museum with rooms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdLZ0QbpV0s&index=8&list=PL8QHZf5B-GnkLbKsU8BcQAHEs8QxR1UIm
BG: What’s the hardest thing about travelling as a couple?
Shenaz: When you travel with someone, you either start hating them or fall in love with them. If you flow together and want to do the same things and have the same rhythm, you know it’s meant to be. But if you’re constantly fighting when you travel, then it’s a red flag! So I’d suggest that the best way to know if it’s working is to go on a trip together.
BG: One food item you always end up ordering.
Shenaz: I’m a rice and curry girl. My palate is still very Asian. Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean – that’s my jam. Western food is blah after a while for me except for the big Californian salads. And, I love Vegan desserts in LA.
Rapid Fire:
- Your airport style: Comfortable and warm
- Your 2014 Travel Resolution: Pack lighter (I never learn!)
- Travel advice for a foreigner visiting India: Eat everything, friend an insider, women be careful
- 3 places on your bucket list: Brazil, Turkey, Argentina
- One unusual thing you always pack: My diary, my scrap book. I always ironically FORGET to pack my toothbrush
Being a travel writer and travel show host is one thing, but Shenaz proudly chose to explore the world first before building a house for herself. That was her true calling. What is your true passion in life?
(All pictures courtesy Shenaz Treasurywala)