Since I was a teenager I always loved to travel, far or close I wanted to see new places, different cultures fascinated me.
I was born and raised in Brazil, a huge country with so much diversity that you could take years just exploring it’s famous coastal area, mountains, deserts and rain forest just to name a few. Every summer vacation I tried to go somewhere new, places I hadn’t visited before.
When I was 21 years old I did my first travel abroad, I spent a month by myself in New York City studying English. I ‘d already been working as an actress for few years and arranged to stay in the Julliard School dormitories. It was a dream come true to be in such a wonderful city so full of culture and possibilities. The Theater, Musicals and the museums fascinated me. I couldn’t get enough of Central Park in that beautiful summer. I totally fell in love with Greenwich Village and yes, I did a lot of shopping. That’s when I discovered my passion for fashion.
Few months later I moved to London, UK where I stayed for 2 years taking advanced studies in Performing Arts. When not at school or work, you’d find me at the British Museum (I was fascinated by their Egyptian collection), clubbing in Soho & Covent Garden, trying a new restaurant or at one of the West End theaters, that’s when the travel bug really got me.
Being a full time student I didn’t have much time off but I got temp jobs here and there whenever I could to earn some travel money. I did a bit of everything from sales assistant, to silver service waitress, hostess at special events, bartender at a PUB to model for life drawing classes. My school and boarding were covered, so every money I made, I saved to travel every weekend I could. I would take a flight or train to a different country or even a bus to another city nearby.
I fell in love with Europe. From the beautiful beaches at the Greek Islands, one of my favorite destinations in the world, to the love, history, food and wine in Italy, the mysteries of Czech Republic, the romance of France , the Castles in Scotland (yes, I looked for Nessy at Lock Ness) to the healing waters of Blue Lagoon in Iceland. I saw as much as I could .I was hungry for history and new horizons. Europe also introduced me to the delights of food and wine. From drinking cheap wine watching the sunset at Oia in Santorini, devouring gelatos in Italy, getting inebriated with the spices in Turkey to wine tasting in wonderful wineries in Italy, France and Spain my travels were an experience for all the senses.
After I finished my studies in London, I was determined to find a way to work and travel at the same time. It quickly took me to the luxury travel industry where I flourished for years. It was absolutely fascinating. I would go from USA to places as Asia & Oceania, Europe, Central and South America in a matter of months or few years. Whenever on vacation I always kept my promise of once a year to visit somewhere I haven’t been before because it’s very tempting to keep visiting our favorite places and miss on other breathtaking gems.
Between work and pleasure, so far I’ve been blessed to visit more than 73 countries and territories in all the 7 continents. The highlight of my travels was for sure a very exclusive tour with 40 others world travelers in Antarctica.
Traveling is my passion. I absolutely adore revisiting my favorite places and discovering new hidden treasures I didn’t know about. The idea of exploring new places and learning about different cultures makes me smile and fills my heart with joy and anticipation.
This was a long but heartfelt introduction of one of my biggest passions. Something that makes me smile and warms my heart.
What is your passion?
Read more of my blog posts at http://www.olivialush.com/#/blog
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