My guest on the podcast is Julia Va. She’s a young woman from Vladivostok, Russia, whose passion for travel has taken her around the world.
Born in 1991, Julia’s dad strongly encouraged her to learn English growing up. She studied Tourism at University in Russia, then continued her studies at Les Roches, an international hospitality school in Spain.
Spending time in Western Europe fueled her desire to travel more. She’s visited South Korea, China & France, and has lived in Thailand, Canada and currently in Mexico.
In this wide-ranging discussion that took place in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, I ask Julia to tell the story of how we met. We talk about her courage to follow her dreams.
She also gives listeners insight into what it was like growing up in Russia in the 90s. And I can’t resist asking her thoughts on Vladimir Putin.
Other topics we cover:
Growing up in Russia:
- Born just before the Soviet Union collapsed
- Living under Soviet Communism
- Exciting outdoor activities in Russia
- The Chernobyl Disaster
Traveling Abroad:
- First English education was in Thailand
- A visit to South Korea and China
- Hotel visitation in Spain
Moving to Mexico:
- Getting visas as a Russian
- How “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho inspired her
- Her 6-month internship in Thailand
- Living in Vancouver for 6 months
- Landing a job in Mexico
- Where she met her husband
- Whether she believes in fate
- How do Russian guys differ from Canadians?
- Working hard to pay the bills
- Life is a beach
Favorite Books:
- Julia likes reading great stories that inspire
- The Alchemist
- Dan Brown’s Novels (The Origin, Inferno, Angels & Demon)
Random Questions:
- What story do you hope to someday tell your grandkids about your 30s?
- What would you do if someone dropped $200,000 in your lap?
- What are you most grateful for?
Connect with Julia:
- on Instagram: va_julia
Listen here:
My trip to Thailand was life-changing. I did not believe elephants existed. I believed they were magical creatures you can only read stories about. And realizing some people would never see them … is why I decided to study Tourism. – Julia Va
