Natalie is a blogger and writer that has only recently been brought to my attention, by my amazing friend Ayngelina and I am quite happy she did.
She has written for a variety of publications (see her writing page for more details), but what I particularly admire is that she manages to keep up an interesting and vibrant travel blog, although because of her work obligations in Totonto, she can’t get out to as many international locations as she wants to. She still manages to weave stories in from her various travels, along with a healthy dose of “local travel” posts, which should be a roadmap for some that complain they don’t get to travel enough to be able to keep up and interesting blog
I look forward to getting to Toronto at some point in the not to distant future to catch up with her — or ever better — run into her on the road. In the meantime, come read her blog, Near Afar, follow her on Twitter, and enjoy her answers to the Lucky 13:
1 — You have won the lottery, now tell us where you want to live.
Paris. New York. But I feel like I have a whole, lot more world to see so if I could do a RTW and stay in a few places for a while, I would.
2 — Celebrity you would trade lives with for 30 days?
I don’t know if I would really want to. If I had to choose, Richard Branson seems to have it pretty good.
3 — Most romantic date you’ve been taken on — or for that matter, that you have taken someone on (just so I appear less sexist)?
Ha. That hasn’t really happened a lot so I’ll go with a date I conjured up for an ex for Valentines Day. I created a scavenger hunt for him based on previous dates we had and some likes of his. The ending point was a restaurant where I was waiting for him with a rose. I even made a treasure hunt map and burned the edges of the map. It was all very “Bachelor”-esque. But yes, he was impressed!
4 — Defunct or dead musical musician (or group) that you would have liked to see in concert?
This isn’t really a question I think about to be honest. I guess The Beatles? Can we try another question? travel related maybe? (not to be high maintenance or anything…I’d rather discuss something I’m passionate about).
No comment about Kirsten Dunst in a cheerleader costume in this movie. Repeat. I have no comment.
5 — Who plays you in the movie about your life?
Nice one. I’ve gotten the remark that I look similar to Kirsten Dunst (in her “Bring It On” days). So let’s go with her.
6 — Single thing you miss most from high school?
My uniform. That kilt saved me a lot of “what should I wear?” dilemmas in the morning. Plus, knee socks. I love a good knee sock.
7 — What fictional character would you like to meet for a drink or three?
I prefer meeting real-life people opposed to fictional characters. Let’s go with Dilbert. I hear he has a lot of issues. Or if you want to opt for someone more exciting let’s go with Gatsby. He’s on trend right now. As for real life, if you know me, you know I’m a huge fan of Andrew McCarthy. He went to the Magic Road, you know?
8 — More blanks: My Mom and Dad are never going to read this, so I can now admit I lied to them in a huge way about _______________.
I’m an angel. I don’t lie. 
9 — I have no idea how ___________ got rich and famous, considering they have no talent at all.
The Kardashians. Really? And Paris Hilton.
10 — Give us a good, embarrassing pet peeve of yours.
People who write in abbreviations when remarking on a birthday or other monumental occasion. For instance, I once got the term “HBD!” which was meant to say “Happy Birthday!” Similarly, I wrote a thoughtful note to someone on New Year’s and in return, got the remark “HNY!” I don’t know if there’s any way to say “I don’t care” more than that. In other pet peeves, slow walkers really get on my nerves and people who bring friends on one-on-one meet ups. Just….don’t.
11 — Question most likely to make you smile or cry, if you were interviewed on live national TV?
A question that would make me smile would have to be something travel related. Something along the lines of “What is your favourite travel memory?” or “what your favourite places to travel?” I can’t help but smile when I think of my fondest memories and destinations related to my travels. Or where to get a specific type of food somewhere. I’m good at answering that.
12 — For the next year, you can only drink water and ____________ and you’d be happy.
Iced tea. I love that drink. Preferably Snapple.
13 — Your single most treasured personal possession.
My photos. In the end, we only have our memories.
What a fun set of questions! I have to agree with Natalie about Snapple. Diet Peach is the best
Thanks Michael for a great interview! Snapple Lemon iced tea is my go-to (in case you were wondering!).
Natalie T. recently posted..NEAR: Cold Tea Toronto
haha agreed – no extra friends are allowed at one on one meet ups!
ha ha Sam. Tis True, though. It’s happened to me twice. Maybe the interview will let them know it’s not cool? (That is, if said friends read it).
Natalie T. recently posted..NEAR: Cold Tea Toronto
Hi Mike!
Looks like you really enjoyed your interview with Natalie. I like the flow of this interview, very spontaneous. You both are very clever!
Akishya recently posted..Happy New Year To All Of You And Hope You Like The Aquarium Fish Photos Here …
I love the interview you have here…I hope you can post more to inspire a lot of people..
Shelie recently posted..este villa
Rocking the HBC scarf in the first pic! LOVE IT!
Canadian fashion FTW!!
Natalie T. recently posted..Monthly Update: New Year’s Resolutions 2012
Thanks for the great interview here…I am sure a lot of people will be interested with this…
Janna recently posted..How to Choose the Best Affiliate Marketing Software
So good to get to know you better, Natalie! Can’t wait to finally meet you in real life! LOVE YA!!
Yvonne recently posted..6 Outdoor Activities (For Thrillseekers) Which Changed My Life
I agree. When and where my friend?!
Natalie T. recently posted..Monthly Update: New Year’s Resolutions 2012
I like Natalie! I enjoyed meeting her at TBEX. Can’t believe her best date is one she put together though. Time someone did that for her!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Slovenian culture, geography, food, and people
Thanks for the comment Jeremy. Yay! You like me.
I wholeheartedly agree with your observation. Any takers fellas?!
Richard Branson is a great choice. I would love just to pick his brain about things. He seems to go against the grain in the right kind of way.
I know you did a great interview..Thanks you for sharing your very inspiring post..Keep up the good work!!!
Eileen recently posted..PPI Claims
I totally dig the Richard Branson answer – I wish I would have though of that. First order – fly into space!
Erica recently posted..Episode 17 – White Water Adventure in Banos, Ecuador
Yay Natalie! I would love to visit you girls in Toronto. Until then, we’ll always have NYC…. Great interview!