Charming Vienna and having several roles at Hostelling International Slovenia

How would Kaja introduce herself?

The hardest question right at the beginning. I am a translator and a proof-reader who is doing something completely different for »the money« and has not forgotten her profession. I am a fan of good coffee, good food, books and lately I have lifted my butt off the couch and a few times a week I'm practising CrossFit. I try to go on at least one long trip a year, which feeds my soul and I can look forward to it all year long. This year, for example, I bought airline tickets in February, and went on a trip in September. Travelling energises me and gives me motivation.

Where did you go on your last trip? Could you tell us a little bit more about it?

My last trip was to Malta. For quite a few years I took trips where I was always rushing to see as much as possible. I always hurried. This year, my boyfriend and I decided for a more relaxed trip where we would see something, but we could also do some sunbathing on the beach and take a dip in the sea. The end of September was the perfect time. In Malta it was still about 30 degrees, the sea was about 25. We spent some days on Goz, the smaller island of the country, and a few days on the main island. Of course, the initial culture shock got us, even though we were in Europe.

When we got off the bus, we were hunched like sardines. One of the last people that came to the bus was a local woman who shouted that we should step back to make room for her, but that was not possible with all the suitcases and hundreds of people around you. The woman didn't care for that, she made her own space and made her way up on the bus, where she sat comfortably. Beside me stood a mighty German on whom water from the air conditioner was dripping and we couldn't help ourselves but to laugh. Did I mention that the ride took about an hour and a half? Well, it wasn't all "bad". Malta is a beautiful and extremely interesting country. The advice I would give is just not to visit it during the season as it is simply too touristy.

Do you prefer rice or potatoes? Where did you eat the best rice or potatoes you’ve ever had?

Uh, hard question. When I cook at home, I’m more for rice because it’s quick-cooked, so I pick potatoes several times in restaurants. I ate the best rice in Vienna's Chinatown, where I went to study for one month. We were taken there by a student from Hong Kong who wanted to show us his country’s cuisine. It was the best Chinese food I've ever eaten and it can't even compare to the Chinese one in Slovenia. A few months ago, I returned to Vienna and wanted to find that Chinese restaurant again, but to no avail. It's been a few years since that meal and I still dream about it.

I ate the best potatoes in Portugal. The preparation is very simple, I think they just cook it unpeeled and serve some butter with it but it's really great. In Porto, for example, there is a Tascö restaurant, where the son opened the restaurant and his mom cooks there, so you get that really traditional Portuguese food and it is just great.

How do you look after the environment, especially when travelling?

Taking care of the environment is a huge passion of mine and I'm aware of it wherever I go. I try to buy bottles of water, or at least larger bottles, in places where tap water is not drinkable. My shopping bag also goes with me everywhere to avoid buying unnecessary plastic. It's a responsibility to think of the environment as we travel. It is also right that we do not buy too much souvenirs on the go which will not serve us in the end and were made somewhere in Asia. I try to shop locally and think about my actions, whether it is abroad or at home.

You’ve been cooperating with Hostelling International Slovenia for several years as a volunteer. What has it taught you?

I was actually introduced to Hostelling International Slovenia by ŠOUM, where I worked as a journalist. Soon I met Anja, who is the soul of the organisation and really is in charge of the organisation regarding the volunteering part. So, I started as a journalist at Hostelling International Slovenia, then I started working as a proof-reader and later on as a translator. I am currently less active due to my job responsibilities, but I still have the organisation in mind. You can't just leave a person like Anja behind – and thus Hostelling International Slovenia. I gained a lot of experiences, overcame challenges.

I don't like to speak in public, but together with Katja Kovič I prepared one beautiful travelogue. I was afraid but nevertheless I pulled it off and went overcame my fear of public speaking. When you are a proof-reader, especially for an organisation as Hostelling International Slovenia, you read so many different texts, so many different opinions that broaden your horizon. You actually get to know people and new lands through texts. At Hostelling International Slovenia, you really are a part of one beautiful (and huge) family where everyone wants the same – to travel as much as possible.

What did you bring with you from your travels that you didn't actually use later?

As I mentioned earlier, part of environmental awareness and concern for the environment is also that you do not buy unnecessary things. There will always be some magnets which I take, but there are no pointless purchases. My first trip was to Ireland and my friend and I went shopping. I remember buying quite a few English classic books at the time – Dickens, Austen, etc. So, I "dragged" them on the plane. Later on, I found out I could buy them here in Maribor. Of course, I can still say that the books are from Ireland, however. For example, after 11 years of traveling experiences, I no longer do this.

Right now you’re in Slovenia, right? If you think about your travels a bit, which place felt like a second home?

For the time being, I live in Slovenia and I think it will remain so. My second home will always be Vienna and if I was offered any career opportunity I would pack up and go. For me, this is a city that has so much soul, character, life. We have already travelled to Vienna with my family and I have countless photos in front of Schönbrunn, in front of Stephansdom and similar sights. I still like to go back and think that I will never get tired of its magnificence. When I am there, I visit the same places, but they still impress me as if I were there the first time. Although it is a multi-million city full of people, I have a sense of security and a sense of home there.

On what basis do you choose your destinations? Is it the cheap air tickets, the sights...?

So far, I have not left Europe, so the main reason is definitely the cheap airline tickets, as well as the landscape, the possibility of doing a road trip, since me and my boyfriend like to rent a car and explore the whole country like that. Wherever you go, you will find some landmarks and beautiful things, so you cannot miss it.

Train or bus? Why?

Definitely the train because it simply offers more comfort and more freedom. You can walk a little, stretch your legs. You also see more of the landscape, not just the highways. The bus has only one advantage for me – It's usually cheaper.

To conclude, what are your top three travel things: a book, a movie and a blog?

I have been following Rok and Katarina writing their blog in the Slovene language, Lahkih nog naokrog and dreaming about their lifestyle a bit (maybe I can experience it too, who knows). I think they are really uniquely documenting their travels and at the same time giving us all the information we might be interested in, like the budget and the route they set.

The movie that fascinated me with the depiction of the landscape is The Way, where we follow the landscape of the El Camino hiking trail. My favourite travel book to make you laugh and show you a place or two is How Not to Travel the World: Adventures of a Disaster-Prone Backpacker by Lauren Juliff.

Now I'm tempted to try that rice and potatoes you mentioned. Ha-ha. I cannot help but mention that you have been really active here at Hostelling International Slovenia and one could say that you indeed have travelled a lot reading our volunteers’ travelogues. I keep my fingers crossed for you both to soon travel outside of Europe as well, and after you return, maybe we could have another interview.