Pondering on dates and anniversaries recently over on my Facebook page for Lou Messugo I realised I’d been running the gîte for 5 years. Which got me thinking that April has another anniversary – my blogiversary. Three days ago, on the 18th April this blog turned 3! I still feel like a new blogger but I guess at 3 I’m now quite mature. I may not be as prolific as some established blogs that I enjoy but I try to be consistent and so far have not had a long period without writing in that time. Long may it last!
Over the last year I’ve branched out and now cover a greater variety of topics including travel out of France, expat tales, personal history and multiculturalism. So how delighted was I to be nominated for the “Versatile Blogger” award from Ersatz Expat? Yes, you got it, very! Apparently I’m versatile, and I’m happy with that.
Ersatz Expat describes herself as a “global soul” and I feel an enormous kindred spirit with her. The more we get to know each other the more we find we have in common. She too is a TCK, eternal expat, currently blogging about her exotic life in Malaysia, having lived all over the globe. Do take a look at her website for fascinating stories from unusual places.
The “Versatile Blogger” award is one of those blogger appreciation virtual awards, more like a blog hop really, designed to introduce readers to a variety of new and interesting blogs. There are only 5 rules to adhere to: I have to
– display the badge;
– write a post linking back to the nominating blogger;
– find 7 interesting things to write about myself;
– nominate other bloggers (to a maximum of 15) and say why they get my nomination;
– let the nominees know they have been nominated.
Seems do-able! So thanks again for the nomination Ersatz Expat, on to the “interesting” things about me! (That’s a subjective word, sorry if you’re disappointed.)
7 “interesting” things about me
1. I have worked in a fish factory in Reykjavik – practically a rite of passage for women in Iceland back in the 1980s, even the then female president had done her stint.
2. I funded my university studies by working as an extra in Australian soaps such as Home and Away and the now defunct E Street.
3. I have travelled by ocean liner from Venice to Mumbai around Africa (when the Suez Canal was closed) as a means of transport, not a cruise. It was the height of luxury with a first class cabin (and vintage deck entertainment “quoits” see photo below). I have also taken a cargo ship from Barbados to Trinidad for carnival, staying on the ship in Port of Spain during the festivities and back again. It was the absolute opposite of “height of luxury” with an internal cupboard of a cabin and the roughest seas the Captain had ever come across in his 20 year career!
4. While on means of transport, I have taken a train from Hanoi to Helsinki, via Kunming, Beijing, Ulaan-Baatar, Moscow, St Petersburg and Lappeenranta. Well, it was several trains really…but the aim of the journey was Hanoi-Helsinki. That was in summer. I have also taken the Trans-Siberian in winter, spending 6 days over Christmas holed up in a train cabin, chugging across Siberia in -25°c.
5. I have sung as a chorister in Canterbury Cathedral.
6. I come from convict stock in Australia. My Aussie ancestor was a naughty chap sent to Australia on the second fleet. It’s something to be proud of apparently!
7. I was in a propaganda film with Indira Gandhi in the mid 1970s. She randomly plucked me out of a crowd to sit with her on a miniature train in Delhi, while we were on a family day out.
And my nominations for versatile blogs go to…
Oui in France – for the astute and funny observations about life in France
Turning Dutch – for the observations and explanations of life in the Netherlands
A Bavarian Sojourn – for the beautiful photos and eloquent words about life in Bavaria
Here’s to another year of blogging and blogging friendships. I hope you enjoy my choice of versatile bloggers and I look forward to reading their 7 interesting things (should they choose to take on the challenge).
Pleasure Emma, I look forward to finding out more about you…I bet your 7 things are pretty good too.
I wouldn’t know where to begin, Richard, and there’s so much competition out there. But thanks for the vote of confidencce.
Thank you Catherine! 🙂
Phoebe thanks so much for nominating me! I absolutely adore your list, what fantastic claims to fame! Incredibly jealous about No. 4 what an experience that must have been! Thanks again. I love being described as eloquent. That doesn’t happen very often! 🙂 Sorry this is later than I had planned xx
Have you thought of turning some of your blog material into a book?
You sure have packed a great deal into your life so far Phoebe. I love reading your blogs.
You know, it’s never occurred to me to look, but now you mention it, I might have a bit of a search…I’ll keep you posted!
There’s not much that’s glamorous about me Betty, glad you find #AllAboutFrance useful and thanks for your support!
Pleasure Corinne, I love your blog!
Phoebe, Thank you so much for nominating us for Versatile Blogger. How fun!
You have got a great blog going in just 3 years. I’m glad you are enjoying it so much! Also your 7 “interesting” things are more than interesting — they are amazing! I especially like the fish factory in Iceland — not the most glamorous, but intriguing.
It has been kind of difficult for me to get back into blogging as virtually all of my old network is gone, but little by little I’m making some contacts, and your #AllAboutFrance linky has been a help!
I’ll check out your recommended blogs above.
SO many fascinating facts! Are you in any youtube excerpts from your soap days?