Nina Kogej, vivacious traveler, full of energy, was not really putting the big hopes up on success in the competition for the Big Blog Exchange. But she applied anyway. And was at first selected among the 100 best bloggers. The fate that can also be called a jury wanted her and her husband to embark on a 10-day adventure. In Australia!
The first time we talked a year ago. Since then her blog had a lot of positive changes. Attractive appearance, great photos, articles in English and as a delicacy, short video clips organized by her husband Simon. As one of the winners of the competition of the Big Blog in Exchange, she switched the blog and the country with Jon Cusac, Australian guy, who described his impressions about Slovenia on her pages.
How did all start? How did you find out about the Big Blog Exchange?
In fact, I just happen to be on Facebook and on the Globetrotter’s profile saw the contest. I didn't exactly know whether to apply or not. But that's kind of coincided with the beginning of the English version of my blog and I said to myself, why not. If for no other reason, I did it because of recognisability. I never thought that as a blogger from small Slovenia I even have any chance. I signed up, asked my readers to vote for me and succeeded among the 100 best. Yes, at the end I won and tried to make the best of the whole thing.
For The Big Blog Exchange applied bloggers from all around the world. The 16 winners were chosen and 8 pairs were made, which then exchanged the blogs and the countries. You were given Australia, the land of which many dream of, but it's available only to a few, due to the relatively high budget.
When they said, I was in a shortlist I checked the other bloggers, where they come from, who they are. I kind of put my eyes on Australia… just because it is so far away and quite expensive tourist destination. I was really happy, when I found out my wish came true. I could not choose a better country. Even now, when I am already home. I simply fell in love in the land “down under” and would easily move there.
You were not alone in Australia, right?
No, my husband accompanied me. He makes video contributions for the blog. I asked if there is a possibility for him to join me. He bought a plane ticket, for all the rest took care the organizers.
Both, Simon and you are backpackers at heart. This time the trip looked a little bit different, as the organizers filled almost every hour of your short stay in Australia in order to see and experience as much as possible. Did this change suit you?
It was a little different than I'm used to. But they really cooperated with us and asked us about our interests. So were the activities great for us: sport, nature, monuments, etc. It's been everything we wanted with the exception of the hinterland, the wildness, the red roads… due to lack of time and the fact, that Australia is huge. But it's a good excuse to go there again. Organizers YHA Australia did their best and probably were the organizers the ones, who made our trip more interesting, fuller, and more beautiful, because they warmly welcomed us amongst themselves. Thanks to them, we have experienced the way of Australian life more intense. Alone we would not be able to see that much of Australia in 10 days. We were also invited to the BBQ, where the director of the hostel warmly welcomed us like we are old friends. No tie or suit. They are all simple, relaxed. They don't care about the plates or drinking beer out of bottles, we're there to hang out and have a good time.
So first you stayed in Sydney. What were first impressions?
As far as I’m concerned, the Sydney Harbour YHA hostel was sooooo cool! Until now I was more or less sleeping in hostels in Europe. But this hostel! Sophisticated, neat, clean, pleasant, all the details made or placed exquisitely. The first three nights we had a room with a view at the Sydney Opera – what more can you get! I was surprised that there were a lot of older people in hostels. Is this a trend or the reason is financial… The hostels have a kitchen and in this way you can save a lot. For more comfort you can also take a private room with bathroom, however, the kitchen is also at your disposal. That is just perfect combination, as the prices are pretty high. If I mention just some of the crazy prices in restaurants: Pizza from 20 to 25 euros or a salad for 20 euros. One beer, that in Slovenia costs round 2 euros, is there from 8 to 12 euros.
Sydney itself is great not just because of the famous Opera and the bridge. It offers a multitude of small bays and beaches for surfing. I guess Sydney got under my skin because of a friendly and opened locals, who were always ready to help.
You were also surfing. Without these experiences you just cannot leave Australia.
Surfing is there a way of life. At 6 a. m. the sea is full of surfers waiting for waves. They surf for an hour or so, go to work, and after work they are back in the sea again. If you want to get to know a part of local life, you simply have to try it. It's really been a great experience. Once you stand on a board, there is no turning back. Now it seems that from now on we're going to visit destinations, where you can surf.
The next destination was the Blue Mountains.
Yes, I was kind of scared of this trip, as they took us canyoning and abseiling. I was quite worried about the height, as I can get a slight vertigo. However, a guide led us all the way, I got confidence and in the end I descended down the 30 meter waterfall! The real adrenaline kick! There are also some nice hikes among the eucalyptus trees in the Blue Mountains.
You were also in Melbourne.
Yes, at first Melbourne seemed a little cold, because of all the skyscrapers. Then we started researching and found bohemian districts, street art, parks and beautiful beaches. The only negative thing is the icy wind, which blows from Antarctica and in the night the temperatures can fall from 34 to 17 degrees. In addition to the large cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, you have a multitude of small towns, such as Port Stephens, located two and a half hours drive from Sydney. For me, this would be an ideal place to live. Nature, calmness, no rush, no crowds of people, a lot of the coastal trails, surfing, kangaroos, koalas… We both left a peace of our hearts there.
However, lets go back on blogging. You were writing again about your adventures in Australia, but this time on the pages of Jono’s blog. How was it to write for someone else's blog?
I think it was easier for him because he wrote in his mothers tongue. His readers are Australians, who are all native English speakers. I was most worried about what will they think of my irregular sentences, grammar etc. You can notice that English is not my first language, and all I was hoping was that they would not stop reading after the first sentence. We're in touch with Jono, maybe someday we even meet somewhere on the road. The only negative thing about the Big Blog Exchange was, that we did not meet our exchange partner.
Do you have any encouraging word for all the bloggers out there?
I signed up with the thought I won’t be selected. But now I see that it is necessary to apply without reservations. You have to dare, do everything in your power and, with a bit of luck, it will be top! I didn't even trust myself, because the competition is fierce. But if you do not try, you don't really stand a chance. Now, if I could apply once again, I would do it without hesitation!
