Feature: Des Poticar

Photography and travel sites seem to be a trend in the blogging society these days. But there’s one Filipina who naturally stood out and served as an inspiration to many of us. With her amazing shots of all the places she had been, her blog is a great place to lose ourselves in her adventures!

So to jump-start the new year, we are greatly honored to have Des of “thisdistance” as the first person to be featured in AWSW. And for us to get to know her better we asked her some questions about her job, her frequent travelling, and her lovelife.

(Click the URLs to redirect you to Des' websites.)

1. Other than what's included in your FAQ's, could you tell us more about Des and her life outside the Internet?

It's pretty much what you see in my blog. I work for most parts of my day and when I'm off of it, I usually spend time taking pictures or catching up on everything else that I've missed - whether it be the TV series that I follow, books I have yet to read, and people back home. It's a little different though when we're traveling because then instead of staying in, I'd get to soak up in the new environment. 

2. We understand that traveling is one of the perks of your job, but what is really the nature of your work amidst the constant traveling? 

I'm a private nurse for a high profile family from the Middle East. It's not actually as glamorous as it appears to be. I even work long hours—averaging on more than 40 hours a week. Maybe sometimes I over romanticize the job that I have but that's just only because of the reason that I feel more than lucky to be 26, earning, and able to see the world while doing so.

3. From all the places you've been to, which of those places would you most likely to visit again? And why?

I would love to go to Paris again. The last time we were there, we stayed for maybe a total of 5 days. We arrived late on the first day, went out to see the city for 3 days and left on the fifth day. It wasn't enough! There is so much to see, explore and photograph.

4. Is there anything that you'd consider a disadvantage being a constant traveler?

I hate packing and unpacking. Last year, I think we hopped on and off airplane for more than 20 times—that's also the same number of packing and unpacking that went on. Also, homesickness. Every time I get on a plane, I almost always wish it would take me home.

5. You've traveled to places that could take a Filipino months to apply for a visa, do you still have to undergo the same process?

Well, no and yes. No because the office takes care of the paperwork, we just have to sign; and yes because we still have to show up to the embassies that asks us to i.e. American and British.

6. How long was it since you've been home in the Philippines? What do you miss most about your home in PH?

It has been a year since I went home. While it's a give that I miss everyone—my parents, my friends, and my boyfriend, what I also miss is the food! Home is definitely where lutong-bahay is. Nothing compares to my mother's Pochero, Adobo and Kare-Kare with Bagoong! I would never trade it for any steak or pasta any time of the day!

7. What do you do when you're off from work?

I don't really have a social life while I'm here in Saudi Arabia LOL. I'm mostly on the Internet (probably on Tumblr or Skype) or catching up on my reading and my TV series or sleeping! My bed and I, we're tight. Like this.

8. Any hidden talents you'd like to share us? Something that we are particularly not aware of?

I grew up in a musical family, so I sing. Mostly in the shower, but I sing. :P Also, I can text with my eyes closed.

9. We've seen that you've been working on a photo project with your boyfriend and some of your friends, just a thought, how long have you been together and how do you manage with stuff knowing that you're miles apart?

We've been together for almost 2 years now. I'd have to say that we function just like any couple in any relationship. We thrive on trust, honesty, love and loyalty, we just happened to be apart. We can't go on dates when we want to, we can't celebrate special occasions together, I don't have anyone to hug when my day didn't go too well, those stuff. What we do though is just constantly remind ourselves that this is just temporary and that we'll eventually get through it. Also, while we wait, we have projects like WTA to help us countdown the days and to somehow make everything else bearable.

10. Being a jet setter, do you have any tips for our readers to consider when traveling?

Prepare for the journey. Like for getting to point A to point B by plane: wear comfortable shoes, slip on ones preferably. We don't usually go through security when we travel but when we do, I make sure that I'm wearing some trusty flats or moccasins. In that way, I'm saving myself from the hassle of tying my laves while on queue and possibly getting in the way of other passengers. Wear comfortable clothes; no belts if possible. For long flights, you are most likely to sleep on the clothes you have on so choose the ones you're snug enough to be in. As with belts, you have to take them off again when you go through security so save yourself the hassle. Prepare yourself for idle hours: bring a book, make a playlist, and charge your electronics. And finally, make sure not to lose your passport.

Enjoy (the journey and) the destination. Soak up in the culture, talk to strangers locals, as much as possible don't take the cab, charge misfortunes to experience, and take a lot of pictures!

***