11 Things About Me
The agony of writing your ‘About’ page.
Is there anything so torturous to write? (yes – long sales pages).
No royal ‘we’ here – I’m a one-woman show and proud of it.
- I love a good story. I believe in the power of writing to connect people and create a more compassionate world.
- Proud mama to Julieta (first year at U of York so an empty nester for now 😉 She was the catalyst for me going solo in 2006.
- RA warrior and gluten-free. I love Italian food and recommend Seggiano – named after the village where it all started.
- Red wine is my poison: a Chilean Carménère or a good Georgian – the birthplace of wine. (I used to work at Wine Rack).
- I was born in Mansfield – the chief town of Sherwood Forest and home to Robin Hood. Also famous for its Bitter and mining heritage – we supplied the stone used to build the Houses of Parliament. Lithuanian roots.
- My mum says I was like “Houdini” as a kid – constantly trying to escape the cot – bed – cubicle (never grown out of that!).
- I’m an old skool raver and love dancing (Renaissance opened in Mansfield in 1992, and people would travel for miles for the music. It now has a regular spot in Ibiza).
- I did my first solo backpacking trip in 1999 – pre-Millennium bug! Wwoofed my way around Australia and NZ, staying on farms, ashrams and retreats, which led to my first travel writing gig on Australia in Your Backpack. No mobiles or socials back then – just me and my Rough Guide.
- I worked as a PI for a while (corporate fraud agency) and am obsessed with crime and detective dramas (Strike, Mindhunter, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Line of Duty).
- I walk everywhere and am car-free by choice. It keeps me fit, saves money, and I feel more connected to where live and work.
- I’ve been living in Hastings & St Leonards for 15+ years – keeping things stable for Julieta while solo parenting. Now figuring out my next move and housesitting to find my spiritual home – it’s ME season. Suggestions and sofas welcome! 😁
Nika 