This week, we feature another travel blogger. Meet Paroma. Like me, she also lives as an expat. However she’s an expat living in my country. So here is a little Q&A about life, traveling and blogging. Enjoy!
Name, age, where you’re from and where you live now
Name: Paroma Chakravarty
Age: 38 years
I am from Kolkata, India and I currently live in San Francisco, California, USA.
How long have you been blogging?
It has been four years
Why did you call your blog “Year of the Monkey”?
I love to “monkey” around and see new places. So I decided to pick this name as I thought the year 2013 (when I started this travel blog) would be my year of getting fame and fortune, none of which happened hahaha.
Why did you decide to start a blog?
I wanted a creative outlet and share my travel photos with friends and family.
How do you spend your days? Do you have another job outside of blogging?
I have a full time job as a scientist in a biotech company in the Bay Area.
What sets your blog apart from other travel blogs?
I write extensively about my city San Francisco, a lot about dining and food guides as well as traveling with dogs.
What do you hope that people gain from your blog posts?
I hope people get to eat some wonderful food when in San Francisco or other parts of the world, take more trips with their dogs and finally discover a different side to san Francisco, which tourists miss out on.
Where do you hope to take your blog?
I hope to grow my blog into a profitable venture monetarily, at some point.
What advice do you have for other bloggers and people wanting to blog?
Be dedicated and consistent. Write good content and definitely invest in good photography.
What’s been your favorite place that you’ve traveled to? Why?
There are several. Istanbul, Turkey would be on top of that list because it was my first time traveling internationally and also because the city has such a unique feel.
What was your least favorite?
Las Vegas
What has been your biggest travel fail?
I had a day off during my work trip to Switzerland and I was so scared of traveling alone that I just stayed in my hotel room. I still regret not venturing out and exploring when I had the chance.
Where to next?
Central coast, California
What do you wish more people knew about where you’re from?
I am originally from Kolkata, India. I wish more people visited this city in the east rather than simply flocking to Delhi, Mumbai or places in Rajasthan.
What’s one random or odd talent you have?
Super random: I can make my eyebrows “dance” independently of each other.
What’s your favorite color?
Mustard
What’s your favorite food?
Anything Persian
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