The Beach Life
ZK7 spoke to Mila (23) a Business and Marketing graduate, who is currently working as a Digital Marketing Executive.
Insta: Mila.Burmova
What inspired you to travel?
I am inspired by opportunities and wanting to see the rest of the world. And by opportunities I am not only interested in finding places to work but understanding how other people live in different countries. I want to experience every single culture which graces this planet.
What do you enjoy seeing the most whilst travelling?
It has to be the architecture and watching the sun set.
What is the worst flight you have ever experienced?
It was the first time I had travelled outside of Bulgaria, on a flight to the UK to start my degree. The moment the plane took off it went up and down and I started screaming and crying. After that initial part it was okay though.
Which countries have you enjoyed visiting the most?
I haven’t travelled a lot to be honest but I really like two countries in particular. Belgium because of the canals, architecture, culture and waffles but I would say my favourite is Greece.
There is this small island called Thassos, which is beautiful because of its crystal-clear blue waters and its wild beaches, so you can just go there, relax and forget about everything.
What is your happiest travel moment?
The moment I land because I get fed up with travelling.
I just want to put on some nice clothes and shoes and go out to explore. This is the most exciting moment because it is the first time you truly see a new place. Then after the second or the third day, you get used to the area and it doesn’t excite me anymore, the way it did the first time anyway.
Have you ever travelled beyond Europe?
I went to Hong Kong when I was studying in my final year of uni. I remember the flight was so long, about 12 hours.
To get a place on the trip, there was a competition where we had to write a 500-word essay about ‘why you should be accepted onto the trip to Hong Kong.’ I wrote that I have never had the chance to visit another continent and that it would be a wonderful experience.
I got accepted and when I was there, the British influence was so evident with Starbucks, Costa and Pizza Hut everywhere. There was a seaside village which we visited and it felt just like being in the UK. Everything replicated the British way of living.
If you could live anywhere for the rest of your life, where would it be?
Initially, I would say the UK because I relate the UK to so many opportunities but I would probably say France thinking about it.
What is your worst hotel experience?
It has to be in this rural hotel in Bulgaria which did not look like it even had one single guest. It was old and the lights did not work, so after arriving, I decided not to stay.
What is your favourite musical experience?
I love clubbing and dancing but there was this 90’s pop music festival with Coolio and Bomfunk MC in my hometown on the east coast of Bulgaria and it was just an unforgettable experience.
Which destination is next on your travel list?
It is somewhere I have been before, Nice (France). After that, I want to visit Istanbul (Turkey). I live three hours away by car from Turkey but I have only visited a town which is close to the border and not Istanbul, which is meant to be steeped in culture.
What have you learnt about yourself whilst travelling?
Simply that I have the courage to go to completely different countries on my own, learn new languages and overcome numerous obstacles.
What advice would you give a student who has never travelled before?
Go and find a part-time job whilst you study and save that money to travel. Flights in Europe are cheap, so take advantage of weekend trips and you’ll be able to see lots of the continent. Even if it is solo travel, just do it.
Do you have a final thought on travel?
Living in the moment is more valuable than money.
Insta: Mila.Burmova