Meet the Nomads: Cengiz Yar Jr

Cengiz is the other author of . One of the newest blog that I’ve added to my list of my must reads. Aside from that he’s also a talented freelance photographer.

I was amazed with how beautiful his pictures are and how you could actually feel the emotions on it. I’m actually envious that i can’t take pictures as good as he does. hehe

If you want to know more about Cengiz, visit him at Riding out the Economy and drop by his photo website too at Cengiz Yar.

Here’s Flip’s short interview with Cengiz.

How did you discover your passion for traveling?

“Sophomore year of college I studied abroad in Beijing. The entire experience was mind opening. China flooded my senses. New foods. New cultures. It gave me a taste I haven’t been able to get out of my mouth. Blame China.”

What’s the most horrible experience that you’ve had on the road?

“This past March my best friend from high school came to visit me and we took a motorbike through northern Thailand. We got lost, it started raining, the sun went down, we ran out of gas, figured out where we were, found gas and continued riding late into the night trying to reach a Thai/Burmese border town for a place to sleep… when we crashed. Lying on the ground thinking I had just killed my bestfriend, most horrible moment traveling thus far. But, in the end she has a cool looking scar on her knee and I think I’ve figured out how to handle a motorbike in the rain.”

What’s the most outstanding travel experience that you’ve ever had?

“The Red Shirt protests in Bangkok this past spring. Sitting with protesters and police, discussing political problems, eating chow mung guy, drinking whiskey, listening to bombs explode and taking pictures.”

What’s the biggest realization that you’ve got out of traveling?

“Sometimes a smile will bring you further than a dollar.”

What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?

“There are moments on the road I will never be able to fully explain to anyone back home. Those times that assure me this is exactly where I need to be this second. I also am very lucky to have such a supportive family. They understand and encourage me constantly. Without them I wouldn’t be able to do this.”

This is a silly and hypothetical one. If you would be given a chance to travel with a popular person or a celebrity, who would it be and why?

“Jonny Quest and Hadji. I grew up dreaming of fighting sea monsters and flying in private jets. I think they could help that happen.”

What could stop you from traveling?

‘I will always travel, but the constant reminder that by living abroad I’m missing out on my family will bring an end to my living abroad…like the growing number of nieces and nephews.”

Among the places that you’ve been to, which one fascinated you the most?

“Chongqing city in southwest China. Grime, neon lights, and skyscrapers all packed on winding roads wrapped by a river.”

What’s the best travel advice that you could give a novice traveler?

“Let things happen, they will most likely be the most memorable.”

“Like Tony said “An ‘adventure chronicle.’ Stories, tips, and media from South East Asia.” – Cengiz

Next: Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu. Previously: Linda Martin of Indie Travel Podcast. For more interviews with travel bloggers, check out the archives of Meet the Nomads.