Our travel blogger spotlight series continues with the charming Jeff Titelius, who has a thing for the Classics. Hence his site, Euro Travelogue, which is filled with fables on the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and other ancient gems. His enthusiasm on Twitter is infectious, and everyone who knows him loves him. In Jeff's case, familiarity breeds affection.
Here is his skinny on life, philosophy and the global whole nine yards.
1. How old were you that you remembered your first "vivid" travel memory, and what was it?
Jeff Titelius: Wow, that's taking me back quite a long ways…all the way back to 1969 when I traveled to Fort Lauderdale on vacation with my family. At the time, I was 5 years old and it was to be my first adventure on a plane. You can imagine how excited I was not only to be flying but to be going to the "Sunshine State." What wonderful memories I still have from the Lago Mar Resort where we stayed to the Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach. My dad rented a red convertible for us to cruise around in and it was because of this car, that I lost one of my favorite sweaters…it flew right out of the back seat and was gone. Needless to say, it was quite traumatic for this 5-year old. LOL. But I still look back fondly to the "old Florida" and how much I miss it, especially now that I live here and so much has changed.
Matt and Jeff Titelius in Venice: Lunch on their first day in the city
2. What inspired you to be a travel blogger?
What inspired me most to become a travel blogger was my desire to preserve my first European adventure in 2005 and what a whirlwind journey through Italy and France we undertook that year! Usually, I rely on my camera to capture my experiences along the way, but when we booked our journey to Europe, a life-long dream of mine since college, I decided to tote along my journal to record every moment of my time from the time we got up to the time we retired. I didn't want to forget a single thing – where we stayed, where we ate, the exciting places we ventured, my personal reflections on those places and the people we met long the way. During that time, I first heard of "weblogs" as they were called in the beginning, and soon thought how magical it would be to write about my journeys and showcase my photography of all of my European adventures. How exciting is the prospect to preserve these memories forever, okay almost forever. It is this desire for posterity that I began to blog and now, I am an addict.
Exterior of the Louvre Museum
3. Name one thing you couldn't live without when you travel that you'd even bribe the TSA to give back to you.
I know you said one thing but these two things go hand in hand…sorry. I would absolutely pay anything to keep my journal and my camera. For these are my appendages when I travel and I never leave the room without them.
4. Who is one your travel inspirations?
I think I am most inspired by Frances Mayes, author of "Under the Tuscan Sun." Having finished that book just before my first trip to Europe, it was her poetic prose that lived on in my mind during the travels. I so desperately wanted to capture my experiences as eloquently as she did in her extraordinary chronicles.
5. Name one place on your bucket list that is most likely to happen.
The one destination on my bucket list, which if I may add, it like a novel unto itself, that is most likely to become part of my travel experience is my journey through Austria, Switzerland and Germany. These places evoke such enchanting images in my mind from storybook villages nestled in spectacular Alpine settings; to each city's magnificent architecture along the way; to the cultures and histories spanning hundreds if not thousands of years; to the epicurean adventures that await; and finally to the majestic castles perched like sentinels high atop scenic mountains so mighty!
6. Name one place on your bucket list least likely to happen.
Bali and Indonesia…however, it because it is least likely to succeed in my near future, I will endeavor to visit one day, these island nations on the other side of the world!
Follow Jeff Titelius on Twitter, and check out his travel blog. Thanks for the answers, Jeff! If you’re a travel blogger and would like to be featured in the series, just drop me a line at Charu AT Butterflydiary DOT COM.
From Jeff Titelius:
Charu, I can't thank you enough for this amazing opportunity. I am truly honored and really appreciate your interest and featuring me on your site.
Thank you again.
Jeff
From Charu Suri:
Glad you could be featured! It is completely my pleasure
From Jenna:
I love Jeff and enjoyed learning more about my friend in this interview! When you finally get to Bali and other parts of Indonesia, let me know! You'll love the ancient monuments and culture.
From Charu Suri:
Jeff is one of my best Tweeples! His enthusiasm is so rare and I am so proud to be his friend. Lovely to meet you on Twitter as well, Jenna!
From Andi of My Beautiful Adventures:
Great interview! Bali is on my BL too!!!
From adventure in travel:
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A typical adventure in travel itinerary to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife.
From Traveling Ted:
I have been following Jeff since the old Examiner days and he is an amazingly supportive blogger and twitter friend. Interesting that one of my first travel memories also involved Florida, but I am sure this is true with many American travelers.