Having been fortunate enough to travel from a young age, Anna’s fascination and love of different countries and cultures was only enhanced by her decision to study Russian in Moscow, at the age of 19. This eye-opening experience led to her returning a few years later to work as a teacher, and volunteer with a number of the city’s charitable organisations providing support to the more disadvantaged in Moscow. The determination and resilience of the people Anna worked with left a lasting impression of one of the world’s most complicated countries.
After battling with a few harsh winters it was soon time to move on to a more tropical environment, as she made her home in Cambodia, where she lived on and off for 5 years. Here she fell in love with the people, culture and landscape, not to mention the emerging arts scene which fuelled her growing passion for photography. Working as Regional Director of Operations for a local DMC provided Anna with the opportunity to explore every corner of Southeast Asia and learn the importance of responsible tourism on the ground. With this knowledge and experience Anna has now returned to Wild Frontiers as Head of Product, having previously worked for us almost 12 years ago when she was fresh out of university! She is excited to once again be part of the growing WF team and help develop some exciting new touring experiences worldwide.
BEST TRAVEL MOMENTS
Q: Favourite city
A: Istanbul! A melting pot of cultures, I could spend weeks getting lost in the labyrinth of old cobbled streets, with its amazing people, eclectic history and delicious food.
Q: Favourite country
A: Cambodia – there’s a reason I lived there for so long. One day you’re cycling along red dirt roads surrounded by bright green paddy fields and palm trees, the only foreigner for miles, the next you’re sitting in the middle of the jungle soaking up the magic of the Angkor temples. But besides the amazing scenery, the real highlight for me is the people. The tragic history is in many ways still very present and yet the friendliness and positively of the Cambodian people is truly inspiring and heart-warming.
Q: Favourite meal
A: Not an obvious pick but I love Russian food… From salted herring to beef stroganoff to caviar and vodka, I love the fusion of eastern and western influences.
Q: Most memorable journey
A: Riding motorbikes at dusk through the deserted Sea of Sand at the foot of Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia.
Q: Favourite travel advice
A: Switch off, tune in. Immerse yourself in the places you go, don’t worry so much about having a plan. Get off the internet, and learn some key words and talk to the locals. Soak up all the sounds and smells around you.
Q: Next on must-see list
A: For food – Mexico For history – Iran For music – Colombia For scenery – Iceland For wildlife – Uganda