Finding the Universe is one of the newest blogs I’ve been reading lately. It has a lot of awesome pictures from different places and a lot of helpful travel tips for Australia and New Zealand.
Laurence also offers a lot of helpful tips about photography, blogging and even some helpful tips about gadgets and various technologies.
Laurence, the author of Finding the Universe has been travelling slowly since 2009. He’s been to Australia, New Zealand and various countries in Europe.
Get to know more about Laurence and visit his blog at Finding the Universe
But before you click away, check out my short interview with Laurence.
How did you discover your passion for travelling?
“Hi Flip and readers! Thanks for featuring me 
This may sound weird, but I feel that I’ve always been travelling. I started off my travels in the womb when my mum brought me to the UK from the Seychelles, where I was born, and then I was transported back out to the Seychelles where I started off my life, mostly eating sand.
After that I moved all over the place, in a series of adventures that had me growing up variously in a VW camper van, as the son of a village postmaster, and on a tiny desert island. Travelling is something I’ve always loved, as long as I can remember!”
What’s the most horrible experience that you’ve had on the road?
“Horrible experiences hmm. Well, every experience is something to learn from, and I always try to focus on the positive rather than dwell on the negative. I’ve never had something really bad happen to me, like being mugged or injured (touch wood!), so I don’t think anything I could put here would really be that horrible!”
What’s the best travel experience that you’ve ever had?
“I attended an incredible festival in the Australian outback for New Years 2009/2010. That was a really amazing experience, full of positive people in an incredible setting. Sort of a mini version of what burning man looks like. With mud baths. I learnt all sorts of things, plus I met my girlfriend there. It was also where I got my dreadlocks put in. That was truly unforgettable and incredibly painful.”
What’s the biggest realization that you’ve got out of travelling?
“I worked out what is important to me, which is just to be happy and free. I learnt that experiences are far more valuable than possessions. And I learnt that beetroot is actually pretty good on a burger.”
What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?
“I love experiencing new things. That doesn’t necessarily mean travelling, but I find that the best way to get lots of new experiences in my life is to travel a lot. I get such a thrill out of exploring a place that is new to me. I’m also a big fan of the outdoors and walking, so try to include that on any trip as much as possible. I don’t ever feel that I “have to” keep travelling. It’s something I enjoy. If one day I find it’s no longer what I want, then I’ll stop!”
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?
“I think I would go with Ewan Mcgregor. He has done a lot of pretty interesting travelling, plus he was a Jedi Knight. How can you not love that!”
Where’s your favourite place in this planet and why?
“I was lucky enough to spend a part of my life living on a small island in the Seychelles called Cousine Island. It’s absolutely tiny, no more than about a kilometre by half a kilometre, but just such a stunning place. Palm fringed beaches, granite boulders, James Bond style mountain accommodation. It’s privately owned, and normally the only way to visit is by staying in the incredibly expensive hotel – I was lucky in that my parents were running said hotel for a time.
I don’t normally like the idea of favourites, but I could live there forever with no troubles. Paul McCartney chose it for his honeymoon with Heather.. and if it’s good enough for a Beatle, it’s good enough for me!”
What’s your best tip for newbie traveller?
“Tip number 1 (on my list of ten tips to make the most of your travels!) is to tear up the plan. I think folks can spend too much time obsessing over planning a trip, and as a result they lose the flexibility and spontaneity that can lead to really great experiences. I’m not saying don’t have a plan – I’m just saying be prepared and open to change it at a whim! Also, pack at least half what you originally packed.”
What’s the funniest and silliest thing you’ve ever done while travelling?
“I managed a hostel for a couple of months in New Zealand, and got up to some pretty fun stuff while I was there. There is something about checking someone in whilst wearing a bright green wig and bunny ears that makes me giggle. I’ve also terribly embarrassed myself at a variety of Karaoke bars across various countries I’ve visited. I am not as good at singing as the beer makes me think I am…”
What do you think about yourself?
“I have a sense of adventure, a sense of humour that often verges deep into the abyss, and I really enjoy taking pictures. I like to think that I’ve got a vague handle on life, in that I like to keep things simple, that friends are important, and that being happy is what really counts. I’m easily amused, love seeing big mountains and enjoy long walks on the beach. I’m also a massive geek, and love getting dirty with technology for no good reason!”
“Finding the Universe is where I can share what interests me with the world. It’s partly a travel journal, where I record my adventures, partly somewhere to share some of my favourite photos, and partly somewhere where I can just ramble on about whatever takes my fancy. I’d like to think my sense of humour comes across in my posts – I don’t take life too seriously wherever possible!
What I write about varies, from my latest travel adventures, through to photography and travel tips, to all kinds of other stuff that catches my fancy. I’ve written about my favourite toilets in New Zealand, and illustrated the best places to have sex on the road. It’s a random world, so it’s a random site! Figuring out my place in the universe is an ongoing adventure, and I’m always delighted when people take an interest!” – Laurence Norah
Editor’s Note: All pictures are provided by Laurence.
Next: Paula Peralejo of our Restless Feet. Previously: John of Travel Rinse Repeat. For more interviews with travel bloggers, check out the archives of Meet the Nomads.
I would like to manage a hostel too or much better, own one!
Nice interview as always 
Thanks so much for the opportunity to be interviewed!
you’re welcome Laurence