ABOUT

WHO IS THIS GIRL?!

Hi! If you are here it’s because you want to know a bit more about me, so I better introduce myself! I’m Clelia, a self-ironic girl, born on a beautiful Italian Island: Sardinia.

At age 19 I left my parents’ house and started my nomadic life. I first explored my beautiful Italy, living in Turin and Rome for a few years.

At the “tender” age of 30 I moved to England to learn English. I worked as an Au pair and continued my career in the Fashion Industry at Burberry London for 5 years. I had a prestigious job, a good salary and a studio flat all to myself. I was living in one of the coolest European Capitals. I had the “perfect life” but I wasn’t really happy.

I knew I didn’t want that life. It wasn’t the real me. Since a young age, I was crazy about traveling but my family was poor that I had to dream for many many years.

One day I decided that I had dreamed enough, and on 10th of August 2012 I decided that in 6 months I will quit my job, save enough money, and buy a one – way ticket to Bangkok. I was about to realize my biggest, wildest dreams, and I’ll never forget that day!

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At 35, people expect you to settle down, get married and have kids, but I decided to travel instead. Life is too short to wait for the right moment. Sure, I was scared to death and felt a lot of pressure on me. Nobody understood why I was “throwing away ” my perfect, well-paid life.. And for what? Travel?

YES! AND I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER WITH MY CHOICE

I started my trip to South East Asia on the 10th of February 2013, and my plans are to be able to travel as much as I can.

In the meantime, I also managed to launch (still a bit work in progress but working hard) other 2 websites:

One entirely dedicated to Sardinia: My Sardinia Holidays and another one (completely in Italian for now) more related to my interests outside travel (Beauty, wellness, fitness and a dedicated section to blogging as well: CleliaMattana.com

I already experienced some crazy, amazing and funny moments so far: I had a very emotional night before my departure. I fell in love with Cambodia and the amazing Philippines and its people.

I left my travel buddy for a month of solo adventures, I got engaged in Bali and moved to Thailand, where I lived and worked as English/ballet teacher for 5 incredible months. Two years on the road, I collected so many adventures, and I’m finally living the life of my dreams (which also includes a few misadventures here and there!)

If you want to read more, go to the “start here” page!

WHY THIS BLOG?

My blog is my life, my job and my passion. What is it all about? I would like to send a message: No matter what your age is, or your budget, or status, you can travel and live your life on your own terms.

This website is dedicated to all those people who are not sure they are living the life they really want to, and think that it’s too late to change. Too late to learn a new language or to follow their dreams.

No matter if you are still studying or, like me, in your mid-thirties, forties, sixties or over. Do what you really want. If you like traveling or you have a big dream, save the money and just do it! It’s not always easy. All I know is that it is always WORTH IT.

If I managed to succeed, believe me… Everybody can!

I am just another girl who believed enough in her dreams to make them happen. That’s really all it takes. Nothing more. No need to be rich and no special talents required.

This is what I really want from my blog: To convince you that you have the right to live your dreams, and to make you smile over my latest clumsy adventures! 🙂

I hope you enjoy reading my website. If I can help you in ANY WAY contact me, write a comment or whatever method you prefer (messages in a bottle and pigeons are fine too… just be patient for my reply!).

PTBA Member: Want to become a professional Travel Blogger? I suggest you to have a look at their page!

TBTX Member: Click on the link to see the other awesome blogs included in the list!