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Global Nomad – Inka Piegsa-Quischotte

Global Nomad – Inka Piegsa-Quischotte

Originally, I met Inka Piegsa-Quischotte several years ago online, when she approached me to review one of her novels, Sweet Revenge. It was so well written with plot and subplots intertwined and resolutions, I was intrigued and delighted by this writer. We since have become good global friends. In fact, I keep another of her books, House Husbands, in my nightstand for light relaxing reading when I need to clear my head. Inka’s view of the world and nomadic spirit has always sparked my interest, so I was delighted when she joined our team of Luxe Beat contributors.

MDH: Inka, can you share some of your background, so our readers will have better insight into your love and understanding of travel and the international community?

IPQ: Born in Germany, I went to boarding school in Switzerland. Next, I studied law and got three degrees in Germany, UK and Spain. Until about six years ago, I had my own international law firm in London, UK, and Marbella, Spain. Then I changed courses and became a novelist and travel writer. I lived in London, Miami, Istanbul, and Marbella, and have now settled on Spain’s Costa Blanca near Alicante. I speak German, English, French and Spanish and very bad Turkish.

MDH: Where did your love for travel come from? 

IPQ: I traveled with my parents at an early age, then in my profession as an international attorney. However, I saw nothing of the places I visited and decided on a drastic change. I do have a nomadic nature, so travel comes naturally as well as living in different countries.

Inka's article: Rejuvenating At The Pera Palace Istanbul

Inka’s article: Rejuvenating At The Pera Palace Istanbul

MDH: What is your writing process?

IPQ: Ideas get jotted down in a notebook, which I always carry. Characters for a novel end up next to notes about a museum, a jumble only I can understand and then pour into the right form. I love to paint with words. Making my readers see, feel, smell and even taste through my words is my passion. Photography interests me as an addition or when I manage to capture secret corners.

MDH: When you get the chance to pick your travel destination, where do you go?

IPQ: Warm, exotic and adventure, with a dash of luxury if there is such a thing. My favorite is the Middle East.

MDH: If you had the chance to be someone else, who comes to mind?

IPQ: Living: Jane Fonda, dead (presumably), Amelia Earhart.

MDH: Why do you write about luxury?

IPQ: Luxury is beauty and peace. To find and describe such an oasis in our troubled world is definitely a strong motivator.

MDH: What is one of your favorite experiences while traveling?

IPQ: Finding hidden corners, discovering extraordinary museums and to relax at least one night in the best hotel I can find wherever I happen to be.

Inka's Article: La Caldea – A Superspa In Andorra

Inka’s article: La Caldea – A Superspa In Andorra

MDH: What is your favorite food?

IPQ: Being a vegetarian and on a constant diet so as not to put on weight, eating is not high on my agenda. I love fruit, most of all mango and pineapple.

MDH: How do you spend your free time?

IPQ: Reading, going to the theatre and opera. My hobby is making collages, otherwise, my job is my hobby, and so free time and work time are interlinked.

MDH: What is your view on the luxury market? 

IPQ: Luxury will always be around, if only as a form of comfort or escapism, very necessary to get away from stress and trouble. Call it a kind of painkiller if you like, to be taken when needed.

MDH: If you were stranded on an island, name one person and three items you would bring?

IPQ: I’d bring my writer friend Ruth Kozak and there would never be a dull moment; my favorite blanket (for comfort), my emerald ring (for good luck), and Caleche by Hermes (for a beautiful scent).

MDH: What would you recommend we experience if we visited your hometown? 

IPQ: My home town is Berlin, which I have not visited for 20 years. I´d visit the Museum Island, which is in the former East, stay in the Hotel Adlon, take a boat trip along the river Spree, and go horse riding in the Grunewald.

Photo from Inka's article: Ecology Meets Luxury at the Mourtzanakis Residence Crete

Photo from Inka’s article: Ecology Meets Luxury at the Mourtzanakis Residence Crete

MDH: What are three necessities you won’t travel without?

IPQ: Perfume, body lotion and coffee.

MDH: What does Luxe Beat Magazine mean to you?

IPQ: A forum where I can tell readers about the above mentioned oasis I discover and be inspired by my fellow writers. With so much emphasis on low budget travel and backpacking (all fine and good), it takes courage to celebrate luxury. I applaud Luxe Beat Magazine for that and am proud to be able to contribute.

You can learn more about Inka by checking out her blog at http://www.glamourgrannytravels.com.

About The Author

Maralyn Hill

Maralyn Dennis Hill is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and is known as The Epicurean Explorer. She was born to travel and loves to tell the tale. As a professional travel and food, writer, Maralyn is intrigued by all aspects of spa and culinary tourism. From local cuisine to Michelin Star, simple to gourmet, she thrives on discovering flavors, spices, and trends worldwide. Not only does she love to share the tales of unique customs, Maralyn also believes that her passion for global travel is the greatest geography lesson. The best part is meeting people along the way and hearing their stories. From Bocuse d’Or to being a judge at the Turks & Caicos Conch Festival and the Oregon Chocolate Festival and more, Maralyn is truly a world traveler. She is a frequent guest on radio shows and editor and contributor to more than eight print and online publications. Maralyn continues to reach an audience of several million in the United States and abroad. Her adventures don’t stop there. She has co-authored three books and from 2002 to 2006, she hosted a cable television show on Time-Warner. Maralyn is the past president of The International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (12-2008 to 12-2012) and continued her work as a board member and co-chair of its Conference and Media Trip Committee through 2014. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the Society of Professional Journalists. When she’s not jetting to her next destination, Maralyn enjoys coaching individuals on writing and marketing successful projects. And although she lives to travel, she enjoys quiet time exploring. Specialties: Culinary tourism, luxury and spas, but loves all travel. Food judging is enjoyable and Maralyn enjoys using her conference, incentive, and meeting planning skills.

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