Greetings from London, fellow Adventure Lovers! Firstly, thank you for being here.
Secondly, thank you for voting for this next topic. We put a few options out on our Instagram and you did the choosing for us! - https://www.instagram.com/joopiterssun/ (If you aren’t on the journey with us just yet, give us a follow - We would be beyond grateful!)
For this week’s “Travel Tale Tuesdays” - The topic is… *Drum roll*
Introducing the duo behind the Joopiter’s Sun brand.
Well, to start with - There’s two of us. Matt and Vicki, are our names.
*Check out our previous blog post to find out more about us as a team - It’s only a 6 minute read :) I "kind-of" promise to keep this one about the same length. Let’s see how we go!
So, let’s dive right on in!
It’s important to Matt and I that our community has a better understanding of who we are as individuals. We are hoping to share some fun facts that you might not know about us. Hopefully giving insight into the "whys, and the hows" of this project. Competitive sports and living an active and curious life is something that is ingrained in both of us.
WE ARE BOTH...
- Lovers of nature
- Adventure seekers
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- Eager to explore
- Overjoyed when we are immersed in new experiences
As individuals? - The above descriptions still apply!
*If you’re up to date with all our blog posts - You might have remembered this minor detail… Our first date was a hike! Does it get much better than that? A hike as a first date? (I can imagine some may disagree though!)
Now, where were we? That’s right… Let’s do this!
*Image references -
#1: Warner Bros Studios, London, UK
#2: Wensleydale Campsite, Great Otway National Park, Victoria, Australia
#3: Rome, Italy
10 FUN FACTS ABOUT MATT
- Countries travelled: Greece, Italy, UK, Turkey, Thailand, Indonesia, UAE, Malaysia, New Zealand, USA.
- Has completed a fair few multi-day hikes completely solo (Wilsons Prom was one of the highlights - 61km of hiking in 15 hours, over 2 days!)
- Was on a basketball high school scholarship and represented the state (Played basketball for approximately 20 years!)
- Sports of choice growing up was basketball, football and track sprints - (Specifically the 4 x 100 relay - Having broken 8 out of 9 records over 3 years).
- Growing up in a musical family, Matt played the drums for close to 10 years
- He was a personal trainer for 2-3 years (One of his many skills!)
- An avid camper, Matt could open a store with all his camping gear. You need it? He’s got it! (Favourite camping item of his? The rooftop tent!)
- Ran the Melbourne Marathon in a blue power ranger suit!
- Is tech obsessed - His carry on luggage is always full with only tech equipment - Drone, camera, insta360 and similar.
- Was born in Melbourne, Australia and has Italian heritage.
*Image references -
#4: Westcoast Wilderness Railway, Tasmania, Australia
#5 Hopetoun Falls, Cape Otway, Victoria, Australia
#6 Cathedral Range State Park, Victoria, Australia
*Image references -
#7: Wensleydale Campsite, Great Otway National Park, Victoria, Australia
#8: Boroka Lookout, Halls Gap, Victoria
#9: Overland Track, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
10 FUN FACTS ABOUT VICKI - (ME)
- Countries travelled: Thailand, Hawaii, Greece, Italy, France, Portugal, UK, Indonesia, Singapore, UAE, Malaysia, New Zealand.
- Received my black belt in taekwondo at the age of 11 - I became state champion and placed second nationally in my division over a few years of competing.
- Netball, tennis, taekwondo and soccer were my main sports growing up
- I learnt how to ride a bike in my 20’s (Yes, I know - Wild!) I spent a few years cycling. There are many highlights but riding up Mount Buffalo is one of my favourite cycling achievements.
- I was also once a Personal Trainer and won the Personal Trainer of the Year award in 2016/17.
- I never camped growing up but found it be something I absolutely loved as an adult - Camping, where were you all my life?
- After my Lyme Disease diagnosis - I wanted to give back to the Lyme Disease community. I raised money for the LDAA and rode 100km in an all women's cycling event through the Dandenongs.
- I was born in Melbourne, Australia and I have Greek heritage. I can read, speak and write in Greek. I have been to Greece x8 times.
*Image references -
#10: Mount Aenos, Kefalonia, Greece
#11: Halls Gap, Grampians, Victoria, Australia
#12: Zumsteins, Northern Grampians, Victoria, Australia
If you have any questions for us - We'd be so happy to answer them!
Get in touch through our Instagram Page, or leave a comment below :)
Thanks for tuning in!
Until the next travel tale - Be well, be safe, be curious and explore mindfully.
One half of Joopiter's Sun,
Vicki.