Julie reached out to Indian Experiences as a result of our social media. She told us that she was doing tours in Assam and we arranged to have a chat. I was intrigued enough to venture up to Assam to meet her (no hardship to be fair it was an area I had wanted to discover more of for some time) and very quickly realised that she is exactly the kind of person running exactly the kind of company that Indian Experiences was devised for. Originally from Assam and having spent most of her career in textiles, Julie wanted to truly showcase the region from an arts and crafts, and people perspective, and not just focusing on destinations – music to our ears! For Julie it is about the people, passion (textiles and food in particular) and professionalism in ensuring that travellers to the region see what they would truly like to see, experience what will be meaninful to them and not just ticking offthat list. I was impressed by her attention to detail and the thoroughness with which she has developed Curtain Call Adventures, established in 2017. More importantly, feel that I have made a true and extraordinary friend. I hope that you enjoy learning a little bit more about her below.
- Who you are (naturally!)
A person who likes wandering around bazaars soaking in the street cuisines and crafts rather than lounge by the pool.
- What inspired you to create/join your business?
I felt that there were so many stories to tell and explore in the north east that I knew which would enrich travel experiences.
- An anecdote which epitomizes your India?
Lahe- lahe ( translates to living at a slower more relaxed pace, not to worry )
- One thing that you can’t live without?
My morning coffee
- One thing that you hate?
Littering especially in public spaces.
- If you could change one thing about India what would it be?
Create more awareness on separating garbage and keeping public spaces clean
- Who is your greatest inspiration?
Tough one. Many names spring up but Freya Stark inspired me to consider a career in travel.
- What is your favourite quote?
To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure.
FREYA STARK
- I have noticed huge changes in India over the last few years but what is the biggest change you have noticed in India over the last 10 years?
There has been a huge shift in travel mindset especially among women. 10 years ago very few Indians especially among the middle class travelled other than on work, religious pilgrimage or back to their hometowns. Now they are travelling to explore different lifestyles and planning solo trips or all women holidays around adventure sports or theme vacations.
- What do you think are the biggest challenges India faces over the next ten years?
A lot of growth in various fields has been very rapid, the challenge will be to maintain quality over quantity and keep a link with the rich traditional heritage from fading away.
- Which is the destination at the top of your bucket list?
Rann of Kutch in india and abroad it will be Japan
- What is the one place you visited that you have NO desire to return to?
Can’t think of any place.
- Book or Movie?
Book wins hands down.
- Just for fun! I am doing a survey to find India’s most popular breakfast, what is yours?
Appam and mutton stew.
- In retrospect, what is the one thing you wish you could have told your 20 year-old self?
Relax, this too shall pass.
You can find out more about Curtain Call Adventures here: https://curtaincalladventures.com/
