Some people fear getting lost while exploring a new city, while others rediscover themselves while strolling through an unfamiliar village. That’s the beauty of traveling somewhere completely new and unexpected. You stop by a random café in an unknown alleyway, and suddenly you’ve tasted the most spectacular cup of java that you’ve ever had in your life. It’s magical, isn’t it? Founder of travel blog and Instagram account hello965.com Fatima AlMattar, also known as Toomzie amongst her fellow bloggers and friends, not only shares in this sentiment, she lives this reality every time she travels.
Fatima believes that traveling is enriching in so many different ways, and she especially loves it when she sees people’s eyes light up when they learn that she is from Kuwait, equally curious and excited to learn about our region. The website Hello965 first began as a hobby, where Fatima shared places she had visited, restaurants she liked along with Kuwait’s latest news. Deciding to focus on travel experiences, she approached co-blogger Ahmed (AKA Rotsu), who equally shared her passion for travel, and asked him to join and be a part of Hello965 team and together they rebranded the website and focused on travel experiences to be shared with Kuwait’s local community and the world. They began last year and from there, we’ve observed website post upon Instagram post of wanderlusts that we’re anxiously looking toward visiting! Get to know Spain like never before, choose relaxing destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Koh Samui, Thailand, or dare to go Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town; an activity Fatima said was by far one of the craziest things that she’s ever attempted.
When it comes to planning your travels, Fatima highly recommends that you do your research, and then live your own experience. She said, “It’s very important to do your research, know where to stay, the important things to do and so on, but never mimic someone else’s complete experience, always create your own. You’ll never forget it!” She also advises travelers to explore cities and countries with locals, as that makes the experience far more inspirational. Fatima also highly regards fellow blogger @AmaTraveller, and considers this blog as one of her favorites to follow. She also recommends @Badwar on Instagram, along with @MuradOsmann for inspirational travel destinations and amazing photography.
When she’s not traveling, Fatima enjoys a very active lifestyle that includes sports that vary from squash to wakeboarding, as well as socializing with friends and family. While Fatima, along with co-blogger Ahmed, hope to make hello965.com a travel reference for Kuwait and the region; she personally aims to see the world.
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Lively.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Perfectionist.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
“Oh you’re from Kuwait? Do you really live in a tent?”
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
I’m more of a planner, but I do spontaneous things whenever the chance arises. I think one of the most spontaneous things I’ve ever done was agreeing to go on a Helicopter ride in South Africa. We were in Cape Town, and I received a text message from a friend asking if I’d want to go on a Helicopter ride in one hour. I said yes.
What is your theme song?
For now, I would say it’s “Let It Be” by The Beatles.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Entrepreneurship.
Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?
Playa del Carmen, Mexico, or I would definitely retire anywhere near beautiful Caribbean waters.
What is the first famous quote that comes to mind?
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi.
What do you miss about your childhood?
I miss how simple things were. I miss simplicity in my childhood.
What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?
Leopard.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
I like the name Dana. I’d change it to Dana.
Describe your handshake in one word?
Firm.
What is the toughest part of your character?
Persistence.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Mohandas K. Gandhi & Christopher Columbus.
What in the world do you least desire?
A world without connectivity.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of, would make the world a better place?
Smiles and hugs.
Why do you think most girls/guys like you?
People tell me I bring positive vibes, so I’d say because of my positivity.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”
Travel.
For more information, visit www.hello965.com and follow Fatima on Instagram @hello965.
