OCEAN LOVER #6: Bruno Maltor
Bruno Maltor, an adventurer of today
Where does your passion for travel come from?
My passion for travel comes from my earliest youth.
When I was 6, my parents hung a huge map of the world next to my bed. She immediately inspired me. I had fun learning the names of all the capitals, of all the countries in the world and I asked my mom to make me recite them (she gave me the name of a country and I had to find its capital).
For me, it was a bit like Avatar or Lord of the Rings, a somewhat imaginary world. And as I grew up, I realized that it was a real map of our real world and that I wanted to explore all those names of countries and cities that I had been able to learn.
What was the trigger for your life change?
There was no trigger in particular, but it was a journey that led me to first launch my blog on December 12, 2012, 8 years ago already.
It developed quite well, but the goal really wasn't to make a job out of it, just to share my passion. Over time, people started following me, following my adventures, liking my photos and videos, etc.
And 6 years ago I was offered a permanent contract where I was doing my apprenticeship, in a large audiovisual group and I refused to put myself 100% on my blog.
It was a bit passion or reason, and I obviously preferred to take the turn of passion.
Have you noticed any changes in the planet since the beginning of your adventures?
I would say there are places that are really shocking, unfortunately.
For example, I went to Transylvania recently, in Romania therefore, in eastern Europe. And there was a lot of waste in nature.
However, I have the impression that there are more and more projects being launched, things being done, in order to try to get things moving. Citizens launch initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental impact. And that's really cool and very interesting.
What are the countries, the destinations, which marked you the most by their environmental commitment?
I have already been to Costa Rica and this country seems to be really committed to the environment. Respect is a very important value, especially that due to nature. So I would say Costa Rica could be a good country. But afterwards, I don't know the commitment of their companies. However, we know very well that their impacts can be much greater than the citizens unfortunately. Leaving their premises lit at night, etc., lots of little things. But I think Costa Rica is still a good example of government because they're trying to make things happen. Perhaps Canada is also a well-committed country. Whether it's because it's a big country with fewer people, maybe, I don't know. But I think, once again, that there are more and more initiatives being launched.
During your travels, is there a moment or a place in particular that has raised your awareness and reinforced your ecological commitment?
No, I've really been sensitized for a long time. I try to take the plane as little as possible, despite my job which means that I have to take it from time to time. Sometimes I have to go to the other side of the world and it's complicated to get there by train.
Typically, I've been around Europe 3 times by interrail, I really like traveling by train. I also crossed Canada from east to west by train. It took a long time, it's the second biggest country in the world but it was a great adventure.
I have also been a vegetarian for 5 years. There are lots of things I try to do on a daily basis, in order to try to change things on my scale.
This summer, following the Covid 19 crisis, you chose to travel only in France, did you discover a beach, a lake, an authentic place near the water that you would recommend to our readers?
I want to tell you that for that, Corsica is still paradise. The paradise of beaches, authentic places etc. So I would recommend Corsica in general.
There are many very beautiful places in Corsica that are worth visiting.
What is your relationship to the oceans/seas?
I feel very concerned by nature in general, especially by fauna and flora. As I said a little earlier, I have been a vegetarian for 5 years. My report is therefore strong.
I am also fortunate to have the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors: diving certification) which allows me to dive whenever I can, anywhere around the world. And for me the oceans are a place of contemplation, serenity, plenitude... For the record, I have had tinnitus for 15-20 years because of otitis externa. And when I'm diving, it's one of the rare times when I don't really hear my tinnitus. I don't know why, my brain will never explain it to me (because tinnitus is brain related). But I know that it's a moment that is for me, and that allows me to be connected to a nature that is too often forgotten, because you don't see everything that happens under the oceans unless you dive.
So for me, the oceans and the seas are extraordinary places.
I think we should all go diving, it would allow us to apprehend things a little differently and to realize that we have to be careful.
Can you tell us about an encounter that marked you during your travels in recent years?
Honestly, there are hundreds of them, so it would be difficult to choose just one.
A small easy gesture for the planet?
I don't know if we can consider this gesture as easy, but being a vegetarian could be a great step forward.
So be careful, I hate being moralistic about this very sensitive subject. It is true that this is a controversial subject. People don't necessarily want to change their habits. But if we all adopted this diet, it would solve a lot of worries for the planet.
