#7 Irina & Space: 'Space and I have conquered the world'

The Sixth Power is a new column dedicated to emerging or established influencers. Each week we give you a new interview with an influencer. This seventh post is dedicated to Irina & Space.

Hostelsclub's blog is hosting a new column dedicated to influencers, entitled 'The Sixth Power'. We are going to hear what they have to say, listen to their stories and discover their way of life. Many people would love to be like them, and influencers are one of the latest and most coveted professions. Their following, in some cases, exceeds the influence of the Heads of State. The Californian Kourtney Kardashian with 67.3 million followers has more followers than the number of votes that led Donald Trump to the post of President of the United States of America in 2016. The Italian Chiara Ferragni, before getting 15 million followers on Instagram and a worldwide fame, was just a beautiful blonde girl. They're millionaires, but what exactly do they do? We'll find out, giving a voice to travel bloggers in particular. It is certain that their ability to influence is such that international brands rely on them by showering them with gold. Ten years ago, brands turned to televisions and newspapers, columns of modern media power. Now they rely on Influencers. Television was called the fifth power, but are influencers the sixth power? From this question, the title of this column was born. There will be many good tips for those with attentive ears. On the other hand, it seems that it doesn't take much to become an influencer: a social profile, a little work and lots of imagination.

#7 Irina & Space: "'Space and I have conquered the world'"

This seventh episode of The Sixth Power is dedicated to Irina and Space. Irina is a Russian girl of great charm; Space is a Husky dog who has the face, hair and courage of a wolf - together they have decided to travel across the world. And in just two years of travel, they've made it. Bangladesh, Caucasus, Georgia, without missing out Europe with visits to Paris, Vienna and Venice. Even the most famous Russian glamour magazines have taken notice of them, and Irina and Space have been nominated as travel bloggers of the year. 'I want to show', says Irina in the interview below, 'that travelling for most of one's life is not impossible. Even for those who don't have big budgets'.

Irina, who is a celebrity in Russia, travels to extreme places, often stopping in shelters and hostels were few other travellers have gone before. She certainly has incredible stories to tell, like the time she stayed with Space out in the ice in the middle of the Caucasus.

@veryire

Your journey with Space seems neverending. What's the message you want to convey?

First of all, that travelling has no limits. Having little money doesn't change anything, as you can do it anyway. And on the contrary to what most people think, you can travel anywhere with your four-legged friend. People says that if you have a dog then you have to have a big house to make it happy. They're just excuses, and I can show you that it's not necessary. I can show you that you can travel anywhere with a dog.

Anywhere anywhere?

Space and I go in search of the most beautiful and photogenic places in the world. We've been where few other travellers have gone, such as Bangladesh, Alaska and Georgia.

Can it be difficult to travel the world with a dog?

Sometimes hotels have refused to accept us, although it happens very rarely. We've never had problems in Europe, America or Georgia.

@veryire

Can you tell us about some of your adventures?

Yes! We had an adventure while climbing Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in the Caucasus range, one of the seven wonders of Russia. It turned out that Space and I were not registered at the shelter where we had planned to spend the night, and there were no other options for us. It was several degrees below zero outside too! It was eleven o'clock at night and everyone else was already in their beds, so Space and I sat in the courtyard until four in the morning. The other guests brought us tea and food. Later the next day we climbed a trial climb at an altitude of 4100m and when we came back we still didn't have a place to stay. I sat down and cried. I was offered to spend the night in a tent, and outside it was below zero.

Then what happened?

My friend Sasha, who was organizing the trip, agreed to leave Space in a trailer where a Danish member of parliament was staying. Then the most interesting thing happened. I went to dinner with the others, and Space stayed in bed. Later on, the woman, a member of the Danish government, decided to take her things from under the bed, and Space began to protect the property and growl. In the end, when I came back, the woman and her son were sitting in a corner and talking about the fact that they were afraid of Space. I gave them their suitcase, the dog ran to them and tried to lick them. Both were amazed and a bit scared. I was then that I realized that Space is not only a good companion but also my bodyguard.

@veryire

It's an interesting story, in which you also put your own personal sphere into play. Do you let all of yourself shine through you?

I share all the details of my travels, the routes I've taken and the most beautiful places I've visited with my audience so that every follower can go on my journey if they wish. I only talk about myself when it's in connection with a journey. Even my personal development is linked to travelling and I'm sure it will interest my audience. But I prefer to not talk about the negative moments or offer a controversial point of view. As for my personal life, I think it shouldn't be flaunted. It's a side that should remain personal, and kept to yourself.

How is your content created?

My photos take life from the unique places that inspire me. Nature inspires me more than human constructions, as no building can be compared to a hidden mountain lake, Arizona's Antelope Canyon or the icy caves of Alaska. Nothing can replace the sight of the Colorado Horseshoe Bend or the spectacle that can be seen from Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus range.

How did you start?

My Instagram profile was created two years ago. It is a relatively new profile. I met a blogger who told me about his earnings and so I thought it was interesting to give it a try. When I started posting, I immediately realized that it would become my job, as it was always much more to me than a hobby. There are two main components of my blog. The first is business, the second, and the most important is creativity.

@veryire

Travelling takes up most of your time.

I travel 70% of my time and I like it a lot. I can truly say that I don't have a permanent home. As long as I enjoy every minute of the journey, I won't stop. But as soon as I get tired of doing it, we'll settle down and travel once a month, for a week, more or less.

And how about free time?

I usually spend time with my friends, not with bloggers. I don't like going to events or public prizegiving ceremonies because I don't think I've achieved something exceptional in life. I feel like I'm just the same girl with a dog.

And the future?

I don't know. I really want to write a fairytale for children and I hope that writing will become my main job. And of course, I'm thinking about creating my own brand of pet accessories.

What is the place that struck you the most?

Mono Lake in California, USA. It was March. There was a wonderful show of grass and rushes. During the sunset, I saw the beautiful landscape which seemed out of this world. And the surface of the water became lilac and the sky was different shades of purple. It was so divine that I wanted to cry with joy! I have never seen similar photos from any of the bloggers and this discovery was thanks to an American photographer who helped me, explaining that he was there for the sunset. He told me that unfortunately, everyone leaves the place without seeing how incredibly beautiful it can be.

You know we promote hostel culture. Do you happen to stay in hostels during your travels?

Travelling doesn't always mean high costs. On almost all of my trips, I stay in cheap hotels or hostels, because I only need a bed to sleep in, and usually, in the morning I get in the car and leave. Clean linen, a hot shower and a towel are all I need. I don't need marble floors and leather sofas. If you're on a fantastic and eventful trip, I suggest you choose cheap hostels. Your day will be a day full of emotions and experiences, and the night is just for sleeping!

This section will be translated into the main languages among the 26 of our blog. If you are an influencer you want to tell us your story then write to us, we will evaluate your proposal and perhaps The Sixth Power will talk about you!

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