Yulia

Yulia authors the "That's What She Had" blog, a platform where she shares narratives that blend travel, food, and the authentic experiences of motherhood. Based in Hamburg, Germany, and originally from Russia, her perspective is deeply shaped by past residences in places like Sri Lanka, Nashua, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas. Her professional journey as a blogger began with a strong focus on travel and culinary exploration, later expanding to encompass the realities of family life and the unique insights gained after the birth of her two sons. Her approach to travel writing prioritizes the cultural significance of food, often beginning her exploration of a new country by delving into its culinary landscape before visiting typical tourist attractions. She provides detailed insights into Sri Lankan, European, and select U.S. city food scenes, and also focuses on Slavic and Russian recipes. Her work earned recognition as a two-time finalist for the Saveur Blog Awards in 2017 and 2018 in the Best Travel Blog category. Beyond travel and food, her blog offers honest reflections on motherhood and the nuances of being a bilingual writer. With her children now older, Yulia has returned to creating comprehensive travel guides, including those specifically tailored for family adventures.