Living a #tuhkanalife with Ana Rita Ferreira

This week we're excited for you to meet Ana Rita Ferreira, the 23-year-old Lisbon-based journalism student, blogger and photography lover. She travels the world and lives a #tuhkanalife every step of the way.

Get to know more about Ana Rita and read some fun facts about her below.

Ana Rita wearing the Foxy One-Piece in Sand in Marrakech, Morocco

Facts about me
Heyy, my name is Ana Rita Ferreira, I'm 23 and I have a degree in Culture and Communication Science. With roots in the Algarve, I live in Lisbon but share my time and heart between the two regions. I'm currently finishing my Masters degree in Media and Journalism and, if everything goes right, I'll be done with school soon (I'm never gonna study again... yeeey).
I love travel and photography so I work hard to produce great content and share my experiences on social media. 2018 brought a new project and I'm now closer to my followers by sharing my day-to-day life through the "Anne Rie Journey" blog. This year will be filled with new projects.

Ana Rita enjoying the weekend in Portugal

What would you say about Portugal to a first-time visitor?
I could use the cliché and say "it's the best country in the world" (which is true) but to avoid mining my credibility I can use it's excellent gastronomy as my defense. Portugal is pastel de nata (a Portuguese egg tart pastry), cozido à Portuguesa (a typical Portuguese stew) and francesinha (a Portuguese sandwich originally from Porto). Portugal has the most beautiful beaches in Europe and a mild climate. Portugal has hip and really nice people. Portugal allows you to be in the city and the countryside in one day. I have visited a few countries and nothing compares to the feeling of coming home.

Ana Rita having brunch in Lisbon, Portugal

You have created a solid Instagram presence. How did it all began?
I have been asked that question several times and I honestly don't even remember it well. I know I created my first Instagram account on a trip to Paris in 2012 and since then we became inseparable. I started publishing photos of my day-to-day life, gradually getting more followers and interacting with many of them. I had a lot of friends on Facebook, they followed me on Instagram and that helped me start off with a good follower base. Since then, my photo skills got better and I started connecting with more and more people. Instagram started as, and still is, a place where I collect and keep memories, like a photo album where I can look back and remember all the good times.

Where do you seek inspiration?
Without a doubt my inspiration comes from other "instagrammers". I spend a lot of time researching new profiles and saving photos to get new ideas. But what I really love the most is editing! I love editing the colors of the photos and I think that's where I'm able to stand out. I always try to create something different from what it's out there – at least from Portugal.

Who was the most inspiring person you've ever met and who would you like to meet?
My favorites are Belen Hostalet, Matilda Djerf, Ellie Bullen, and Doyoutravel's Jack Morris and Lauren Bullen. I have never met any of them in person but I love all their photos, they have a lifestyle that I identify myself with a lot.

Sitting by the pool in Marrakech, Morocco with her Foxy One-Piece in Sand

Ana Rita at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech wearing the Foxy One-Piece in Sand

3 Fun facts
• I know how to sew and I'm really handy with arts and crafts, so a lot of the things I wear and home decor things at my place are made by myself.
• I'm obsessed with vintage and old stuff.
• Although very feminine right now, I was a real 'tomboy' growing up.

You've been to Morocco recently. What advice would you give to someone planning to go?
Morocco... I loved it! Everything is so beautiful and colorful. Very near to Portugal but such a different culture. A great place to take beautiful pictures. I was there for 4 days and that was enough to see Marrakech in detail and the Sahara desert. From Marrakech to the desert in Merzouga I traveled by car with my boyfriend but it was a rather tiring trip and a bit dangerous, so I would advise you to go through a tour operator, to keep you safe and worry-free.
Super important too is this shopping advice. If you're like me, you'll lose yourself at the Souk in Jemaa el-Fnaa but don't forget to haggle A LOT. Always offer half of what they are asking. Oh and don't stay in hotels but in Riads (a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard).

Ana Rita checking the Souk in Marrakech, Morocco

5 travel essentials I can't live without
• Photo equipment (which takes a lot of space already)
• Several sunglasses
• Underwear
• Travel necessaire
• A pair of white Chucks

Favorite travel destination so far?
Thailand and Indonesia. I did a bit of these two countries in one month and it was without a doubt the most incredible experience of my life. Both places have lots of nature and beautiful landscapes. It's difficult to pick just one favorite place because I loved many: the Phi Phi Islands, Uluwatu, Canggu and the Gili iIslands.

Ana Rita biking around and showing off her Dusk V One-Piece in Chia at the Gili Trawangan Island in Indonesia

What is your dream destination?
Hawaii. Since I was a little girl I used to dream about it while watching Lilo & Stitch. My first tattoo was an "Aloha". Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to make this dream come true but I'm hoping it won't take too long.

Ana Rita in her Foxy One-Piece in Sand in Marrakech, Morocco

Check what Ana Rita is up to!

Instagram: @anneriejourney
Blog: Anne Rie Journey