Preko puta mene sedi Karina Solodovnikova – kolekcionarka umetnina, filantropkinja i strastvena putnica. Visoka, elegantna, s krupnim plavim očima, odiše tihom samouverenošću. Na pitanja odgovara bez žurbe, kao da pred sobom prelistava zbirku sećanja sakupljenih tokom godina putovanja kroz desetine zemalja. Razgovarale smo ne samo o njenim omiljenim destinacijama, već i o tome kako nas putovanja menjaju iznutra.
Poštovana Karina, kada ste prvi put osetili da vas je svet putovanja osvojio? Da li postoji trenutak koji je sve promenio?
Karina Solodovnikova: Zdravo! Ljubav prema putovanjima počela je već tokom mog prvog putovanja u Francusku, koliko god to zvučalo kliše. Ali zaista, Francuska kao da je stvorena da bude obožavana. Notre-Dame, Luvr, Versaj… imala sam osećaj da sam zakoračila u bajku. Nije ni čudo što je Pariz jedno od najposećenijih mesta na svetu.
Koliko zemalja ste do sada posetili? Da li uopšte vodite evidenciju?
Karina Solodovnikova: Rekla bih da ih je bilo bar četrdeset, ako nisam izgubila broj! (smeh) Ali mislim da broj nije najvažniji – mnogo su bitniji utisci i uspomene. Svako putovanje mi deluje kao jedan mali, novi život.
Da li ste nekada bili na mestu gde ste pomislili: „Ovde bih mogla da živim“?
Karina Solodovnikova: Da, Monte Carlo. Sećam se da sam pomislila: „Mogla bih ovde zauvek da ostanem.“ Ima nešto umirujuće i inspirativno u tom mestu. Mnogo vremena sam tamo provela, i svaki put kad se vratim, kao da se vraćam kući.
Postoji li destinacija na koju se rado i često vraćate? Šta vas tamo iznova privlači?
Karina Solodovnikova: Apsolutno – Toskana, posebno Firenca. Svaki put kada se ukaže prilika da se vratim, osetim uzbuđenje. Energija tog kraja je neuporediva! Tu je rođeno toliko onoga što volim u umetnosti i kulturi. U vazduhu je neka mirna, gotovo sveta atmosfera. A lepotu toskanske prirode ništa ne može da nadmaši.
Koje biste mesto izdvojili kao najneobičnije koje ste ikada posetili?
Karina Solodovnikova: Zanimljivim putnicima i najpoznatije destinacije mogu biti čarobne – samo je pitanje kako i gde gledate. Često sam otkrivala skrivene dragulje u gradovima koje sam posećivala više puta. Dovoljno je da skreneš u tihu uličicu i sve se menja.
Jedan nezaboravan trenutak doživela sam na Maldivima. Iako je to veoma popularna destinacija, jedne noći sam posmatrala kako se zvezde preslikavaju u okeanu, zahvaljujući bioluminiscentnim planktonima kod ostrva Vaadhoo. Čista magija!
Da li postoji region koji većina putnika zanemaruje, a po vašem mišljenju to ne bi trebalo da čini?
Karina Solodovnikova: Po mom mišljenju, Centralna Azija je jedan od najpotcenjenijih regiona. Čim stignete tamo, shvatite koliko je iskustvo jedinstveno. Hiljadama godina bogate istorije, neverovatno očuvana arhitektura, nezaboravna kuhinja… To je mesto koje svaki radoznao putnik treba da vidi makar jednom.
Dodatna čar je u tome što masovni turizam još nije preplavio te krajeve. Preporučila bih da odete što pre – pre nego što velike turističke agencije stignu i atmosfera se promeni.
Koja vas je destinacija najviše iznenadila u pozitivnom smislu?
Karina Solodovnikova: Island. Očekivala sam da bude lepo, ali ništa vas ne pripremi za to koliko je zapravo zadivljujuć.
Kada ste tamo, zaista osetite snagu i eleganciju prirode. Shvatite da, koliko god ljudska dela bila impresivna, priroda je uvek korak ispred. Prosto poželite da zastanete, ćutite i upijate svaki trenutak.
Imate li neko svoje „tajno mesto“ koje nerado delite sa drugima?
Karina Solodovnikova: Mislim da svako ima tako neko mesto. Moje je jedan mali restoran na Kapriju, skriven pored plaže, s predivnim pogledom. Turisti ga retko pronađu, tiho je i mirno. Ime ću zadržati za sebe – neka mesta su jednostavno previše posebna da bi se delila! (smeh)
Koji je predmet bez kog nikada ne putujete? Šta vam je apsolutni „must-have“?
Karina Solodovnikova: Moj foto-aparat, bez dileme. Ne zbog društvenih mreža – više zbog toga da mogu da „zamrznem“ trenutke za sebe.
Putovanja su danas mnogo dostupnija, i kada volite da istražujete, često ste na putu. Ima godina kada obiđem i više od deset zemalja. U tom tempu, i najlepše uspomene mogu početi da blede – posebno oni mali momenti koji su doneli pravu radost.
Zato se trudim da ih fotografišem. Kasnije, kada se život malo uspori, pregledam te slike i setim se šta sam tada mislila, šta me je dirnulo, šta me je pokrenulo. Fotografija zaista ume da zaustavi vreme i vrati vas nazad – čak i posle mnogo godina.
Kako uspevate da se pametno spakujete, a da ipak budete spremni za svaku priliku?
Karina Solodovnikova: Pa… trudim se da se ne ograničavam previše. Ipak sam žena, volim modu i volim da izgledam lepo! (smeh)
Za duža putovanja biram odevne kombinacije koje mogu da funkcionišu i za šetnje i za večere.
Svako putovanje planiram unapred – znam koliko ću imati večera, sastanaka, šetnji – i prema tome određujem koliko mi je „izgleda“ potrebno. To mi pomaže da ne preteram. Ali uvek spakujem jedan „wild card“ – neku ludu kombinaciju, za slučaj da se pojavi prilika za neku posebnu priliku. Devojke su – devojke!
Imate li svoj način da se brzo uklopite u nepoznat grad ili novu sredinu?
Karina Solodovnikova: Uvek počinjem dugom šetnjom. Tako najbolje osetim ritam grada, raspoloženje i ljude. Tek posle toga krećem u obilazak znamenitosti.
Nikada ne pokušavam da sve vidim u jednom putovanju – to je nemoguće. Koliko god da planirate, ne možete odmah potpuno da shvatite jedno mesto. Pretrpan raspored vodi samo ka iscrpljenosti.
Umesto toga, volim da sednem u lokalni kafić, naručim kafu ili čaj i posmatram ljude. Kako se oblače, kako se kreću. Tada počinjem da razumem njihov način života i zašto baš tu zovu domom.
Da li ste imali boravak u hotelu koji vas je posebno iznenadio – bilo pozitivno, bilo negativno?
Karina Solodovnikova: Dobar hotel može potpuno da promeni utisak o putovanju – a loš može sve da pokvari. Lančani hoteli su predvidivi, što ponekad prija. Four Seasons u Singapuru, recimo, jako podseća na onaj u Njujorku.
Ali ja volim male, šarmantne boutique hotele. Nedavno sam boravila u jednom skromnom hotelu u Bergamu – osoblje je bilo toliko ljubazno i srdačno da sam se osećala kao da sam došla kod starih prijatelja.
Koji bi bio vaš savet onima koji žele zaista da osete neko mesto, a ne samo da ga „precrtaju“ sa liste?
Karina Solodovnikova: Izbegavajte glavne puteve i obavezno probajte lokalnu hranu!
Uvek me iznenadi kada neko dođe u Italiju i ide u francuski restoran. Gde ćete bolje uživati u italijanskoj kuhinji nego u Italiji? I gde ćete više ceniti francusko vino nego u Francuskoj?
Trudim se da se potpuno uronim u lokalnu kulturu i doživim ono što je autentično za to mesto. Za mene je to prava suština putovanja.
Postoji li destinacija o kojoj sanjate, a još uvek niste imali prilike da je posetite?
Karina Solodovnikova: Da – Tanzanija. Mnogi moji prijatelji su bili i stalno mi govore da MORAM da idem. Svake godine čujem nove, uzbudljive priče i znam da ću uskoro i ja tamo.
Oduvek sam želela da vidim te predele i divlje životinje koje sam kao dete gledala u dokumentarcima o prirodi. Takva mesta vas podsete da nismo sami na ovoj planeti – da ima i drugih koji ovde žive.
I još nešto – turizam pomaže očuvanju tih ekosistema. Tanzanija i Kenija se u velikoj meri oslanjaju na njega. Kada lokalno stanovništvo i vlasti vide da ljudi dolaze iz celog sveta da vide te životinje, dobijaju razlog da ih štite.
Možda deluje malo, ali verujem da upravo takva putovanja mogu doprineti očuvanju prirode. To postaje deo vaše misije, na neki način.
Tim:
Fotograf: Alikhan
Razgovarao:
Stilistkinja: Amelianna Loiacono
Šminka: Helena Komarova
Frizura: Simone Prusso
Art Direktor: Radik Ayzharikov
Producent: Ekaterina Antonovskaya
Asistent fotografa: Alex Khamraev
Asistent stiliste: Elena Brozzi
Razgovarao: Harper’s BAZAAR
English here:
Harper’s BAZAAR intervju: Karina Solodovnikova
Sitting across from me is Karina Solodovnikova – art collector, philanthropist, and passionate traveler. Tall, elegant, with big blue eyes, she carries herself with a calm confidence. As she answers my questions, she speaks unhurriedly, as if flipping through a collection of memories gathered from years of travel across dozens of countries. We sat down to talk not just about her favorite destinations, but about how travel changes us from within.
Hi Karina! Tell us when did you first realize travel had a hold on you? Was there a moment that changed everything?
Hi! My love for travel began during my very first trip to France, as cliché as that may sound. But really, France is made to be adored. Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Versailles… it was like stepping into a fairytale. It’s no surprise Paris is among the most visited places in the world.
How many countries have you visited, and do you even keep count?
I’d say at least forty, if I haven’t lost track! (laughs) But I think what matters most isn’t the number, but the impressions and memories. Every trip feels like a small new life.
Was there ever a place where you thought: “I could live here”?
Yes, Monte Carlo. I remember thinking, “I could stay here forever.” There’s something so calming and inspiring about that place. I’ve spent a lot of time there and each time I return, it feels like coming home.
Is there a destination you return to again and again? What draws you back?
Absolutely, Tuscany, especially Florence. I get excited every time I have a chance to go back. The energy of the region is unlike anywhere else! This is where so much of what I love in art and culture was born. There’s a calm, almost sacred atmosphere in the air. And nothing compares to the beauty of the Tuscan countryside!
What’s the most unusual place you’ve ever been?
Curious travelers can find something magical even in the most well-known destinations, it’s all about knowing where to look. I’ve often found hidden gems in cities I’ve visited multiple times. Just turning down a quiet alley can change how you experience a place.
One unforgettable moment was in the Maldives. It’s such a popular destination, but one night I saw the stars reflected right in the ocean thanks to bioluminescent plankton near Vaadhoo Island. Pure magic!
Is there a region most people tend to overlook, but shouldn’t?
In my opinion, Central Asia is one of the most underrated regions. The moment you arrive, you realize how unique the experience is. The history there spans thousands of years, with beautifully preserved architecture and unforgettable cuisine. It’s the kind of place every curious traveler should see at least once.
What makes it even more special is that it hasn’t yet been overrun by mass tourism. I’d really recommend going soon, before the big travel agencies catch on and the atmosphere changes.
Which place exceeded your expectations the most?
Iceland. I expected it to be beautiful, but nothing prepares you for just how breathtaking it really is.
Being there, you feel the sheer force and elegance of nature. You realize that no matter how many masterpieces humans create, we’re still nowhere close to what nature can do. It makes you want to stop, be silent and just take it all in.
Do you have a “secret spot” you rarely share with others?
I think everyone has a place like that. Mine is a tiny restaurant on Capri, tucked beside a little beach with a gorgeous view. Tourists rarely find it, it’s calm and quiet there. I’m going to keep the name to myself, some places are just too special to share (laughs).
What’s one item you never travel without? Your must-have?
My camera, without a doubt. Not for social media, it’s more about freezing moments and keeping them for myself.
Travel has become so much more accessible, and when you love exploring, you end up on the road a lot. There are years when I visit over ten countries. With that kind of pace, even the most beautiful memories can start to blur, including the little moments that brought you real joy.
That’s why I try to photograph those moments. Later, when life slows down, I flip through those pictures and remember what I was thinking, what moved me, what lit me up. A photo really can stop time and bring you right back, even years later.
How do you pack smart without overpacking, but still being ready for anything?
Well… I try not to limit myself too much. After all, I’m a woman, I love fashion and I love looking good! (laughs) But for longer trips, I pack versatile outfits that work both for exploring and dining out.
I plan each trip carefully, so I know how many dinners, meetings, walks I’ll have, and how many looks I’ll need. That helps avoid overpacking. But I always include one wild card, a “crazy look” just in case there’s a fun event to dress up for. Girls will be girls!
Do you have a go-to way of settling into a new city quickly?
I always start with a long walk. It gives me a feel for the city’s rhythm, mood, and the people. Only after that do I dive into sightseeing.
I never try to do it all in one trip, it’s impossible. No matter how well you plan, you can’t fully grasp a place right away. And overpacking your schedule only leads to exhaustion.
Instead, I like to sit at a local café, sip coffee or tea and watch people walk by. Notice how they dress, how they move. You start to understand their pace of life and why they’ve chosen to call this city home.
Let’s talk about hotels. Any stay that really surprised you?
A great hotel can elevate your whole trip, and the wrong one can ruin it. Chain hotels are predictable, which is sometimes nice. A Four Seasons in Singapore feels very similar to one in New York.
But I love small, unique boutique hotels with their own charm. Recently I stayed in a modest little place in Bergamo, and the staff was so kind and warm, I felt like I was visiting old friends.
What’s your advice to travelers who want to really experience a place, not just check it off their list?
Avoid the main routes and always try the local food!
I’m always surprised when people come to Italy and go to a French restaurant. Where better to enjoy Italian cuisine than in Italy? And where else would you savor French wine if not in France?
I always try to immerse myself as deeply as possible in the local culture and experience what’s truly unique to that place. To me, that’s the essence of travel.
Is there a place you’ve dreamed of but haven’t made it to yet?
Yes, Tanzania. Many of my friends have been and keep telling me I absolutely must go. Each year I hear more exciting reviews and stories, so I know I’ll get there soon.
I’ve dreamed of seeing the landscapes and wildlife I used to watch on nature documentaries as a child. It reminds you that we’re not the only ones who call this planet home, there are other players in this game.
Also, tourism is what helps preserve those ecosystems. Places like Tanzania and Kenya rely on it. Locals and governments start to see that people come from around the world to witness these animals, and that gives them a reason to protect them.
It may sound small, but I believe that traveling to places like that can help support conservation. It becomes part of your mission, in a way.
Team:
Photographer: Alikhan
Stylist: Amelianna Loiacono
Makeup: Helena Komarova
Hair: Simone Prusso
Art Director: Radik Ayzharikov
Producer: Ekaterina Antonovskaya
Photography assistant: Alex Khamraev
Styling assistant: Elena Brozzi
Interview: Harper’s BAZAAR
