Mafalda is currently a blogger, student, chef and stylist. And now, she can add another title to her list: BlaBlaCar ambassador! The 22-year-old Portuguese, who is studying in Badajoz, Spain, frequently uses BlaBlaCar to travel as well as to visit her hometown of Lisbon.
Hi Mafalda, congratulations on being an ambassador! Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am 22 years old and originally from Lisbon. Three years ago, I moved to Badajoz, Spain, to study medicine.
Moving to Spain was one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do. When I was young, I never thought I would leave my country. I also never thought I would be a doctor. At 10 years old, I had no clue what my dreams were!
You are also a blogger. How did you get your start?
That’s a good question! I just wanted to write about topics that I liked. I started brainstorming and came up with “De chef, médico e estilista todos temos um pouco.” It means “we are all chefs, doctors and stylists”.
I chose the name because it’s describes me well: My friends and I have a page about snacks we make (chef), I am a medical student (doctor), and I create fashion accessories (stylist). But if you really think about it, we’ve all claimed at one point or another that:
“I made a dish that was really good!”
“Take a pill, it will make you feel better!”
“I have my own style!”
As it turns out, we are all chefs, stylists and students!
How did you discover BlaBlaCar?
I discovered BlaBlaCar through school. It seems like everything in my life is somehow linked to medicine! There happens to be many Portuguese in my classes, including one who is also from Lisbon. He was the one who introduced me to BlaBlaCar.
What has been your experience with BlaBlaCar?
I frequently share my journey with many Spanish BlaBlaCar members, and they have a hard time believing that my name is Mafalda — even though it’s in my profile. I always get questions about my name from ridesharers when we discuss details of our trip.
I even met a friend through BlaBlaCar! We rideshare together sometimes, giving “concerts” during our trips.
What is the biggest advantage of carpooling?
Being able to meet people from all parts of the world! With BlaBlaCar, I have travelled with people from nine nationalities. That’s a very enriching and priceless experience. And I thank BlaBlaCar for creating a platform that makes these kinds of experiences possible.
Of course, another advantage of carpooling is the savings. I am a student and without the help of my BlaBlaCar passengers, it would be financially hard for me to drive home. A big thank you to all the passengers I’ve met!
Has Mafalda’s story inspired you to travel?
