How would you describe your previous travel experience? Aaron: I've done a lot of domestic and a little international traveling. It's all been a positive experience. I love to see new things, meet new people, and especially, eat new foods. I'm looking forward to seeing more. Arianne: I've had some good times in a small handful of countries. It's high time to cover the rest of the world.
What is the most stressful aspect of traveling? Aaron: The actual act of traveling. Airports have a tendency to stress me out, so does waiting in lines, large crowds and cramped spaces. Arianne: Obtaining airline tickets, long lines and misplacing my passport.
What is the most important item in your backpack, and why? Aaron: Our iPod & our wristbands. Music and style are integral parts of our lives, both individually and as a Team. Arianne: We have an iPod, wristbands and pretty Persian scarves. This is very important, because music inspires us, and our style inspires others.
Why did you want to be on THE AMAZING RACE? Aaron: The chance to check out of my day-to-day life and have the adventure of a lifetime with my best friend. Also, more and more, the money seems to be appealing. Arianne: I have nothing better to do than take a free trip around the world and win a million dollars.
Have you and your partner traveled together before? If so, what was it like? Aaron: Yes. Domestic and short-term, but always a blast. Arianne: We have traveled through life together. It's been like a roller coaster: scary, thrilling and so much fun.
What do you fear most about competing in THE AMAZING RACE? Aaron: Eating live insects and being in deep ocean waters. Arianne: I'm afraid of eating live bugs and the chance my parachute won't open.
What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the Team? Aaron: I'm very focused. When I set my mind on something, it gets done. I can usually get what I want and I can multi-task with the best of them. My directness in getting things accomplished can sometimes be off-putting to others. I get so focused that I have a tendency not to recognize how I affect others. When task-mastering, I have no patience. Arianne: My strengths tend to be Aaron's weaknesses and vice versa. I tend to be more laid back and tolerant of the status quo, whereas Aaron brings a certain clear-minded focus. These traits can be strengths or weaknesses depending on the situation. We really complement each other in that way. We're both in the best shape of our lives and have a fierce endurance. We're agile and able to learn and adapt to awkward physical challenges. Our urban sensibility makes us well-suited to handle new cultures, and our sense of humor makes our weaknesses a little less weak and a lot more funny.
What strengths and weaknesses does your teammate bring to the Team? Aaron: Arianne is compassionate, capable, determined and sexy. Her physical strength blended with her inner and outer beauty, sprinkled with her urban savvy, survival instincts and sense of humor, is a recipe for success. Her only weakness in relation to the Race might be her judgment with people. She wants to believe in everyone. Arianne: See my answer to the previous question.
What will you miss the most from home (besides your bed)? Aaron: My cats, Siena and Sydney, first. But coming in a close second is my shower and all its gorgeous products. Arianne: I will miss my cat, Ming. I'll also miss my phone.
What languages do you speak? Aaron: The international language of love. Arianne: I speak body language fluently.
What destination are you hoping to visit? Aaron: I'd love to do some extensive European traveling, especially in the Mediterranean. Arianne: I have this Tokyo itch. I really want to check out Japan.
What country do you feel best prepared for? Aaron: Aside from language barriers, I feel confident that I'm prepared for anything or anyplace. Arianne: I lived in the U.K. for a semester during college. I know London pretty well and have visited Scotland and Wales. And the locals seem to have a real grasp of the English language.
