One way ticket to Panama (?)
After a lifelong experience as an expat in 11 different countries around the world, I made the decision to move to Panama and embark on a new chapter of my life between the two oceans... or so I thought.
To make the long story short it took me 20 months and traversing through 21 countries to finally reach Panama. To head west, I first had to go east. But before I could even contemplate settling down, I had to meet the Lunch Lady who lived in entirely different part of the world. Intrigued? Confused? Read the entire story here.
But guess what? After finally making it to Panama, I realized I wasn't quite ready to embrace retirement just yet. So, after only 1.5 month off I went on a global escapade in search of my own personal paradise (retirement optional). Who knows? I might even find myself circling back to Panama again soon with a brand new tale to tell/write on that blank sheet of paper.
Flashpacker's Diary
Do you know what or who a flashpacker is? Neither did I. Only a few people do. But as you might have already guessed, a flashpacker is essentially a flashier version of a backpacker, or you can think of them as a (slightly older) backpacker with some means. And hey, that could very well be me.Can a woman who is 60 years old or older, a solo traveler who has never embarked on any backpacking adventures before and doesn't even own a backpack, become a successful flashpacker? Without a doubt, she absolutely can. Not only can she do it, but she is actually doing it right at this very moment.
Email me if you like to meet up along the way
Read about my journey through South East Asia - en route to Panama.
Read about my search for the retirement paradise in Central America
León, the city that was
León or Granada? Pick a side. Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the prettiest of them all? Whoever keeps asking these questions must have alternative motives. (Like bringing tourists into town?) For there is no contest. None. At least not regarding colonial architecture, preservation, restoration, maintenance, charm, beauty, cleanness and…
The secrets of colonial living
Don’t let the (often) humble exterior of typical colonial houses fool you. Only one chance to make a first impression does not apply here. What you see is what you get does not apply here either. For the real secrets of these amazing structures are hiding behind their walls. Colonial houses are not only architectural…
Chicken bus to Masaya (and back)
Masaya a.k.a. “The Cradle of Nicaraguan Folklore“, “The heart of Nicaraguan handicrafts“, “The National Artisan Market“, ‘a must-visit handicraft market” is only 14 km from Granada, and as a matter of course, a perfect day trip destination. 14 kilometers is also short enough for a test ride on a chicken bus which…
Feliz Navidad Granada
10 a.m. Rainy and chilly morning, feels like 17 C even though the AccuWeather tells me it is 27 C. Firecrackers already going off. Vendors doing their morning rounds walking up and down the streets yelling from the top of their lungs bananas, galo pinto, underpants, or whatever else they have…
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur, the hottest spot in the country, the best surfing paradise in Latin America, a funky beach town with magical sunsets, a fishing village turned A Tourism City of Nicaragua. So true. But San Juan del Sur is also a typical 100% backpackers destination. Well, maybe 99%.…
Shuttle to the Beach
A beach, a beach, my kingdom for a beach. 5 a.m. pick up doesn’t sound like much fun and it isn’t. But this is the time, Caribe Shuttle leaves San Jose for Nicaragua. I missed the beaches in Panama. I missed the beaches in Costa Rica (the nice ones) so…
Monteverde trip
Sightseeing time. My first in Costa Rica. Destination? The famous Monteverde Cloud Forest where I was promised a hike in the clouds, a walk on suspended bridges above the forest canopy .. and maybe, maybe (if I wanted) a return form the forest zip-lining. WOW. Monteverde has it all, best…
Same, same but different, Panama vs Costa Rica
If you ever thought, as I did, that two teeny tiny (in size and population) neighboring Central American countries sharing culture, geography, history, nature, roots, colonization, language and much more, the characteristics that (at least on the paper) appear to be identical or at least very similar… you’d be wrong. So, so…
Retirement paradise on a budget
Bridge club? Embroidery class? Painting class? Babysitting grandchildren? No? How about a round of golf on Saturday? Tennis? Sunday roast? Still no? Park bench in a sunny spot then? No, no, no, thank you very much, but no. Those times are long gone. Another century, another time, another life, another…
Tale of the Unexpected
November 2017 in Escazu, Costa Rica Living abroad or traveling the world can be (and always is) not only educational but also a life-changing experience. The more we open our mind, and other senses, the more open we will be to accepting new things or different cultures. The more accepting…
... and Who are you?
If you are seeking travel resources, guidebooks, cheap deals, or itinerary suggestions specifically tailored for backpackers, this site may not be the most suitable for you. However, you are still warmly welcomed to stick around. Who knows, you might just find some unexpected inspiration along the way! ;)