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
Whale watching in Oslob
Oslob in August 2016, the Philippines Whale watching in Oslob is a big, big business. “Everybody” living in some 20-kilometer radius has a stake in that lucrative enterprise one way or the other. Competition is fierce. Thousands of tourists that visit Oslob come here for one reason and one reason only…
Super chill in Siquijor
Siquijor, the Philippines in August 2016 After five days of ‘shopping’ and ‘partying the time has come to leave the great provincial city of Dumaguete. Have seen and done it all. Or so it felt. However, I wasn’t quite ready getting back to Cebu City and it was Cebu City…
Dumaguete, the city of trees
August 2016 in Dumaguete City, the Philippines Who knew coming into town would be such a treat. But this is exactly what it was, even better. After months ‘on the road’, I the city girl was falling in love once again with walking on sidewalks, stopping at red lights, breathing…
Panglao, divers paradise
Panglao Island in the Philippines in August 2016 Sadly, I never returned to Bantayan. My nomadic blood put a stop to it. Or perhaps I wasn’t quite ready to return. ‘Almost there‘ isn’t exactly there. At least it wasn’t then. For there is no doubt in my mind that one…
Almost there – Bantayan
Bantayan island in the Philippines, August 2016 The longer you live the beach lifestyle during your travels, especially in the tropics, the less ‘stuff’ in general and clothes, in particular, you will need. Eventually, once you’ve figured out what works best for you, you’ll end up wearing the same couple of…
So near and yet so far – Palawan
Palawan Island, the Philippines, End of July 2017 Condé Nast readers have voted Palawan in the Philippines the most beautiful island in the world. So naturally, no questions asked, the island became my next destination. For who can say no to pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, breathtaking scenery, long sandbars,…
Sunset city – Kota Kinabalu
July 2016 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Never in a million years did I expect to be back in Malaysia so soon and definitely not only a few day after my departure but this is exactly what happened. I got a tip, became curious and nothing could stop me from going…
One day too late – Brunei
July 2016 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei It only takes 2 hours to cross Brunei Bay dividing Labuan island from the Sultanate of Brunei, a tiny nation in the middle of Malaysian Borneo. You can either take a speedboat, bumpy and closed in ‘cigar’ with a single row of seats on…
Ramadan in Malaysia, part 2
July 2016 continuation of part 1 Miri After two nights in Bintulu, it was time to move on. According to (once again) Google map, a town called Miri seemed like a good idea. It is a second largest city in Sarawak and a major transport hub and (potentially) interesting to…
Ramadan in Malaysia, part 1
July 2016 Ramadan – Islamic holy month, a month of physical and spiritual purification, a month of intense prayers to bring the faithful closer to god, a month of fasting to gain a better understanding and greater compassion towards the deprived, a month of donations and feeding the hungry. During a holy month…
... 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! ;)