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
Two stops at a time – Kuala Lumpur
June 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia It took quite a bit of scouting and decisions making to leave Penang for Kuala Lumpur. Train, bus, the location of stations in both places, stairs, uphill, downhill and so on, and on. Every single question had to be researched and answered. No surprises, thank you very much. This time…
Chilling in Penang
May – June 2016 in Penang, Malaysia Penang was on my must-visit-list for some three, four years now. Not only that, I was also seriously considering following the footsteps of my friends and moving to the island. Apparently, Penang is (or at least was) THE place for expats, or so…
Flowers of Vientiane
May 2016 in Vientiane, Laos Three times lucky? The best for last? What are the odds? Next to zero, still, it could happen. But it didn’t. There are not many places in the world that can top Luang Prabang / Vang Vieng duo and Vientiane is not one of them.…
The Party River – Vang Vieng
May 2016 in Vang Vien, Laos There are places and there are places. And then there are … places. I will never know how come I’d never heard of Vang Vieng but I hadn’t. Perhaps I don’t quite fit the age group that typically visits this place or perhaps a…
The pearl of Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang
May 2016 in Luang Prabang, Laos In the junction of two rivers, the Mekong and Nam Khan, against a scenic mountain backdrop, right beneath mount Phou si (150 meters high steep hill) lies one of the most charming places in the world – Luang Prabang. Never, in a million years,…
Overland border crossing to Laos, part 2. Bridge crossing & Mekong downstream
May 1-2, 2016 No matter how accurate someone’s travel account is it is still up to a reader to determine how ‘accurate’ it really is. Just like reading a book. Give the same book to 100 readers and you’ll have 100 different interpretations. The power of the written word –…
Overland border crossing to Laos, part 1 – Chiang Mai and Chiang Khong
last days of April 2016 One highlight in traveler’s everyday life is meeting other travelers and exchange information, experiences, stories, gossip and above all socialize with kindred souls. On one such occasion, I met an Australian couple – world travelers who have been ‘everywhere‘ and have seen ‘everything‘. Their best travel…
The magic of unforgettable Inle Lake
April 206 in Inle Lake, Myanmar If there is only one place, you can visit in Myanmar this is it. Inle Lake is one of the most magical places in the world and a must-see site. The magical scenery, magical light, fascinating inhabitants, mesmerising sunsets, delightful freedom of cruising enjoyed from…
Bagan
April 2016 in Bagan, Myanmar Getting a ticket on the first bus out of Mandalay proved to be much easier than getting the last ticket out of Naypyidaw. The first bus to leave was destined for Bagan so this is where I went. To enter the town all foreign…
Thingyan 2016 – water craze in Mandalay
April 2016 in Mandalay, Myanmar Thingyan is the biggest holiday of the year in Myanmar – the Burmese New Year combined with water festival. This was my fourth new year celebration this year and, if the truth is to be told, I do hope it’d be the last one. Enough…
... 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! ;)