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
The coolest ghost town ever – Naypyidaw
April 2016 in Naypyidaw, Myanmar To make the long story short, let me summarize it all right from the start. Naypyitaw is one of the coolest places in the world I have ever visited. Done. Until only a few days ago I didn’t even know about its existence. The name…
The spare part city – Yangon
April 2016 in Yangon, Myanmar Almost 35 years ago I visited Koh Samui, a small island in the South Chinese Sea no one had ever heard of. Not many people heard of South Chinese Sea either. The island, former military zone, just opened to tourism and I (along with my kids) had the…
Breakfast for two – Phnom Penh
March/April 2016, Phnom Penh in Cambodia The Mekong river speedboat ride from Southern Vietnam to Phnom Penh (PP) was enjoyable, comfortable and speedy. Halfway through we stopped at the border checkpoint for about an hour to get our visas stamped in. With an exception of an occasional individual or creature, there was…
Traffic Jam on Mekong Delta – Vietnam
March 2016, Mekong Delta in Vietnam If I were to choose one place, I imagined being the most exotic and magical, that fascinated me the most, that I was most curious about, most excited about, looking forward to visiting the most and that would give me this once in a lifetime experience…
Lunch Lady of Saigon
March 2016 in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) And you thought you had it all figured out, but then, one day a stranger crosses your path … and your life will never be the same again. The course of your life will take another route. And if you’re lucky, really…
Lost generation of Hue
March 2016 in Hue, Vietnam Wherever I go I always bring a pen and a pad with me so I can make a note of my impressions and observations just as/when they happen and whether it is a keyword or full ‘ready to go’ sentence, I write it down, to…
Homestay in Hoi An
It only took some 20-minute taxi ride from Da Nang to my Hoi An accommodation – homestay. Homestay? Never heard of it either. Until now. The original idea with homestays was to let international students live with local families in their host countries, learn a foreign language, immerse in a…
The city of bridges – Da Nang
February 2016 in Da Nang, Vietnam Coincidences, coincidences – where would we be today if not for the coincidences. Hadn’t I bought Halong Bay trip -> I wouldn’t have gotten free airport transfer (as a thank you) -> and most probably wouldn’t have gotten an idea to check flight options ->…
Karsts and isles of Halong Bay
February 2016 in Halong Bay, Vietnam So, I went on a trip. Two night, three day trip to Halong Bay. One night on a cruise boat and one night on a resort island. Halong Bay a.k.a Descending Dragon Bay, a home to thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various shapes…
West Lake, Hanoi
February 2016 in Hanoi, Vietnam No matter where you are in Hanoi you’re never far from a lake, some lake, as Hanoi is the city of lakes (and two rivers). And the largest of them all is West Lake. The lake is located some 15 – 20 minute walk North West…
... 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! ;)