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
Hmong city above the clouds – trip to Sapa
February 2016 in Sapa, Vietnam NOTE: text continues all the way to the bottom of this page SAPA Express ‘bus terminal’ was only a few minutes walk from my hotel so I took a morning walk rather than have them pick me up in a car. I did some serious repacking…
Flashpacker’s challenges …. and first setback
“At least we were lucky with the weather”. I wish. Sadly, not this time. Sadly not me. Everybody talks about the weather. The weather is number one topic in Hanoi these days. Coldest winter since 2007, maybe ever, snow only a few kilometers away. Big Freeze. Cold, cold, cold. Seriously…
There is no second chance to make a first impression
Really? I beg to differ. Hanoi isn’t very pretty at first sight. Not all that interesting either. No smiling ladies in straw hats as far as the eye can see. No pagodas. No temples. The ride from the airport was rather gray and dull. If not for a few occasional…
No-plan Plan a.k.a. Itinerary
What plan? There isn’t any. Well, I know what I am going to do for the first couple of weeks (one has to start somewhere), but other than that? None. Will decide once I get there. Of course, I do have some general ideas of what I’d like to do…
(this) Flashpacker’s Dilemma (rant)
Travel light, pack light, you always pack too much, guaranteed you won’t even wear half of the stuff you’re bringing, whatever you need you can easily purchase at the location, even the whole new wardrobe if you like; and more of the same … this is what I hear/read in every…
To Read or Not To Read …
that is THE question… How much information do we really need prior to the arrival at our destination? How many blogs do we need to read or videos to watch? Do we need to be well prepared or learn (discover) along the way? This very question sneaked upon me while searching the…
Home Sweet Home
Among many dozens of countries I visited, there are few that I actually lived in. They are (listed alphabetically) Barbados, Cyprus, Dubai, France, Germany, Poland, Porto Rico, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA. Eleven in all. Not sure if I ever called any of those countries home but I had a place…
Panama you say?
Yes, yes, yes I do. Even though (for no particular reason at all) Panama had vanished from my World Map, an accidental viewing of the “Route of Two Oceans,” the second episode of the Scenic Routes Around the World series, not only put Panama back on my map where it…
... 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! ;)