A neighbour’s daughter recently returned from 4 months travelling around Asia and she reminded me of something that I found difficult when I returned after a year of travelling around the world: an unexpected side effect. I had heard of reverse culture shock or re-entry shock, whatever you want to call it.  It’s basically when …

During my travels in India, I enjoyed seeing the array of colourful fabrics worn by local women.  I love this photo because of the mix of bright colours as they amble around the Taj Mahal barefooted.  The vibrant colours and togetherness sum up India for me.    

One of my biggest concerns before I set off on my round the world adventure was the fear of not meeting other people and being on my own the whole time, particularly as an older than average traveller (older as in approaching 40).  I had no idea what to expect.  It really was a big …

I hadn’t expected to go to Kampong Cham on my journey around Cambodia but I couldn’t get a direct bus from Banlung in Ratanakiri to Siem Reap.  I had no choice but to change buses at Kampong Cham so after a 7 hour bus ride, I arrived. Being the only foreigner, I was surrounded by …

As it was my first time in Berlin, I obviously felt like a stranger when I arrived.  However, within a couple of days I felt like a local and part of the community.  Normally, this happens as a result of where I stay but that wasn’t the case this time. I stayed in a small …

“There is only one success – to be able to spend your life in your own way.” (Christopher Morley)   Oftentimes, when I ask people what they want, they have no idea because they’ve never really thought about it and no one’s ever asked them.  If the premise of ‘what you focus on is what …