Category: Personal story

This was not how I pictured my first visit to Australia.

Having spent most my life in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Australia always sounded like a such an exotic, far flung place. It almost seemed an unattainable travel goal, one I would need quite a lot of time and resources for. Adding that to the fact that I’ve never been particularly drawn to the country as a travel destination, I didn’t think my feet would ever touch Australian soil. And I was OK with that.

When I moved to Bali; however, it really sunk in how nearby Australia is and how cheap the flights can be. Suddenly, the destination that once seemed so out of reach, was accessible in quick 3 hour flight! Technically, I could jet off to Australia for a long weekend, spending just €100 on a return flight!

Fast forward 3 years, my best friend announces she left everything behind in Belgium and is settling in Perth. There was only one thing I could do:

Book. The. Ticket.

Meeting up with my bestie in a destination I never thought I would reach: this could only be epic! A quick search led me to an elaborate list of places around West Australia I absolutely wanted to visit. I could already see myself snorkelling the reefs, wine tasting in the vineyards of Margret River, cycling around Rottnest Island, having random kangaroo encounters and exploring prehistoric caves clad with Aboriginal art… So there I was, floating on my little cloud when an important thought brutally brought me back to reality… I was going to be traveling with my 1 year old daughter!

More so, I was about to embark on a single parent travel adventure…

DAMN IT!

I mean, baby’s can’t snorkel! Nor is there space for a kid’s seat on a mountain bike! I can’t possibly detect subtle hints of nutmeg in a silky red, while keeping a toddler from brushing her teeth with pebbles! I definitely can’t enter a protected underground tunnel while holding a princess that touches absolutely everything she sees.

I hit the delete button and erased my adventurous Australian day dream. I only had one option: go with the (baby’s) flow!

Before I knew it, I was boarding a flight holding a toddler in one arm and a bag full of her crap in the other. The only part of the trip I had meticulously planned was regarding the baby’s flight: how much milk to bring, pre-cutting snacks for the road, gearing up on new toys for her entertainment, stacking up a ridiculous amount of diapers… Other than that, I had zero plans. I knew nothing about Perth, had no idea what we’d be doing there and I really didn’t care. All I could think about, was making it through the hourlong drive to the airport, getting through customs and keeping my sanity during the 3 hour flight as a single parent with toddler. That’s when I encountered my first surprise…

Flying solo with a baby or toddler is quite all right!

You wouldn’t believe how many people reached out to me or spontaneously helped out. At every check in the airport, I would turn and find someone either picking up my bag for me or fetching me a trolley while I juggled kid, bags, passports and boarding passes.

During the flight, I mostly encountered compassionate, smiling faces giving me kudos for traveling along with my daughter. The kid waving, smiling and blowing kisses at all the passengers, probably helped with that.

Bali baby is not accustomed to wearing shoes, so she wanders through King’s Park in socks.

As we smoothly passed the first ‘single parent travel test’, my excitement went through the roof. We had an Australian stamp in our passports! From now on, I could start saying douchy things like “When I took my daughter to Australia… ” or “My daughter traveled to 3 continents by the time she started to walk”. Douchy indeed, but proud, even more so!

It was only when we stood in the arrival hall and I couldn’t find my friend who was supposed to pick us up, that I realised I had not slightly prepared for this trip. Where would I stay if she wouldn’t show up? How do you get to the centre of town? Though it’s not the first time I land in a country I have made absolutely no plans for and hardly know anything about, it is the first time I do this while having a kid in tow… I suddenly felt the responsibility weighing on my shoulders.

Parent and child in King’s Park, Perth

I realised once again this trip would be different than any other I had taken before. “Old me” would have probably been carelessly sipping on a cappuccino in an airport café as I waited for my friend. I’d be catching up on some news while vaguely putting together a backup plan incase she wouldn’t show up. “New me”, however, was pacing up and down the hall, anxiously singing nursery rhymes hoping our royal cuteness wouldn’t throw a hunger-led tantrum…

I wondered if travel would ever be the same again. Probably not. Definitely not when it comes to single parent travel.

Eventually, my friend showed up and we spent the following days catching up…

It wasn’t always easy to share the attention

Meeting new friends…

Beach hopping…

Wandering the quaint streets of Freemantle…

Going out for elaborate breakfasts, which seems to be the meal Australians take most pride in.

Taking spring walks along meadows filled with wild flowers

There was even space for some wine tasting after all!

As you can see, we had to replace all the exciting adventures with low key, baby friendly activities. What shocked me most was…

It didn’t bother me at all!

These vanilla activities actually made all of us feel comfortable and at ease. No stress, no pressure. Just pure enjoyment of being in the now. It’s without a doubt a different travel style that I’m accustomed to but single parent travel turns out to be quite enjoyable.

Over the past years, I have traveled so much, jetting off to some foreign nation has become an easy trick. I hop from one country to the next without thinking much of it, as the challenge of it all has faded. Single parent travel or travel with a toddler in general, has once again turned travel into a challenge, a push out of my comfort zone.

Let’s do this again some day!

The post “This was not how I pictured my first visit to Australia” first appeared on Travel Cake.

March 21, 2017
Dear Santa, I’ve been a lousy traveler – but here’s my 2017 wish list anyway

Dear Santa,

I’ve been a lousy traveler this year. I did not browse any colourful indigenous markets, nor did I experiment with crazy foods. I did not trek in the most beautiful valleys I’ve ever seen, nor did I immerse myself in sophisticated Persian culture. I did not go on any wild and dangerous motorcycle journeys, nor did I reside on a extremely remote island.

No-no, compared to recent years, this one was pretty meek.

I have openly enjoyed staying within my comfort zone and keeping the level of adventure to an absolute minimum.

While having a baby in tow most certainly had something to do with that, it wasn’t the sole reason.

I needed a little break from traveling. I wanted to settle down and build a more sustainable life. I wanted to focus on my business and invest in a different kind of personal growth. No doubt living in gorgeous Bali helped me tame the travel bug as well.

Our lovely neighbourhood in Bali

However, considering my situation, the little travel I did in 2016, was perfectly in line with the basics of my travel principles.

I explored my own (Balinese) back yard.

Sniffing out the cool air in the mountains around Munduk

Exploring the rugged island of Nusa Penida

Snorkeling in Amed

Chilling in the swanky beach town of Seminyak

Bathing in lush waterfalls in central Bali

Hiking the dazzling rice terraces around Ubud and Jatiluwih

I made short stints to 3 countries:

FRANCE

SINGAPORE

AUSTRALIA

Australia, the only new country I visited this year

I expanded my language skills to have a better connection with the local people and a more in depth understanding of their culture.

Getting close and personal with the Balinese culture

All things considered, maybe I wasn’t such a lousy traveler after all. Who’s to say what is a good or bad way to travel anyway? It’s a personal opinion, isn’t it?

So screw it; I’m sending you my travel wish list for 2017, Santa dearest. Moreover, I expect some of these to come true!

Disclaimer: I am a parent now, so technically that makes me Santa.

These are the 7 destinations on my somewhat realistic travel wish list for 2017:

Any African country – preferably one I haven’t visited yet

Ethiopia.

I miss the continent and I long to get to know other parts of it. I’m thinking Senegal/Gambia or Ethiopia. (image)

Norway

This destination has been on my wish list for many years, it’s time to make it happen! I’m already picturing myself trekking in the Norwegian fjords!

Sri Lanka

The spices, the tea, the culture… Reason enough to want to visit Sri Lanka! I’d love to spend an extended amount of time on the island while working.

Malta & Gozo

I wouldn’t necessarily travel to Malta as a tourist, but rather to prospect if Malta or Gozo could be our next temporary base. (image)

Any country in Eastern Europe – preferably one I haven’t traveled to yet

So far, all the countries I have visited in Eastern Europe have astounded me. I fell madly in love with Albania, was pleasantly surprised with Warsaw and had a delightful introduction to Montenegro. More please! (image)

Lebanon

The Middle East is my favourite region to travel to. I’m fascinated by the ancient cultures, I find the food exquisite and the language enchanting. From what I have heard and read, Lebanon is all that and more, with a very distinct personality. Those are some statements that need first hand investigation. (image)

Flores, Indonesia

Despite having lived in Indonesia for almost 2 years, I haven’t seen much of the islands yet. I will not leave this country again without exploring at least one more island! Additionally, I haven’t gone scuba diving in 3 years and I long to peek at the under water world again. Traveling to Flores would perfectly tick these two boxes. (image)

I’ve always loved my travel style and have been proud of the way I explored the corners of the world regardless of what would be considered “good” or bad by anyone else. Now that my travel batteries are reloaded, I look forward to continue exploring the world!

Which destinations are on your 2017 travel wish list?

The post “Dear Santa, I have been a lousy traveller” first appeared on Travel Cake.

December 25, 2016
Why I travel solo even when I’m in a relationship

When I travel solo whilst being in a relationship, I’m often confronted with questions and remarks like: “Oh… you have a boyfriend? Where is he?” “He lets you travel all by yourself? WTF?” Then follow the looks of disbelief and suspicion.

For some reason, there seems to be a misconception that only women who are single, travel solo. Or that if she does have a person in her life, it’s probably nothing serious. Married women alone on the road? No way… Impossible! And yet, we exist!

Now, I can understand why this may shock most non-western cultures as the idea of women traveling alone is a relatively unknown phenomenon in those areas. People there are just starting to get used to this concept. I can see why they would have a hard time imagining a woman leaving behind her boyfriend/husband for leisurely travel.

What surprises me is how people in the West, supposedly accustomed to female empowerment and independence, often have the exact same reactions. Men and women alike. They ask me if my husband “allows” it?

“Allows”? Seriously? What age are we living in? I may be married, but I aint no prisoner!

I love traveling with my partner but when he is not in the mood for travel or not in a position to do so, I don’t let that stop me from doing “my thing”. I just travel solo even though I’m in a relationship and this is why I love it:

Meeting a different crowd

When I travel with my other half, we tend to meet types of people we both enjoy. When I’m alone, I connect with a different crowd than I would if it wasn’t just me. As a duo, you (unconsciously) take each others personalities into account and you are less likely to start socialising with people you know your partner wouldn’t particularly get along with. I find myself making friendships with a wider range of people when I’m alone.

mud bathing with new friends in Turkey

Reconnecting with myself

You’re on your own. There is no one else to take into consideration but you. You decide everything: where to go, what and when to eat, who to meet, whether or not to party… You can change your mind as often as you want, you’re the only one that matters.

That being said, there is no one to blame when things go wrong or when certain activities turn out to be dull. This pushes you to rediscover your likes and dislikes, your stronger and weaker points. There is no influence from your most trusted friend, which forces you to hear your own thoughts louder and clearer.

like: spending too much time in modern museums. @Tate Modern

Indulging in those guilty pleasures

Some things, I rather not do when my partner is around. Mostly girly things or stupid quirks like chowing down a burger at Mc Donalds (or any other fast food chain) with a large coke, something he strongly opposes himself to. Even though I’m not a big fan either, every once in a blue moon, when on the road, I like to indulge in a nutrition less meal with a horrible ecological footprint. When he’s not around, I can do so shamelessly and enjoy evil without getting the “I can’t believe you’re actually going to eat this” glare.

those little things you prefer to do alone…

pressure-free shopping in Istanbul

Confidence boost

In a relationship, you form a team, you become interdependent and learn to rely on each other. It’s a beautiful thing. Yet I find it important to remain functional when your other half is not around. We tend to forget how strong and capable we actually are on our own.

Dealing with scams, finding your way around town/a country, bargaining with your taxi driver… So many things are easier when there are two of you. By dealing with everything by myself, I find inner strength and learn to depend on myself again. There is no one to fall back on, you’re the one doing all the “work”. This evokes skills that may have been forgotten and it surely toughens you up. I had forgotten how fiercely I can bargain with hotel management, as Douglas would usually take care of finding a place to stay while I sat with the luggage.

finding my way around East Timor

Taking care of yourself on the road gives you a huge confidence boost. I believe that dealing with all the bullsh*t by yourself, only empowers you and makes you a more complete and interesting individual.

at the summit of my first mountain, Mt. Sinai, Egypt

Exceptional experiences

While this has nothing to do with having a relationship or not, it’s definitely worth a mention. Every time I travel alone, even if just for a few days, I always seem to land invitations to something unexpected or unusual. I’m not sure if the invitations are out of pity for a “lady with no friends or family, forced to travel alone” or if we are simply more approachable as solo travellers, but either way, I seem to find my way into the most -random- diverse activities. Weddings involving elephants, marlin fishing, photo shoots, secret turtle hatching spots, wool spinning, VIP champagne parties, coffee harvesting… As a couple, we get these kinds of invitations too, just not as frequently.

after a Balinese photo shoot during my first solo trip

unexpected invitation to an Indian engagement party

Relationship boost

Admittedly, it’s not really a reason more than it is a consequence. Finding strength in yourself, having time for you as an individual and having the chance to miss each other, are elements that contribute to a warm reunion and a strengthened relationship. You have a suitcase full of new stories to tell each other and a revived realisation of your feelings towards one another. Adding in the heightened dose of trust, you’re left with a strong and healthy relationship. If all goes well, that is.

reunited after a trip

Here are some tips to help things run smoothly…

* Communicate before you leave. What are your expectations from one another, especially in term of communication during the trip. Roughly how often do you want to get a text/mail? Respect the terms.

* Don’t travel to your partner’s dream destination without him/her. Du-uh.

* Don’t stay away too long. Personally I found 10 days a perfect amount of time. Longer than 12 days starts to feel a bit too much. But everyone is different, do what works for you.

*Bring along a picture of you together. Some people will think you’re making up this boyfriend/husband. It might save you a lot of hassle to be able to present a photo of the two of you.

* Ladies, the fake (or real for that matter) wedding ring trick doesn’t cut it anymore! If you’re going to lie, better make it count. Add some fake children to your story to be seen as off the market.

* When approached by someone who seemingly has dodgy ideas, never admit you are traveling alone. Your husband/friends/ whatever are waiting for you in the hotel.

Have you ever leisurely traveled solo while being in a relationship? Would you?

The post “Why I travel solo even when I’m in a relationship” first appeared on Travel Cake.

June 23, 2014
Birthdays Abroad

The past 7 years I’ve been so lucky to celebrate the start of a new life year abroad, either doing something exciting or lazing in the shade of a coconut tree. Because this year was so different, I thought I’d look back on those past birthdays.

Turning…

…22! Stargazing in Liechtenstein’s Alps

As wild camping is legal in Liechtenstein, my then boyfriend and I made our way to the Alps. We pitched a tent in a beautiful meadow and spent the evening celebrating under the stars with bubbles and smoked salmon. It was my first time camping in the wild and I loved being totally isolated in nature. Though I must admit, there were moments at night where I was convinced a mad serial killer was scratching our tent… Tsss, city girls…

the Alps…

bubbles and salmon

“bathing” in nature

…23! Exploring Marrakech and its bazaars

A birthday in the old city of Marrakech was a perfect ending to a two week trip through South Morocco and Western Sahara. We exchanged our dusty desert clothes for urban wear and spent the evening bargaining in the souk and sampling Moroccan wines on rooftop bars.

Djema el-Fna from rooftop

the damage

…24! Solo in Egypt

Instead of flying straight home after a conference in Egypt, I prolonged my stay to see as much of the country as I possibly could. Birthdays are usually spent with friends and/or family, but that time, it was just me. I was proud to be a 24-year-old assertive and mature enough to ‘survive’ the chaos of Caïro. I was proud to be fit enough to climb Mount Sinai for the sunrise. I was proud to be brave enough to travel solo in an unknown, male-dominant country. I felt lucky to have the freedom to do what I was doing.

fighting off touts around the pyramids

loving solo travel

Holy Mount Sinai

…25! On a 40 hour train ride across India

Being crammed on a stuffy Indian train might be one of my most unglamorous birthdays . A group of Indian men sitting on the bed opposite mine, staring at my every move. Rats sprinting across the wagon, passengers loudly clearing their noses by spitting everywhere, toilet floors inundated with urine… It wasn’t much of a celebration, but rather an extremely long two days to get through. After the 40 hour ride, I was treated to a huge cake and beautiful views over Udaipur.

I can stare right back…

delicious personalised birthday cake

Udaipur

…26! Searching for the best “pasteis” and Port in Portugal

What a road trip; driving from city to city and around the country side, sampling on all the goodness Portugal has to offer. Learning about the Portuguese cuisine and culture was my gift to myself.

Port wine served with a selection of fine cheeses

pasteis for the road

Belèm

…27! Love Cake in Kathmandu

We stalled our big hike in the Himalayas to get mentally ready for the trek. So I spent this birthday in Kathmandu visualising myself on the top of a mountain. I can’t remember specific details about that day except… Except the love cake… A famous chocolate cake that has been mentioned as a must-try since the 70’s hippie trail. I wasn’t expecting much -as usual when it comes to chocolate anything outside of Western Europe- but my mind was blown. I was utterly quiet for a few minutes, couldn’t believe I just tasted what I did. Pure bliss! I must admit, my opinion might have been influenced by the fact that I had been eating nothing but flavourless “dahl bhat” and instant noodles for two weeks, but either way, to this day I still think of the Love cake as my favourite chocolate cake EVER!

Kathmandu

Love Cake

…28! By the pool in Myanmar

With temperatures reaching 40°C, there wasn’t much else to do than lie by the pool in Bagan. Temple visits in the mornings and evenings, cooling off in the swimming pool during the day. A lazy 28th. I was surprised with a gorgeous and elaborate cake… with zero flavour -unless ‘fat’ counts as a flavour. I ended up ~~splitting~~ donating the entire cake to the staff members.

the only way to deal with heat

misleading cake

enjoying a good view

…29! Cheese and wine with family

This year no palm trees, no temples and no exotic food, but something that’s at least just as good, maybe even better: stinky cheese and red wine with my family in Belgium. It might not be a dream destination, but it’s exactly where I want to be!

What about you, is celebrating your birthday at home a “must”?

The post “Birthdays Abroad” first appeared on Travel Cake.

April 9, 2014
Off the Grid: Exploring Indonesia

Disapproving looks are thrown my way as I type this article on my tiny phone keyboard. Who spends time on their phones when they are on a small tropical island?! Well… Me.

I’m in Bunaken, a lush island just off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The sea is warm, the coconut trees are a great source of shade, the corals are bright and the multi-coloured fish are bountiful. As in most parts of Sulawesi the internet connection is limited or non-existent. Therefore, I will have to restrain from blogging for two weeks.

I will however, post pictures on Instagram and Facebook. If you want to stay updated, make sure you connect with me, if that’s not the case yet. Just hit the “Like” button the Travel Cake Facebook-page or find me on Instagram- @mangovoyage

See you in two weeks with new stories!

How are you spending the first weeks of the year?

January 8, 2014
2013 Travel Summary, Part II

Resuming the travel summary of 2013, the nomadic year… Read part I here.

JULY… Timor-Leste- Gili islands

If you have to leave Bali for a few days, where do you go? Ummm… Timor-Leste? Why not… Practical information online about Timor-Leste is scarce, so I left without any expectations. That might be why I loved it so much. If not because I have a tendency towards raw and unknown places. I enjoyed the fact that it was a trip for “advanced” travellers , I had plenty of new experiences- like eating dog and I met some awesome people. Another destination on my top 10 best trips-list!

stunning landscapes

socialising with the Timorese

Gili islands

Douglas and I took a few days off to meet-up with friends from England vacationing in the Gili islands. I made it a point to visit all three of the islands so I could compare and decide which one to choose for future trips! Read about my findings here. We spent lazy days on the beach, eating freshly caught fish, drinking beers and snorkelling with turtles. It was the ideal lazy beach holiday.

lazy days

happy island kids

AUGUST… Borneo

I spent the last week of August in Sabah, Borneo. You might not believe it, but traveling around so much can get quite tiring. So I did what any burnt out traveler would do; I traveled lazily! I got massages, relaxed at white sand beaches, ate tonnes of fresh seafood, did mountain hikes, saw orang utans in the wild… Finally, I visited a refugee village on stilts, but that story deserves its own post. By the end of my stay in Kota Kinabalu, I had gotten quite a attached to the place. A place which seemed incredibly bland at first glance.

village on stilts

wild orang utang

SEPTEMBER… The Philippines

I had a travel dream. It took me 13 years to make it happen, but at last… I went to the Philippines… and I was not disappointed. I spent most of my time there in Palawan. Every single day, my dear Douglas had to listen to me say: “Look at this!! How is this possible?? I can’t believe this beauty is real?!”

island hopping

driving in the country side

The Philippines are really close to my heart, not only because I loved everything about this flavourful country; the good, the bad and the ugly. But also because of my Pinoy friends who have shown me the true spirit of the Philipino community. If you’ve missed my posts resuming our vacation in Palawan, check out part I and part II.

paradise beaches

Oh yes… and Manila is absolutely wacky!

OCTOBER… Home sweet home, Bali

Peace and quiet in Bali. For the first time in months I spent a full 4 weeks in the same spot. I used this time to explore the island further. I went on diving and snorkelling trips with friends in Lembongan and swam with graciously beautiful wild manta rays. I started practicing yoga and participated in a writing workshop during the Ubud writers festival. I woke up at the crack of dawn to visit Balinese temples minus the tourists. I wanted to learn Indonesian, so I enrolled in a class and finished the course. Now, I’m not fluent, but I can hold my head up high while having a basic conversation. I also know a fair amount of obscene words. What more do you need?

visiting temples

immersing ourselves in the culture

NOVEMBER… Vietnam

Once again I had to leave Indonesia. This time around, I visited South Vietnam on a quest to understand why so many visitors dislike it as a destination. Though I understand why, I only experienced rainbows, sparkles and chocolate covered kittens. I was taken aback by a fragrant cuisine that was new to me. Vietnamese food… WOW! Read about my trip here.

Mui Ne beach front

Vietnamese food

DECEMBER… Sulawesi

I’m writing you from Sulawesi, Indonesia where a couple of friends and I will be celebrating the end of a fantastic year and welcoming a new one. Hopefully a new year filled with laughter, friendship, love, adventure and realisation of goals and dreams. Those are my wishes or you.

Happy New Year, Everyone!

What was the travel highlight of your year?

December 30, 2013
2013 Travel Summary

2013 flew by so fast, I hardly saw the months pass by. In terms of travel, this year was insane! I moved from Europe to Asia and wound up in a place that “forces” me to leave the country and travel at least every two months. Not the worst deal, right?

Here is part I of my 2013 travel summary:

JANUARY… Belgium

I started 2013 in my favourite city of all times: Ghent, living and working in the city centre. It was an extremely busy month but an exciting one with lots quality time with friends and family.

frozen city centre

I conquered one of my biggest (irrational) fears: driving. It was a real challenge for me especially since the lessons took place at night, in the snow! Learning to drive has been on the top of my resolutions list for years. I finally pulled through.

FEBRUARY… Poland

I took a short trip to Warsaw with one of my best friends. Poland during the winter is no joke, but the snow embellished the city. We had a great time learning all about the Polish vodka drinking etiquette. I had my first experience as a journalist at a Polish radio station and enjoyed a fab jazz concert.

>Warsaw’s old town square

at Trojka Polskie radio

Exactly 3 years earlier, a British girl hitchhiked from London to Berlin and stopped in Ghent on her way there. We met, we hit it off, we became friends and she continued her journey to Berlin. On her way back to London, she passed through Ghent again and stayed with me for a couple of days. Ever since, she has moved to Australia and we never saw each other again. Until… we bumped into each other on Warsaw’s main square. Magical! We spent the little time we had, catching up over food and coffee!

reunited

MARCH… Oman, UAE, Bankok

I exchanged the everlasting cold temperatures of Europe for the Eastern heat. My voyage started in Oman. A country I had been drawn to for years. When I finally set foot in it, I fell in love head over heels. Oman was everything I hoped it would be and more. I stayed with an awesome woman who introduced me to Omani culture. We partied, gossiped, walked around Muscat, bonded over huge plates of traditional Omani food. During my little road trip I discovered the country’s wonderful and hospitable people, the ancient culture and the stunning nature… I loved it all.

Muscat’s corniche

digging in

United Arab Emirates

After Oman, I made a stop in the United Arab Emirates. Mainly to visit a friend who had just emigrated there. She showed me around the glam of Dubai. I was expecting it to dislike it, but Dubai surprised me. I enjoyed the fancy cocktails and the high class lunches. I loved the sense of safety and the well dressed tourists. Even though I have strong reservations about energy wasting in he UAE and the whole “bigger is better” attitude, one can’t deny it is a unique place on earth, showcasing human ingenuity. If only they could use that ingenuity in an environmental friendly and fair trade kind of way…

Burj Khalifa, tallest building in the world

Bangkok

When my time in Dubai was up, I made way to Bangkok. Again, just a brief encounter which was just long enough to allow me to get a feel of the city. I stayed in a fantastic boutique hostel that blew my mind. Refill Now! is probably the most stylish and clean hostel I’ve ever stayed in. I met some kick-ass ladies whom I explored the city with. I haven’t quite made up my mind about whether or not I like Bangkok. I guess I’ll have to go back to decide.

pool at Refill Now! hostel

Bangkok by night

APRIL… Myanmar

I spent three weeks in Myanmar discovering a country that only recently opened its doors to the rest of the world. It’s without a doubt a fascinating country, untouched in so many ways, but I didn’t LOVE the place. I don’t think it has anything to do with me getting a Buddha overdose, but there was just something that didn’t agree with me. Was it the fact that it was so hot you couldn’t move during the day? Or that the food wasn’t all that? Or was it the fact that I longed to stop traveling and settle down for a while? Or yet again, was I too bothered by the current regime? Either way Myanmar and I just didn’t click. I’m not sure why, I never really understood. All I know is; I won’t be going back any time soon.

beautiful Bagan

transformed into a Burmese lady

MAY… Malaysia-Singapore

In may, I finally got to store away my luggage for a while. Douglas and I settled down in Kuala Lumpur. The stability only lasted a short time as we moved from KL to Georgetown, Penang. Neither cities was the kind of environment we wanted to live in, so we decided to leave mainland Malaysia behind.

view from our window in Kuala Lumpur

getting stuffed in George town

Penang by night

Singapore

Later that month I revisited Singapore and just like during my first encounter 5 years ago, I loved the country/city. Yes, it’s freakishly clean, strict and (too?) organised, but it’s awesome! It’s an especially welcome break after the chaos of Kuala Lumpur. The food is amazing and I love how three very different ethnicities live together, side by side. If the rent in Singapore wasn’t so damn high, that’s where we’d be living right now.

mosque in Arab quarter

colourful facades of Little India

China town

Laksa

JUNE…Bali

Aaah, Bali… I found it just as beautiful as when I left it behind 5 years ago. It has changed a lot, but the essence is still present. The smells of frangipani and incense, the sounds of gamelan, the bright green rice fields… We found Ubud the perfect place to spend a few month living and working remotely. So we moved and started a new life on the islands of the gods.

vanilla pods drying in the Balinese sun

Balinese gateway

Stay tuned for part II of the year!

December 26, 2013