Travel Thought Thursday :- The Last Frontier

With my recent return to Hong Kong and then a visit of the Philippines next week, I am contending with family issues. Within the past few years, I have significantly shifted my perspectives, broken down and rebuilt my own version of my belief system, more so since my journeys in 2013 and 2014. I appreciate these changes in me, however, they contrast the belief systems held by my family but do form the basis of my evolution.

This post is in regards to traveling outside of one’s psychological boundaries and barriers. What happens when you’re the lone dove who wants to test out your wings?

To me, “leaving the nest”, typically relates to finding financial independence and creating my own home and life. What about the mental and emotional aspects of “leaving the nest”?

Finding the courage to break away from familial structure and mind set is challenging, if not at times – impossible. I would know. Despite the fact that I have been alive for 40 years now, this is still a struggle of mine. My mother, does not approve of my ways, neither does my brothers. I receive more love and support from friends and complete strangers. Sad, I know.

Book of the Month :- January 2015

Have you had a light bulb moment while reading a book?

Ever finish a book and want to tell all your friends about it?!

Well that’s me right now.

Actually, I had loads of light bulb moments while reading this book. The Road Less Traveled – A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth by M. Scott Peck, M.D. First published in 1978, it is considered a pioneer and a classic.

Travel Thought Thursday :- Unexpected Discoveries

Unbeknownst to me, my life really took a turn for the better after my live-in boyfriend of 5-years walked out on our relationship. Until it ended, I did not know I was co-dependent. I did not know it was in an unhealthy relationship, that it was a ticking time-bomb.

That was 10 years ago. After hitting what I thought at that time as rock bottom, I met a series of strong, level-minded women and men who helped me to understand, to acknowledge, to shift and to evolve to the newer me – the current Karen.

Throughout all this, alongside the smattering of boyfriends and flings – was the travels I experienced. Some days, actually there are many days, I can say I felt more comfortable traveling solo, surrounded by strangers, in a strange land.

What an oddity – you must think.

Spiritual Saturday :- Start Where You Are

At the end of each year, countless people around the world look back at the events and experiences they gained in the past 365 days. From there, they make an assessment or a comparison to what they had promised themselves the year prior. More often than not, a comparison to the accomplishments of those in their social circle are made.

The endless lists. New Year Resolutions. Life goals. Promises.

It begs the question – How constructive is this exercise???

Travel Tuesday :- Land crossing between Israel and Jordan – Part 2

This time last week, you read Part 1 of this post. If not, here is your chance.

Last week, I shared with you my experience entering Israel at the Ben Gurion airport and crossing into Jordan in the South at the Eilat-Aqaba border crossing.

Today, I will share my experience entering Israel from Jordan at the King Hussein-Allenby border crossing and my exit experience at the Ben Gurion airport.

Travel Tuesday :- Land crossing between Israel and Jordan – Part 1

In some countries, overland border crossing is easy and breezy – most time I don’t even know it happened. Other times, it’s a bit more challenging and takes some preparations.

Sadly the border crossing between Israel and Jordan is of the latter – so I’ve decided to share my experience so others can learn from it. From entry into Israel, Crossing from Israel to Jordan in the South and Crossing from Jordan to Israel in the North.

This is a 2-part post. Today it’s about entering Israel and from Israel to Jordan. In one week, I’ll tell you about from Jordan crossing to Israel and leaving Israel.

Travel Tuesday :- Hotel Bookings, Forget about it!

The Day I showed up at a hotel without a booking was Liberating. Who woulda thunk!

After visiting 46 countries in the world, meeting plenty of people who just stroll up to hotels and hostels without a booking… I am finally brave enough to follow their footsteps. I mean considering I only had a return flight for this current 6-month journey with no set itinerary and not know where I’ll be the next day… I sound like a late bloomer.

Thoughts after 500 posts…

Good Saturday Morning from Paris, France!!

Looking at my WordPress Dashboard, it’s reminding me today it will be posting my 500th post.

I migrated my Single Woman Travels! site from Tumblr to WordPress back in November 2013. It’s been quite the journey because I traveled for 8 months in 2013 and now I’m in the middle of a 6 months pilgrimage/journey in Europe.

I have been very fortunate to have found this outlet to share my images and thoughts with you.

Thank you for your time, attention and acknowledgement of my thoughts and ideas.

Travel Thought Thursday :- Overcoming the Fear of Water

When someone thinks of 4 days 3 nights cruise in the Mediterranean off the coast of Turkey, most conjure up dreamy thoughts.

Crisp blue waters, so clear that you can see the small fish skidding past the bottom of the boat. The amazing clear skies at night, lite up by the moon and the million stars in the sky. The sound of waves as the boat cruise along as you lounge on the deck with fellow travelers. Plunging into the deep blue sea for a leisure swim.

Full stop.

Swimming. Open waters. Bottomless. Float – Sink.

When I am a person who recently overcome a fear of water, facing open water is a challenge. If I overthink the situation, I will NOT be amongst the deep blue sea. I would stay on the boat the whole time. Regardless of the peer pressure or self pressure to join the masses!

Home for 4 days and 3 nights on the Mediterranean off the coast of Turkey

Travel Thought Thursday :- Synchronicity in Crete

The week prior to my arrival in Crete, I checked daily on multiple hotel / hostel booking sites for accommodation. There was not a single place which met my current budget of 10 to 15€ per night with review ratings of 7.0 or above.

What to do!?! I have never arrived in a new location without reservations for the first night accommodation. I dread wandering from place to place with my luggage in tow, looking for a bed. Many travelers I know does this on a regular basis but I am not one of them.