After nearly 14 years of running our multi award winning B&B we have decided it is time for a change. For a new adventure. And that adventure involves unpicking our lives, selling our home and business, and travelling. Travelling like we have never travelled before.
Approaching mid 50s in my case and tumbling down the other side of 60 in James’ case, we want to do the big trip before we get stuck so firmly in our comfortable safe rut we do not want to move. We thought two or three overseas holidays a year were enough to satisfy our wanderlust. They aren’t. We appreciate by jumping off the money earning treadmill we may not be able to afford the oceanview penthouse in the retirement home; we may have to settle for the garden view villa, we are prepared for that. What we are not prepared for is to live with regrets, the “I wish we had’s”. We want to make memories whilst we are still young enough, well enough and mad enough to embark upon the big trip!
So what comprises the big trip? It will be a variety of things. Maybe a spot of housesitting in Chang Mai, perhaps mind a B&B in Canada for friends, walk the Camino de Santiago, rent a place on the Cambodian riviera for a couple of months to catch our breath. We are keeping our options and our minds open.
Through my writing I am going to take you on the journey with us. From the initial dismantling of our rural B&B life and all that it entails, to the realisation of our goal. There have already been tears, no tantrums as yet but it is still early days and who knows what’s to come!
So welcome to our story of the big trip. I hope you are well strapped in, it promises to be quite a ride!
Alms Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang
We rise before it is fully light and head towards the centre of town. We are not alone. Mini buses pass us and other blurry eyed tourists join us. I hear French, Chinese, German and other strains of English. Locals are already there on their little stools with their offerings for the monks. This daily
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The colours of Chiang Rai
White, blue and black with a touch of gold thrown in for good measure. These are the colours of modern Chiang Rai. From the pristine Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), the whimsical Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) to the dark, in all senses of the word, Baan Dam (Black House), these buildings of Chiang
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2018 Chiang Rai International Balloon Fiesta
Bright garish birds trying to take flight. Huge jewel coloured balloons jostling for space. The sudden whoosh of a flame behind you. A shout to move in a foreign tongue as a basket heads your way. We are like a couple of kids, heads back, mouths gapping open not knowing where to look next. I
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A long-tail boat from Tha Ton to Chiang Rai
One of the things we love about travelling is the people we meet along the way. When we arrived at the Mud House the other day we met a couple of fellow countrymen. Not just any old Aussies but a travel blogger and her photographer partner! We slipped into easy conversation with them and found
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That sounds so exciting for you both….can’t wait to read of your new adventures.
Thanks Melissa, needless to say we are both very excited about it!
It sounds exciting. I’m addicted to travel too but look forward to coming home each time. I wonder why at times because I’m only home for a few months and then I want to travel again! Best of luck on your new adventure.
I used to be the same Kathy, but knew I was in strife a week after getting home from Cambodia I was ready to head off again!
Great decision! Make the most of it. Whether it turns out to be right or wrong for you, that’s hindsight, and if we all worried about that it would be boring. Safe and happy travels.
Thanks Kaili, it is going to be quite a ride!
So exciting – looking forward to seeing you when you pass by UK shores. xxx
Thanks Toria!
Great decision I would do the same if I could Much love to you to you both
Thanks Kate!
I’ve only just seen this…. How very, very exciting for you both… I hope the world makes you lots of exciting treats to enjoy x
Thanks Annabel, watching you and Pete is cavorting around Thailand is making us very impatient to head off!
Wow. Is it really 14 years. We still talk about you guys and The Missing Link. So excited for you both. Best wishes. As ever Graham.
Tell James I still have a copy of the brochure he created for me nearly 20 years ago!
Lovely to hear from you Graham! I will let James know and when we are over your way we will have to look you up and have a skip down memory lane!
Oh I love reading stories like this – you are doing what you want at the time that feels right. I love reading all your ideas – especially a place on the Cambodian riviera for a few months – that just sounds like bliss. I look forward to reading more of your adventures.