Southeast Asia Travel Diary | Week 2: Finding My Feet in Laos

Sue is 67, recently retired, and spending three months travelling solo (with company when she wants it!) through Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. These are her diary entries; an honest view from the first ever DECADES trip, and written for anyone wondering whether to make the leap themselves.

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Dear Travel Diary,

Two weeks in. Eleven weeks to go — and I'm not wishing them away by any means.

I've moved through Vientiane and Vang Vieng, and I'm now settling into the rhythm of Laos in a way I really didn't expect. I generally like travel days and being on the move, but I'm enjoying them even more now that I have time at each end to actually unpack, unwind and explore. I'm surprised how settled I already feel — and how well slow travel suits me.

I was worried about feeling tired on the trip, but I'm managing my time well — doing lots, but building in down time too. Even at home since retiring, I often feel I should be "doing" something and sometimes find it hard to just be still. Ironically, I'm now deliberately building in quiet time, and it feels perfectly OK to do that.

My favourite part of the day is breakfast. It's such a treat to sit outside in the sunshine. All I need is fresh fruit, yoghurt, nuts, seeds and coffee — and I'm ready. Easily pleased.

Energy-wise I feel great. It might well be the magnesium tablets, but the activities and new experiences have also given me a real high. Who knew I'd take to rice farming and hot air ballooning — two things I never imagined ticking off in Laos!

Next up: Luang Prabang, and then the famous slow boat. I cannot wait.

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Sue x 

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