Empowered and Unlonely: My Solo Journey Through Southeast Asia and the Middle East

 

September is my birthday month, and this year, I decided to embark on a solo travel adventure that spanned almost the entire month. It was a first for me to venture out on my own for such an extended period, and I can't emphasize enough how nervously exciting the experience turned out to be. By the end of my journey through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Dubai, I felt more empowered than ever. 

This 27-day solo expedition was a personal challenge I set for myself. Ideally, I'd love to have a travel companion to share and build memories with but finding someone willing to commit to such an extended journey proved quite elusive. So, I summoned the courage to go it alone.

I initially anticipated moments of loneliness, the absence of someone to share a meal with, capture scenic views in photographs, or provide that reassuring sense of safety. However, I must say that Asian countries, in my experience, felt considerably safe compared to my home in the USA. I certainly took precautions, as is ingrained in many Americans, but looking back, I probably went a tad overboard.

Throughout my stays in seven different hotels, I carried an alarm door stopper, pepper spray in my bag, and a discreet money belt for my passport and cash. These measures, although comforting, may not have been as necessary as I initially thought.

Now, onto the question of loneliness. Yes, there were moments when I wished a specific family member or friend could have shared certain experiences with me, but I wouldn't necessarily classify these moments as loneliness. My days were a whirlwind of activity, filled with guided tours, meeting people from around the world, and forging connections with tour guides who felt like new friends eager to showcase their home country.

I was constantly in awe, with each day presenting a new adventure. Whether it was lighting a lantern in Hoi An, Vietnam, gazing at the stunning limestone formations of Halong Bay, cruising the Mekong Delta, exploring one of the world's largest caves, visiting grand temples, or seeing a rice field for the first time, my days were packed with wonder. After wrapping up one city, I'd hop on a plane to another part of Vietnam, eager to explore more. Then I was hopping on the plane again off to the next country. so, Loneliness had little room in my busy, sleep-filled nights.

As for capturing these memorable moments, I was equipped with a tripod, perfect for those times when I wanted to snap a photo against a breathtaking backdrop. I'm quite particular about how my pictures turn out, so setting up the tripod with a clicker to step into the frame allowed me to get shots just the way I wanted. I also did some video vlogging, sharing most of it on TikTok and my YouTube channel. (you can click the links to check some of it out)

Youtube Shorts: Golden bridge Vietnam. #goldenbridge #banahills #vacationmode - YouTube

YoutubeShorts: Four things you can do in a day in Hoi an Vietnam - YouTube

Youtube Shorts: walking around the street of vietnam : My Epic Journey Through Asia #travel #hoian #goldenbridge - YouTube

My biggest concerns when embarking on this journey were safety and loneliness. Looking back, I can confidently say that I felt safe in all four countries I visited: Dubai, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

I wholeheartedly recommend taking the leap and stepping out of your comfort zone to embark on a solo adventure. The sense of empowerment I gained from this trip is truly indescribable. If I can navigate this journey, I feel like I can conquer anything.

Please share with me if you have ever had such an adventure or is it something you have on your list to do?

How to Make Turmeric Tea - A staple in My Anti inflammatory diet

Have you ever heard of scarring alopecia? It's a condition that causes hair loss and scarring on the scalp. I've been battling with it for three years now, and it's been a tough emotional journey. Recently, my inflammation levels have been skyrocketing, my doctor prescribed me antibiotic. It was working wonders until I started experiencing some side effects like losing my sense of taste and twitching in my face.  That a hold other topic it was wild. 

But, I'm not giving up. I've decided to try an anti-inflammatory diet to see if it can alleviate some of my symptoms. Research shows that an anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial for people with autoimmune diseases like scarring alopecia.

So, I'm on this new food journey, and I want to share it with you. One of my go-to anti-inflammatory foods is turmeric, and I have an amazing recipe for turmeric tea that you have to try. Check out my YouTube video to see how I make it and let me know your thoughts in the comments. Let's connect and support each other on this journey towards healing.