Month: August 2018

Blogging50 Comments

My Interview with Nomadic Matt – travel blogger and author of “How to Travel the World on $50 a Day”

runawaywidow

 I am so excited to share my interview with Matt Kepnes, travel blogger and author of the New York Times best selling book “How to Travel the World on $50 a day”.

On my first solo trip to Thailand I searched the internet for ideas about what to see in Bangkok on my own and stumbled across Matt’s blog: Travel guide to Bangkok.  His informative and easy to read guide set me off on my first solo adventure in a city where very little English is spoken.  I had an amazing day and my confidence soared as I enjoyed sights and markets used city trains and boats to get around.

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I started writing my blog during that trip and found it rewarding and therapeutic to share my journey about my unexpected life as a middle aged widow.  Eventually I wanted to learn more about blogging but courses aren’t available at the local Community College so I signed up for Nomadic Matt’s course called “Superstar Blogging – The Business of Travel Blogging”. It’s designed as a 10 week course so you can pace yourself and learn as you blog.  Even after the 10 weeks Matt and his team keep in touch with students via Facebook and emails and you may even get an opportunity to meet or interview one of the Travel industry experts!

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Japan31 Comments
Tokyo temple Asakusa Senso-ji

11 Days in Japan: Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto

runawaywidow

Research, recommendations and meeting up with a small tour ensured a successful and amazing introduction to Japan. After reading numerous blogs and reviews of tour companies, I arranged my trip to cover the classic sights of Japan including the modern city of Tokyo, the peaceful mountains and lakes with hot springs in the Hakone region and the historical areas in Kyoto.

TOKYO

My tour began at the Narita airport which is a 2 hour drive from downtown Tokyo.  Fortunately I received a IC Transport Card and directions in the mail before leaving so I knew which train to look for.  It is a bit overwhelming to be so independent and self reliant.  There was no one with a sign and my name to greet me.  I had to figure this out, alone.  So after getting my luggage, I found the information center.

I was greeted kindly by English speaking guides who wrote the names of the 2 stops that I needed to get off at to arrive at the station near my hotel. They clearly directed me to the correct track and the trains are well marked.

This first adventure empowered me as the trains were clean and easy to follow.  The signs are in Japanese and English and they announce clearly which station is coming up next.

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Japan, Therapy by travel, travel, Widow11 Comments

One Day in Hakone Japan

runawaywidow

For a variety of reasons I found myself the only tourist on our tour of the Hakone Japan region today. A lovely English speaking Japanese woman escorted me on a private tour of this summer vacation area known for it’s healing hot springs and occasional views of Mount Fuji, when  not covered in clouds. 

After a hearty Japanese breakfast at the Ryokan we walked to the beginning of the gondola called the Ropeway.

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