Sonia Marsh's Blog, page 2

Solo Travel with Sonia

May 2023 on a game drive in Etosha, Namibia

Welcome back to my updated blog focusing on my personal adventures in solo travel for women. My topics will dive into my innermost thoughts on issues that many women face when we travel solo.

Unlike other travel blogs offering tips on places to visit and foods to try, mine is about my life at 65 as I navigate through different countries and face new situations.

Since 2017, I’ve explored South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, Maldives, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Dubai. These trips were business related and not solo travel. Grenada, the UK and France were part of my solo travel experiences and Covid did not prevent me from traveling solo. In fact, flights were empty and I quite enjoyed being the only passenger on an Air France flight in Premium Economy.

During our game drive we saw a lion stuffed after devouring a zebra kill.

I travel purely for pleasure and not to make a living like many bloggers and influencers who have sponsors. Since I don’t travel year round, I plan to write about other topics that interest me and hopefully you as well. For example, my fears of being alone and the anticipation of meeting other like-minded travelers, setting boundaries after a life of people-pleasing, learning to keep my mind positive, staying active, eating healthy, and continuing to meditate and learn. A little side-note, I discovered an app offering courses on creativity, finding peace and joy, and mindfulness. I find it so helpful on a daily basis: “Insight Timer.” 

Finally, I’m working with a coach to motivate me to start writing another memoir about my life after divorce. I must stop procrastinating and making excuses. Last year I booked an Airbnb in Grenada with the intention of starting my second memoir. Instead, I ended up listening to umpteen podcasts and videos on writing, just to get motivated. Did I write? NO! I spent the entire seven weeks researching all I could find on memoir writing.

So now, in 2023, I’m in the mood to start solo-travel to places I haven’t yet explored. My first solo travel trip is to Croatia in September. I’ll share the process I went through in selecting a solo travel company that fits what I’m looking for in my next post.

Have you traveled solo? If so, please share and let me know which topics interest you in the comments section.

 

 

 

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After Lockdown: My New Adventure In England

The Wonderful Greeting From Virgin Atlantic as you Board the plane Sonia at LAX on March 31st waiting for her flight to London.

For those of you who know me well, you won’t be surprised when I tell you that I’m starting a new chapter in my life. Here’s what initiated the change.

When Covid-19 started soaring around the world, I read a book by Bruce Feiler called: Life Is In the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age.

Feiler coined the term, “lifequakes” and explained that lifequakes can be voluntary: for example deciding to divorce or change professions, or involuntary: such as fires, hurricanes or a global pandemic.

Life is not linear, it’s filled with chaos and complexity and periods of order and disorder.

Bruce Feiler

This resonated with me, and if life is non-linear, how do we cope with lifequakes that are involuntary? I believe we have a choice on how we react to the situation. In my case I chose to take advantage of lockdown and open my eyes to new possibilities.

I started preparing my next move, analyzing the pros and cons and what I needed to do to make the move happen. I decided to rent my condo in the spring and summer and live in England when the weather is pleasant and return to California in the winter.

I polled a few of my English friends asking them which parts of England they thought I should visit and rented an Airbnb last year in Bath. I loved Bath so I booked a second visit in October to make sure it wasn’t just “le coup de foudre” (overwhelming love at first sight) but the right place for me. I had other reasons to visit Europe in 2020, namely, the sad passing of my 94-year-old father who lived in Paris.

Since October 2020, I’ve rented a storage unit, rented my condo, visited my sons in Texas, Santa Barbara and Long Beach, taken care of taxes, bills Covid vaccine (J&J), PCR test 72-hours before travel, more tests on Day 2, 5 and 8 in UK, and now I’m in a cute Airbnb apartment in Bath, on the 3rd floor of an old Georgian building in the center of town.

Why did I chose Bath?

Bath is a captivating city, only two hours by car or by train from London, with Georgian architecture, the Roman Baths, fabulous restaurants, shops and you might recognize the “Royal Crescent” below, where the period piece Bridgerton series was filmed. Yes, they are planning to resume filming in Bath this spring, and if I see the film crew there, I’ll let you know. Last October, they were filming a period piece right in front of my bank. The film crew told us to wait before we could exit the bank. (See photo below of the street where they were filming.)

https://visitbath.co.uk/listings/single/the-royal-crescent/ The bank is on the left and the actors were on this cobble-stoned road in period costumes.

I hope you follow my blog as I write about the pre and post Covid-19 protocols I had to go through to get into the UK, my new friends, my exciting pet-sitting opportunities, and what else I plan on my adventures in the UK during the next 6 months.

Any questions or comments are always welcome.

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How I Cope During Lockdown

Some of us see lockdown as an opportunity, and a time to reflect on yourself. If you can view lockdown in this way, you’ll accomplish so much and feel good about this gift of time.

Sonia Marsh lockdown video.



Smoothing out wrinkles on your Selfies is one activity to make you feel better about yourself!

I love time to reflect, slow down and spend time with myself. When we work, we don’t have much time to ourselves, and weekends are to catch up with laundry and groceries.

So here is a chance to do something new and exciting. In fact, I recommend writing a note to yourself on how you see your life this time next year, in 3 years and in 5 years. You might think, who knows what the world is going to become, but I say, plan what you’d like for yourself. Please write it down, and share it in the present tense as follows:

“On May 7th 2021, I’m living in Greece and ……”

Example of writing in the present tense to make it realistic.

If you are running out of ideas, here is a fabulous blog post called, “50 Free Things You can do During Lockdown.” I found a couple of them quite interesting, such as the coral Monterey Bay Aquarium live cam, and the finding a pen-pal from somewhere in this world. Reminds me of my childhood when I found a pen pal at school.

Here is another idea. Take a piece of paper and draw a line through the middle. On the left side, write down “What I love” (take 5 minutes.) On the right side, write “I am really good at” (take 5 minutes.) Then take a 5-minute break, and come back and try to match the two columns to see what you can come up with for a business. (Listen to examples on the video below.) O

5 Ways You Can Use Self-Isolation to Start Your Business Now

Another suggestion for those who are having trouble adapting to lockdown, is a video on LinkedIn called “How to Embrace Change,” Click on the instructional video .

So let me know if you’ve found any good suggestions in the links above, and if you have other ideas you’d like to share.

Take care and look forward to hearing from you.

Sonia

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My way of staying positive during these difficult times?

Sonia Smiling

During these difficult times where many are experiencing loneliness and cabin fever, I decided to sign up for a Yale Course online called:

“The Science and Practice of Happiness.”

My 25-year-old son said I could get a certificate from Yale for $50 and since I’m interested in learning new topics, and there’s no going out for fun, why not take advantage of our downtime.

This course is taught by Professor Laurie Santos and her welcome video is filmed in her home in front of her class of 20 or so Yale students. She says:

“We’ll explore what new results in psychological science teach us about how to be happier, how to feel less stressed, and how to flourish more. We’ll then have a chance to put these scientific findings into practice by building the sorts of habits that will allow us to live a happier and more fulfilling life.”

Dr. Laurie Santos

Professor Laurie Santos

Professor Santos created this Yale course because she was worried about the levels of student depression, anxiety, and stress that she was seeing as a Professor and Head of College at Yale.

 

Her class became the most popular class ever taught at Yale University. The Yale class was featured in both the national and international news media, and she was flooded with requests from people around the world to find a way to share the content of this Yale class more broadly.

Her goal is to share the insights from that popular Yale class with learners far beyond Yale. To make the lectures feel more intimate, classes were filmed at her home in one of Yale’s residential colleges with a small group of Yale students in the audience. 

The show takes listeners through the latest scientific research and shares surprising and inspiring stories that will forever alter the way you think about happiness. 

Welcome letter from Professor Santos

Find Your Signature Strengths

I started week One and was eager to discover my Character Strengths. I took the test below and would love to for you to share your results with me via a comment below, or e-mail me: Sonia@SoniaMarsh.com To identify your Character Strengths, take the online test available on the VIA website. The test comprises 120 questions and takes 30 minutes or so. There are no right/wrong answers, and there are no better/worse answers. The key is to be authentic, so that you can derive the most from the experience. Encourage your co-workers, friends, and family to take the questionnaire too, so that you can discuss your respective scores and the idea behind the VIA with them. After taking the test, you will get the ranking of your 24 strengths. Print it out if you can and keep track of your top 5 strengths.

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How to Keep Your Mind Off the Coronavirus

Order on Amazon



Join An Online Class

During these days of coronavirus where we’re all stuck at home, why not brainstorm ideas to either learn something new or think of a passion that might serve others. Here is a new book and course that might be right for us now.

When I started my blog GutsyLiving.com, I tried to learn as much as I could about how to promote your book as an Indie Author. It then morphed into sharing my life in the Peace Corps in Lesotho. During that time, in 2010-2017, I met Chris Guillebeau in LA (when he launched his first book) The Art of Non-Conformity and admired his creativity, and the way he connected with people around the world. I attended 3 of his conferences in Portland, OR, where I met inspirational speakers, some of whom are now famous, like Gretchen Rubin, “The Happiness Project.” I just signed up for his latest book, The Money Tree and his online Master Class, which is free, if you pre-order his book. I’m sharing this with all of you who love to learn and get fresh ideas.

Chris Guillebeau and me at Book Soup Bookstore in LA in 2010 when Chris launched his first book, The Art of Non-Conformity



The class is for you if:



You’re worried (aren’t we all!)Remote work feels unfamiliar and a little strangeYou understand that uncertainty can also create opportunities

It’s that last part that I want to talk about the most. Let’s be clear: I’m not saying there’s anything good about a virus that makes a lot of people sick and threatens our economy. If I could magically make it go away, I would.

I just mean that you should only worry about what’s within your control to change. So yes, wash your hands—and also think about your future. What do you really want? Are you prepared for a new way of life? If you lost everything today, what would you do?

Let’s talk about it! In this all-new, three-hour master class, I’ll be teaching on these topics.

Module 1 – Finding opportunities in the midst of chaosModule 2 – Building extra income even when you already have a jobModule 3 – Adjusting to or learning to thrive in working remotelyModule 4 – Open Q&A (ask anything, I’ll stay as long as there are questions)

I promise that you’ll go away with new ideas and a practical action plan to improve your life and profit in a time of uncertainty.Attend the Masterclass

To Sign Up, Get My New Book THE MONEY TREE

How much does it cost? The masterclass isn’t for sale, at least not yet! And this isn’t something where you get some material in the class along with a pitch to buy something else. You’ll learn everything you need to know, and there is literally nothing for sale.

I expect to sell this course later for several hundred dollars, but the only way to get it for now is by pre-ordering my new book, THE MONEY TREE.

That’s it—buy at least one copy of the book, in any format, upload the receipt, and you’re in. You’ll get an email with a schedule for the workshop. If you can’t make it live, it will be recorded so you can watch it later.

I’d love to see you in the masterclass. Let’s find a new way to see the world!

To your future,

Chris Guillebeau

P.S. I want to reach as many people as possible with this message. The book is very affordable ($26 or less!), but if you really can’t afford it, let me know and I’ll help you out.

Pre-order & Submit Your Receipt to Attend the Masterclass



To register for the Financial Security in Uncertain Times masterclass, simply purchase at least one copy of THE MONEY TREE, and submit your receipt below.

Amazon Barnes & Noble Audible Apple Books Indie Bookstores

What are you doing to keep your mind busy while stuck at home?

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Follow Me to Dubai on My New Travel Website

Burj Al Arab Hotel

Follow me to Dubai on my new website. I’ll then take you along my adventure to see the wildlife and lodges I’m inspecting for future Safaris in Botswana, Kruger and finally, Cape Town. Before we travel together, please sign-up for my new website updates on “We Travel With A Purpose” where you’ll see my upcoming trips, and videos.

My new video, explains what I’m doing as a tour leader and travel consultant. I view this as an extension of my “Gutsy Living” adventures since my Peace Corps life in Lesotho. My goal is to share travel experiences with you and perhaps one day, you’ll want to join me on one of my upcoming trips.

One of my favorite airlines to fly when traveling to various destinations in Africa, is Emirates. Not only are they often less expensive than other airlines, but they offer better service, food and more leg room. I fly coach, and there is such a difference with Emirates compared to many US airlines, that make my flying experience seem more luxurious. They have convenient flight times, and even offer coach passengers a layover (hotel paid for) in Dubai, before connecting with your next flight to various destinations such as Nairobi (for East Africa), and Johannesburg and Cape Town (for Southern Africa.)

I arrive in Dubai at 7:30 p.m., and on the following day, I’ll get a tour of Dubai which will be my first time experiencing the half day city tour. It starts at 9 a.m., and ends at 1 p.m.

Dubai City Lights

I look forward to viewing the towering skyscrapers followed by a visit to Bastakiya, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Dubai. I’ll share what I learn about the 19th-century life in Dubai, and my visit to the Dubai Museum and a stroll through the alleys of the Al Fahidi Historical District.

Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai

I’ll board an “abra”, a traditional water taxi that ferried the locals through the years across the Dubai Creek. Then a walk through the gold and spice souks, and finally a photo stop at Jumeirah beach with the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, known as “the most luxurious hotel in the world” and Jumeirah Mosque.

Abra water taxi Dubai

The second part of my day in Dubai starts at 2 p.m.  I cannot wait to experience the falconry display and the camel ride. I’ll share the highlights of the Heritage Dinner Safari which ends at approximately 9:00 p.m.

           
Highlights of Heritage Dinner:

Ride on a vintage land
roverSoft drive in the Dubai
Desert Conservation ReserveOpportunity to see local
wildlifeFalconry displayActivities in the
bedouin camp: camel ride opportunity, henna tatoo, dinner in the camp, live
cultural entertainment, among others

Camel ride

I look forward to a camel ride in order to reach the nomadic Bedouin camp, where I’ll get a glimpse into authentic Bedouin life.

I’ll be greeted in traditional fashion, with rose water, Arabic coffee, and dates. (Yummy!)

I’ll get to explore the village, constructed of traditional woven goat hair, wood, and stones; a tribute to the resourcefulness of the nomadic people. Let’s hope I have a chance to chat with Bedouin storytellers, and see the Arabian hunting dogs called Saluki’s. Apparently, Bedouin-style hunting involved the deadly combination of falconry and Saluki dogs.

Saluki Dog used by Bedouin Hunters

This video shows how falcons are trained. Thy’re the world’s fastest animal in flight. I cannot believe they use drones to train them to fly faster for their competitions.

Land Rovers were first introduced in 1948 transforming the Bedouins life. They could finally trade, explore and survey the vast desert areas with ease. I hope to climb aboard a vintage Land Rover into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for a wildlife safari.

Land Rovers introduced in 1948

I invite you to follow my adventure in Dubai as I post photos on several sites, and blog when I have a moment during my one-month trip to Africa.

Facebook: WeTravelWithAPurpose

FaceBook: SoniaMarsh

FaceBook: HoldenSafaris

And before you forget, please sign-up for my new website “We Travel With A Purpose” and there you’ll see my 3 upcoming trips, just scroll down to see them as well as my videos.

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Welcome to Our New “We Travel With A Purpose” Travel Club

At the giraffe Center in Nairobi. Feeding Stacey with a food pellet between my teeth

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Rhino Conservation

https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Di...

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Working Out is not the same

I never thought I would admit to this, but I’m finding it more difficult to stay muscular and defined despite working out 5 times/week.

Why?

 

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My Plans for 2019-A Time for Reflection

I love the end of the year as it’s a time for reflection and making plans for the year ahead.

In my case, I add travel to the mix, as this enables me to see life from a different perspective; something I always value as I get new insights into the direction I want my life to take.

This time, I’m off to London, Paris and Copenhagen, to spend time with family and childhood friends, and I plan to bounce my ideas off them.

2018 brought three major changes to my life.

A Place to Call Home

The biggest change was getting my own place to live. Since 2015, I’ve rented a room in a friend’s house. I then moved to my Peace Corps rondavel in Lesotho, and finally returned in January 2017, to stay with my friend, Heidi, once again.

Finding a home happened while I was trying to kill time. I walked into a real estate office in a 55+ community, not expecting to find anything, as most of the condos date from the 70’s and are in need of repairs.

“Do you have a two-bedroom, 2-bath completely renovated condo?” I asked the realtor.

“We have one that has just been listed. Would you like to see it?”

“Why not?” I said, not knowing that the minute I walked in, it would feel like “home” for the first time since my divorce.

From that moment on, I couldn’t stop dreaming about this condo and put in an offer. The timing was perfect as it was close to Christmas 2017, and no one else was looking at homes during the holidays.

I was the only one who put in an offer and I moved into my new condo in March 2018.

I love having my own place and being independent. I furnished it the way I’ve always wanted my place to be: clutter-free and modern.

 

I didn’t realize what I’d been missing and how important it was for me to have a place I could call “home.”  When I traveled, I didn’t look forward to coming back as I didn’t have a place to call “home.” Now I do, and I feel more secure.

My Own Travel Club

The 2nd major change is starting my “Travel with a Purpose” Club in the 55+ community where I live.

The purpose of starting my club is to inspire people to travel with a purpose and to remove any fear of travel.  We are now on our 4th meeting, and the club is growing in popularity. I run it once a month, and invite presentations from inspiring speakers who have traveled. You can view the dates and location of upcoming meetings here.

Our speaker on January 17th is going to explain: “How to Pack Efficiently-One Week/One Month/One Carry-On.”

Leading My First Trip to Africa

I led my first trip to Kenya in October, with a theme-focused Safari where we combined helping orphans, visiting their school, and giving back to the African Child Foundation. All 12 women bonded and we have become close friends, getting together once a month since our trip to Kenya.

I’m planning other Safaris with a theme such as elephant and rhino conservation-educational Safaris, writers’ retreats, quilting group Safaris and more.

Several people seem interested in river cruises in Europe. What are your travel dreams for the future? Please let me know.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and may your 2019 be the best you want it to be.

Arriving at Heathrow airport, London, December 2018

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