The Story Behind Life Part2 and Beyond
The story of Life Part2 and Beyond didn’t begin with me.
The blog began in 2011, when Jonathan took early retirement, sold almost everything he owned and set off to explore the world. He wanted to show that retirement wasn’t about slowing down, but about embracing a new chapter filled with travel and adventure.
I joined that adventure in 2013, although it took another four years before I made my first appearance on the blog!
Together we explored dozens of countries, always choosing curiosity over crowds and local experiences over ticking off famous sights. Some of our happiest memories were made on winding train journeys, mountain walks, tiny cafés and unexpected detours.
Then, in March 2021, everything changed when Jonathan died suddenly at our home in Malta.
For a long time, I wasn’t sure if I could continue travelling or writing. Gradually, though, I realised the best way to honour everything we had shared was simply to keep going.
Today, Life Part2 and Beyond is the next chapter. I’m now a solo traveller, house sitter and travel writer, sharing honest travel stories, practical itineraries and inspiration for curious travellers over 50. Some of the journeys I take today are places Jonathan and I once dreamed of visiting together. Others are adventures I never imagined I’d take alone.
The name has grown with me, but the reason for travelling hasn’t. Life is still about staying curious, embracing new experiences and making the most of every opportunity.
A Little More About Me
Hi, I’m Sarah, a solo traveller from the UK, currently based in Malta, and the voice behind Life Part 2 and Beyond.
These days you’ll usually find me wandering through historic towns, searching for a good coffee, discovering lesser-known places or house sitting with a cat or two for company. I prefer travelling at a slower pace, getting to know a destination rather than simply ticking off the famous sights.
My travels range from short breaks in Europe to more adventurous destinations further afield. Whether I’m exploring an Italian market town, travelling through West Africa or planning my next off-the-beaten-track adventure, I love sharing honest, practical advice to help others travel with confidence. House sitting has also become a big part of how I travel, allowing me to experience destinations like a local.
Life Part 2 and Beyond is for curious travellers over 50 who believe adventure doesn’t have an age limit. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip, practical travel tips or wondering if house sitting could be for you, I hope you’ll find something here that encourages you to keep exploring.
When I’m not travelling, you’ll usually find me writing, volunteering with rescue cats or being supervised by Winston, my ginger rescue cat, who is convinced the world revolves around him. He’s probably right.
Recent blog posts
One Day in Bilbao: Exploring the Old Town and Visiting the Guggenheim
Bilbao was one stop on our girls' road trip around northern Spain, and it turned out to be a much nicer city than I’d imagined. We had only one full day to explore, so we decided to see where our feet took us rather than trying to cram in every attraction. We had...
Turkmenistan Highlights: The Things I Loved Most About This Unusual Country
Turkmenistan isn’t a country that many people get to visit. It’s one of the more unusual destinations I’ve travelled to, with its strange capital city, spectacular landscapes, ancient ruins and traditions that you don’t come across every day. I recently spent two...
Salzburg and The Sound of Music Tour
My sister has loved The Sound of Music for as long as I can remember. I, on the other hand, have always been Team Grease. So when she suggested we go to Salzburg together, it was largely because of The Sound of Music. My sister had always wanted to...
Words To Travel By
We should come home from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day with new experience and character.
– Henry David Thoreau