LifePart2AndBeyond.com Travel Blog
Photo: Textile Market in Pisac, Peru
While we were in the Sacred Valley in Peru we ventured to the textile market at Pisac. With traditional Incan musicians playing in the background and food vendors cooking their wares on charcoal grills outside, the market was a feast for all the senses. You can click...
Eggs Benedict in SE Asia and Life’s Other Simple Pleasures
I receive many emails from people that telling me that they admire the traveling semi-nomadic, minimalist lifestyle that I have chosen for my retirement, but they also say they wouldn’t be able to handle the ‘sacrifices’ I make living on the road less traveled. Yes,...
Red Lotus Sea Near Udon Thani, Thailand
For three months a year, Lake Nong Harn near Udon Thani in Northern Thailand (about 350 miles north of Bangkok) becomes awash with millions of vibrant pink lotus flowers. It seems appropriate that the peak time for witnessing the display on the “Red Lotus Sea” (in...
Now Living the Retirement Adventure in Vientiane, Laos!
As I mentioned in an update a few weeks ago, it was quickly becoming time to take this retirement adventure to another venue. Almost since Sarah and I met nearly a year and a half ago we have been discussing what we thought would be some of the best places on the...
What does it Cost to Live for a Month in Beijing?
Overall, living in China is a great way to save money. China is definitely significantly cheaper than a lot of western countries. But how cheap is cheap? Beijing is one of my favorite cities in China, but is also one of the most expensive places to live in this vast...
What Does it Cost to Live for a Month in Milan, Italy?
When people think of moving to Italy, Milan is rarely at the top of their list. It’s not the prettiest of cities; it lacks the ‘old Italy’ atmosphere of Tuscan villages, the history of Rome and the warm climate of Southern Italy. However, if you take some time to look...
What Does it Cost to Live for a Month in the California Wine Country
The two of us, spend roughly around $2,400 USD a month to live in the wine country Year round people head out to California’s wine country for vacation and spend quite a bit of money while they are out there. They want the full experience, the extravagant...
2015! The Retirement Adventure Continues
It is hard to believe it is already 2015! I haven’t written an update for a while, but it isn’t because I haven’t been busy. In fact 2014 was one of my busiest travel, writing and photography years so far. The truth is I have taken on so many projects; keeping up with...
What Does it Cost to Live for a Month in Hawaii?
When we landed in Hawaii a little over a year ago we knew that it would be an expensive venture. We had always heard everyone say well I would love it but I could never live in Hawaii since it is out of our price range. We happened to find a great sublet...
Wat Ban Rai Elephant Temple in Thailand
Aerial View of Wat Ban Rai from Drone Thailand's Elephant Temple is HUGE The first thing you notice about Wat Ban Rai, also known as the “Elephant Temple,” a temple located in Thailand's Dan Khun Thot district is how immense it is. You may feel like you have gotten...
What Does it Cost to Live for a Month in Bangkok, Thailand?
Life in Bangkok can come on various levels of lifestyle but for many expats and people living in retirement, it will follow two popular scenarios. This would either be part of a quiet and simple life in the outer parts of the city, or the 24-hour city life in...
Eating Guinea Pig in Peru
I ate Guinea Pig in Peru because I have always been fascinated by different kinds of food. I have tried chili and green onion crickets in Cambodia, pig’s blood tofu, silkworms and even an occasional bit of alligator or snake has crossed my plate from time to time....
What Does it Cost to Live for a Month in Seville, Spain?
The Author in Seville, Spain The Cost of Living in Seville, Spain When I first moved to Seville, the capital of Span’s southernmost region, I was fresh out of college and starting work as an English teacher. My stipend from the local government didn’t even reach 800...
Adults Only! The Houben Hotel, Koh Lanta, Thailand
Have you ever seen a striking lodge perched high on a cliff or mountain and wondered what it would be like to stay there? How incredible must be the views? How pleasant must it be to dip in the pool and wander on the grounds? We recently had an opportunity to at the...
Images and Video of the Yee Peng Paper Lantern Festival in Thailand
Video of the Lantern Festival in Thailand Yee Peng 2014 - Chiang Mai, Thailand Why I Love The Thai Lantern Festival It is hard to believe that 2014 will mark my third Yee Peng in Chiang Mai, also known as Paper Lantern Festival in Thailand. This event is on so many...
What Does it Cost to Live for a Month in Anchorage, Alaska
To be honest: I only live in Alaska during the summer months. Even I am sure Alaska has its beauty during the winter and the Northern Lights are one of the most magical things I have seen, I move to warmer areas in the winter. I absolutely enjoy the almost 24 hours of...
Hotel Review: Layana Resort on Koh Lanta Island, Thailand
A few weeks ago, feeling the need for some sun, crystal clear water and sand between our toes, Sarah and I decided to have another little mini-adventure and fly down south and visit some of Thailand’s islands we haven’t had a chance to explore yet. In addition to the...
Experiencing Buddhist Lent Day or Boun Ok Phansa in Laos
When I travel, I like to have a broad outline of where I am going, some idea of the things I want to see and importantly, a familiarity with local culture and traditions. I also like to leave large parts of the planning up to one of my favorite traveling companions;...
What Does it Cost to Live for a Month in Barcelona?
Blocks of flats in Sant Marti area of Barcelona Living in Barcelona has definitely more advantages than disadvantages. It is an architecturally stunning place, always sunny and rich in culture with both a local Catalan-Spanish mix, as well as foreign influences,...
Traveling Laos by Bus and Types of Laos Buses
When I choose this retirement adventure I knew that it wasn’t going to be all comfort and luxury. Sometimes you have to take less than ideal transportation to get to places that are off of the tourist circuit. Other times I choose my mode of transportation just for...
Jon & Sarah
It seemed almost inevitable that we, Jonathan and Sarah, would one day meet: two independent travellers from different corners of the globe, we shared a bond that many travellers experience, a mutual love of adventure and a belief that the planet is a better place when people leave their comfort zones and discover new lands and cultures. So, when our paths finally