THE GIST:
A free-spirited older woman teaches English around the world.
THE VERDICT:
This is a memoir of the infectious love for travel of a woman who is determined to get the most out of her life. Unlike the majority of ESL teachers, the author began teaching English abroad in her fifties and has spent over ten years wandering the globe in search of adventures to have, beers to drink, and students to love. Unlike many travel memoirs, she isn't running from anything and runs toward as many new experiences as possible. The author clearly loves people and this book is full of quirky characters and funny, personal stories. This book is unique among backpacker tales because of the way Morang's age affects her relationships with people.
Morang spends most of her time in Mexico and various Central and South American countries, with jaunts to Southeast Asia in between. Adventure and hilarity ensue because she is not afraid to try anything. She doesn't mind working for low wages and living in uncomfortable conditions as long as she can visit the beach and enjoy meals with her many friends. It was inspiring to read about someone with seemingly inexhaustible enthusiasm for new places and people. She is the type of person I would want to meet on my travels.
Morang's writing style is personable and funny. However, this is a self-published book, and unfortunately there are typos and occasional errors. This isn't necessarily a reason not to read the book, but it was noticeable. I also found some inconsistencies that made it feel like journal entries that had been compiled rather than a cohesive narrative. However, the interesting stories and the author's sheer optimism prompted me to keep reading. I have no hesitation recommending this book to travelers and aspiring ESL teachers in need of inspiration and a good laugh.
THE LINK:
Donna Morang's blog
THE COST:
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. The Kindle edition is $4.95.
THE QUESTION:
How do you think being an older traveler would differ from seeing the world as a 20-something?
Thanks for following my blog. I look forward to reading yours as I just got a Kindle myself.
ReplyDeleteI think, as far as being an older traveler vs a 20 something traveler, the older traveler is looking to check things off their bucket list while the younger traveler is looking to continue to add more. I don't really know how to explain that statement but it makes sense to me.
Great blog, I look forward to reading more.
Thanks for stopping by Alicia. I like your comment about adding things to your bucket list. I feel like the more I travel the more I realize how much I still want to see!
DeleteI'm well past my 20s(and 30s and 40s too...) and I'm not ready for a bucket list yet!There's lots more for me to add to my already considerable travel experiences. The difference is, now I can afford to travel in comfort, sleep in a nice hotel but still wander the streets, eat queer things and meet new people. I enjoyed my cheapo student travel days all over Europe but I am enjoying my older age travels in Asia without the worries I had then!
ReplyDeleteJoyce, that's a really good point about the way in which you are able to travel. I am noticing a big difference just between the way I traveled as a student and as someone with a full time job. I don't stress about the hotels and I am much more comfortable taking last minute trips because I know I can afford them.
DeleteI know you're making the most of your travel experiences regardless of age!
Ha ha, yes, you know I do, Shannon!Off to Scotland next week, see you mid Feb. Enjoy CNY with your mum. Kung Hei Fat Choi
ReplyDelete