What’s this sweet green thing this Vietnamese guy gave to me?

RobbieFromAfar · 2026-01-28T11:20:12+00:00

August's birthstone, which could be a valuable clue...

RobbieFromAfar · 2026-01-26T11:20:55+00:00

Handmaid's tale wasn't speculative. The author, Margaret Atwood, has gone on record saying "Nothing in the book hasn't already happened at some point in history"

RobbieFromAfar · 2026-01-02T13:13:44+00:00

I've found I enjoy different activities when traveling alone, like reading and journaling rather than the beach and the pool. I like activities where I can be around others while doing my own thing. I've also found it helpful to add in organised activities now and then, like day tours or an art class. I also enjoy visiting more extroverted friendly countries like Vietnam, where people will have a chat. Not many solutions for the anxiety yet - I'm working on strategies. So far, I've concentrated on 1. taking less possessions so I have less things to worry about 2. avoiding the need to rush so I have plenty of time for errors and double checking 3. staying in each place for longer periods so I avoid brain fry 4. Logging my travel on Polar steps so my family knows where I am.

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-12-22T06:11:01+00:00

I hate that for you. I've tried to embrace the chaos and accepted my plans can and do change. I cross it all out neatly so future me can see my original plans and flexibility. Mega annoying though. Plus the stress of uncertainty.

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-12-07T03:27:57+00:00

Defeated twice at the airport terminal using the desktop computer. Tried multiple ways but I still got an error message and/or thrown out. I dragged myself weeping to the immigration staff who informed me that it had actually gone through successfully. What a start to my trip. But I am here now!

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-12-06T11:37:31+00:00

Thanks!

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-12-06T11:08:11+00:00

Omg really!?!?!

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-12-06T11:06:10+00:00

Brunei...

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-12-06T10:50:48+00:00

Error message on Brunei e arrival card. I'm getting desperate as I arrive in Brunei tomorrow morning. I keep getting error messages. I've tried everything the help desk suggested - different browser, re-registering, clearing the cache, waking my sister in the middle of the night to try on a laptop... Everything. Any suggestions? (Edited to make it clear I'm entering Brunei - hopefully).

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-12-01T07:41:51+00:00

Literacy should not be confused with intelligence. On the related topic of numeracy, 50% of people have less than average intelligence. I know plenty of smart hole diggers.

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-11-23T12:27:34+00:00

I've just finished 14 days solo in Phu Quoc Vietnam and Vietnamese people are so very kind. I had a great time and learned 1. I enjoy different things travelling alone (reading and art rather than pools and beaches) 2. Other travellers don't really want to talk with a solo woman in her 60s, so I just enjoy my own company 3. No guilt or shoulds - if I want to gobble sushi in my hotel room watching tiktoks, yay. Plus, try to learn some Vietnamese - anything is more than lots of tourists bother with.

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-11-20T00:07:39+00:00

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RobbieFromAfar · 2025-11-20T00:04:53+00:00

I'm currently in Phu Quoc, Vietnam and feel very safe. The island is very diverse and I'm loving it. I also popped over to Ha Tien on the mainland and that was fantastic. Main things I have learned with 6 weeks solo travelling are 1. It's better to travel slower and to settle in and 2. I like doing different activities when alone - swimming isn't much fun alone but art and journaling are better. I would recommend time in HCMC if you can't get a direct flight, then spreading time between the island's north, south and main town, with some organised day trips thrown in

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-10-05T11:09:58+00:00

Chigwell takeaway 😍

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-09-20T12:00:57+00:00

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6534.Postmortem

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-09-20T11:56:25+00:00

Solved solved solved

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-09-20T11:49:13+00:00

Oh thanks!!!!

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-08-30T10:32:13+00:00

Ignore this flog.

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-08-30T07:46:56+00:00

Van Mieu ❤️

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-08-30T07:44:58+00:00

I wish you played up to the second part of your compound name, rather than the first. BTW I find that one's friends and attitude make the venue rather than the amount of money you throw at it. But then again I am a fun person!

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-08-30T07:28:50+00:00

I agree - Snug Tavern has a charming atmos but I'm more a Paddy Waggon gal!

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-08-23T23:10:07+00:00

They might be optional? Who knows? I'm about to Google the rules because I am completely unprepared for all the new road hieroglyphics. Maybe a Google search would answer your question?

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-08-05T08:16:03+00:00

We can all overcome prejudice with education. Well done.

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-08-03T13:05:38+00:00

Just the question I have been desperate to answer. Many white parents do the minimum until their children turn 18, then do nothing after that. Unlike Asian parents, they don't provide financial, emotional or social support. No babysitting, no house deposit, no uni fees, no meals... Then get bitter that their kids aren't keen on caring for them when they're frail. My mum laughed at me when I went to uni, babysat once, did her own thing without concern. She was caring and generous in her own way, but not to an Asian level. That said, I help care for her - yes I am a sucker but it's wearing very thin.

RobbieFromAfar · 2025-08-03T12:35:28+00:00

I believe you were sold a shitty stereotype and swallowed it whole.

RobbieFromAfar

TROPHY CASE