Backpacking Around the World at 72 1 When I retired1 at 65, I bought a one-way ticket to Bangkok, packed a rucksack2 and waved3 goodbye to my family. I had no plans, I just knew I wanted to travel. Seven years later, I’m still travelling around the world. 2 So far I’ve hugged4 elephants in Thailand, shared a happy New Year’s Eve with a family in China, and eaten copious5 local delicacies6 — be it ants’ eggs in Cambodia or snakes in Taiwan. And I can’t imagine settling down. 3 Until I retired, I’d never dreamed of leaving behind my family for a long holiday. But after three decades slogging7 away running a hair salon and supporting8 my three children as a single parent, I finally felt free. 4 I speak to my family regularly9 on Facebook, and I keep a blog so they know what I’m up to and where I am. I stay in hostels and often write about the people I meet — you get a real mishmash10. It can be annoying11, especially when people roll in at 3 a.m. or decide to repack their luggage in the middle of the night, but I like the community vibe12. 5 I thought it was funny and blogged13 about it the next morning — but my youngest son called me up, furious. “Mother!” he cried, “I can’t believe you’re writing pornography14. I thought you were sightseeing.” I really hadn’t seen it like that — I have become very accepting. 5 I thought it was funny and blogged13 about it the next morning — but my youngest son called me up, furious. “Mother!” he cried, “I can’t believe you’re writing pornography14. I thought you were sightseeing.” I really hadn’t seen it like that — I have become very accepting. 6 My most dangerous trip so far was a tour of Kashmir last year. The mountain landscape is dramatic15, just like a film set, but it’s not a safe place and the Foreign Office advises against travelling around the region because of terrorism16. 7 I was also harassed17 a few times by men — it’s a very conservative18 Muslim area and, as a blonde woman on my own, I stood out. I’m only 5 feet 1 inch, but I think of myself as pretty strong. If a man threatens19 me, I tell him to leave me alone, and I’m prepared to whack20 him with my camera if he doesn’t. 8 Even so, my family long for me to be a normal grandmother to my four grandchildren. I love them dearly but it’s not going to happen. We all have the right to realize our dreams and I still have 101 places to visit on my wish list, including Argentina, to learn the tango21. 9 When people say to me, “Don’t you think you’re a bit old to be doing this?” my answer is always the same: I’m healthy and full of energy22. And I don’t think anyone should be limited23 by age.