The small group tour portion of my trip started last night in Hanoi, Vietnam. We have 9 people in the group at this time, 3 couples from Canada, 1 from Ireland, and little ole me. It’s a really nice group of people, led by Hahn (Happy) Tran, a local Vietnamese woman. We met and went for dinner and drinks last night, but started the tour in earnest this morning, with a scooter tour around Hanoi. The scooter drivers were all women…awesome way to support the local/female eco

I’m currently on the 3rd day of a 5 day stay at The Naka Island Resort, on an Island off the coast of Phuket. It’s been incredibly relaxing and very chill, so not a lot to report, but I will give you a look around and tell you a little about how I’m spending my time. Essentially, this has been my view all day everyday as I sit at the pool /beach, stare at the water, listen to the waves, read, and have an occasional cocktail. Not too shabby. The food has been very good. The si

Today I sadly had to leave Phulay Bay, but I did it in style. I booked a private transfer by speedboat. A bubblegum pink motor boat picked me up from the beach near my room and drove me across the Andaman Sea with a couple of stops at islands along the the way. Total indulgence and pure heaven. Phulay Bay was definitely one of the best places I’d ever stayed. My villa was so comfortable and had a private plunge pool. Right off the beach. The food was amazing. And the sunsets

All I can say is WOW Getting here was a slog - I checked out of my hotel In Melbourne Monday morning, went to my final day of tennis, had a beautiful tapas dinner, then picked up my bags and headed to the airport for a redeye to Bangkok. Then connected on a short flight south to Krabi, where I was met and driven to this resort, the Ritz Carlton Phulay Bay. A before and after photo - first leaving the AO Monday afternoon and second arriving at the resort after about 20 hours

I love watching tennis. I credit Mary Jane, my sister-in-law for life, for introducing me to this obsession. It’s a good one! I have the life goal of attending every grand slam tourament, and may add to this the goal of going to every ATP 1000 as well. So when I booked my SE Asia trip, I took the opportunity to add time in Melbourne for the Australian Open (AO) Couldn’t be on this side of the world and NOT go, right? I did not realize at the time that Thailand is 9 hours aw

Phillip Island Penguin Parade I am so f***ing blessed. I am sitting in the Langham Club with a glass of wine and some snacks and thinking about my trip so far. Holy Wow. Yesterday, I slept in and had a late lunch at Caterina Cucina & Bar. It’s known for its excellent lunches and it did not disappoint. I started with beef carpaccio, and had the pasta special, which was a duck and spinach ragu along with a glass of vino Nobile de Montepulciano. Desert was a glass of lemon i

I arrived first in Melbourne, but left pretty quickly, before I had a chance to really adjust to the 16 hour time difference and settle in. Loved my trip along the great ocean road and into South Australia and Adelaide. But I am happy to have the chance to be back in Melbourne for a stretch now. I’m back at the same hotel, and this time have a room overlooking my large gold insects. Perhaps they were aware of my infatuation with them? I flew back Monday and had an amazing d

Because I had two days of tennis, I actually had limited time to see the sights in Adelaide. Lucklily, the tour leaders from our great ocean road adventure gave us a good overview on the way in and a couple of tips for what to see. I just wanted to give you a few highlights of my 1 day of no-tennis sightseeing in lovely Adelaide. First thing I noticed about the city is that it has a crazy mixture of old and new architecture, often with vintage buildings modernized for contem

While I was very excited to take this trip, I was also very apprehensive about eating out alone. It’s not something I’ve done much before - when I travelled solo for work I did a lot of room service, or self catering. But I’m happy to say it’s been REALLY pleasant so far. I’ve been trying a lot of different cuisines and dining styles. The food here has been fantastic and so diverse. And I’m only about a week in! Here are just a few highlights. Last night in Adelaide, I

I’ve just come from the Adelaide International, a WTA 500/ATP 250 tennis tournament that is one of the lead ups to the Australian Open. It was great. Very intimate setting - the “drive” where it is held is maybe equivalent in size to court 17 at the US Open. Everyone in the place has a great vantage point. And the setting can’t be beat. Along the river, a 15 minute walk from my hotel in the center of Adelaide. And today was the first day since I’ve been here that it was super

Me entering South Australia from Victoria yesterday One of the books I have been reading quoted this poem by Mary Oliver: I had heard the last few lines before: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” But the words hit differently this time. This trip is an effort to make the most of my “one wild and precious life”. Definitely WAY out of my comfort zone: 3 months away, on the other side of the world, alone. But another aspect that keeps

I’m currently on day 2 of a 4 day trip along the great ocean road, along the southern ocean between Melbourne and Adelaide. It’s breathtaking - ocean waves and wind have carved sea arches and stacks out of the limestone cliffs. The most famous group is the twelve apostles: But there are others too, all different, and all beautiful: We also hiked a bit in a temperate rain forest…I am amazed by how different the plant life here is relative to the states. And the unique animal

I arrived in Melbourne, Australia Saturday morning at about 6 am. By 7, I was at my hotel and by some miracle, my room was ready. This gave me a chance to take a very long, well needed nap before venturing out to start exploring. The city is a beautiful mix of 1800s and modern architecture. The view from my room is spectacular. After my nap, I took a walk into the CBD (central business district), had a lovely late lunch in a Greek restaurant near my hotel, then turned in for

The day has come. My flight leaves JFK this morning and I am enroute to Melbourne, Australia. Flying Qatar Air through Doha in their “QSuites” business class. I arrive Saturday morning, Aussie time, so I’m losing a day along the way. I am excited to get there, but low key dreading the looonnngg flight. I’m in that autopilot travel state of mind, so hopefully the next few days will pass quickly and with a modicum of comfort. Wish me luck! Also - I’m incredibly proud I was abl

This pendant has meaning. It was a gift from my friend, Dianne. It’s a compass that is meant to remind me that beginning on January 1, my life will be guided by my own compass rather than a timeclock or an alarm clock or any other clock for that matter. I love it and the freedom and adventure it symbolizes. I have 2 work days until I’m officially retired. I’m a little nervous but more than a little excited. People have wondered if I will be bored, what I will do to “fill

It's December 1st, 2025. I have exactly 13 more work days before I retire. And exactly 38 days until I leave on an epic 3 month adventure to Australia and Southeast Asia. I am beyond excited, incredibly nervous, and simply can't wait to share my post-retirement adventures with you! As a preview, here is the general itinerary for Laura's retirement kickoff journey: Southern Australia for Nature, Tennis, Wine and Food January 8 - leave for Melbourne Australia, by way of Qata