I created the “Travellers’ Tales” section earlier this year to give my readers and other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels. Today I would like to introduce you to Sue Bedford , author of “It’s Only the Himalayas and Other Tales of Miscalculation from an Overconfident Backpacker”. She blogs at SBedford.ca.
I would love to hear about your holidays too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales” , fill in the quick questionnaire and email it to me with your blog links.
I’m originally from Toronto and have backpacked through over 50 countries. My memoir “It’s Only the Himalayas and Other Tales of Miscalculation from an Overconfident Backpacker” was recently released by Brindle & Glass, and is available in bookstores throughout North America and on Amazon worldwide. When I’m not backpacking, I try to keep life interesting by working strange jobs. My weirdest position was as an online dating representative – meaning people paid me to pretend to be them on Match.com and chat up attractive singles!
When I was seven, my parents and I did a road trip with a tent trailer to the Canadian east coast. I remember staying in a trailer park in New Brunswick where they were celebrating Christmas in July. There were Christmas decorations everywhere and Santa made an appearance with gifts for the kids. I was incredibly confused.
I backpacked through Chile, Bolivia and Argentina at the end of 2014.
It seems that everybody who travels through Bolivia has a Facebook profile photo of themselves doing something ridiculous in Salar de Uyuni (the salt flats). Now, I finally understand the draw: because everybody’s so wonky from the altitude, playing with perspective is hilarious! You should see the blooper photos of us trying (and failing) to figure out how to take the shots…
In 2010, my practically perfect best friend Sara and I went on a year-long, around-the-world trip. I expected a whimsical experience in which I’d “find myself.” Instead, I got chased by lions, accidentally drugged an English guy, nearly fell off a mountain and… well, let’s just say I’m not especially welcome on Philippine Airlines anymore. You can read about my misadventures my memoir “It’s Only the Himalayas and Other Tales of Miscalculation from an Overconfident Backpacker”.
Bolivian Salt Flats
Nepal
Trek to Annapurna Basecamp. It’s like getting your ass whooped by the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen. (Er, okay, that made me sound like I’m into some kinky stuff… Forget that part, just go!)
My best friend Sara, who’s just as excited about exploring ancient temples as she is partying on the beach… and who’ll fireman-carry me back to the room if the latter gets a little out of control. Also my Dad, who became a backpacker in his mid-sixties when he travelled to Nepal with Sara and me, and fell in love with the world.
Ear plugs
Just go, and trust that everything will sort itself out.
I’d love to see the northern lights so either the Yukon or the Northwest Territories.
Check out Sue’s book here:
“It’s Only the Himalayas and Other Tales of Miscalculation from an Overconfident Backpacker”.
Thank you, Sue , for sharing your fascinating travels with us!
I would love to hear about your holidays too. Go to "Travellers’ Tales", fill in the quick questionnaire and email it to me with your blog links.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
