An article I wrote for Intrepid has just been published in The Journal, by Intrepid Travel. Head on over and have a look:
Why the best travels of my life started after fifty.
. . . . . When I was young I saw things in black and white and thought I knew everything. Now that I’m older I realize that there are grey areas in everything and that the more I learn the less I know. It means that I have a greater compassion for all I encounter. I’m softer now, and have nothing to prove.
Next post: The final installment of the festival of Chiapa de Corzo.
All words and images by Alison Louise Armstrong unless otherwise noted
© Alison Louise Armstrong and Adventures in Wonderland – a pilgrimage of the heart, 2010-2017.
Adventures in Wonderland 
Awesome 🙂 Looking forward to read your words of wisdom 🙂
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Thanks Niki. I’m not so sure you’ll necessarily be getting words of wisdom 🙂
The best I can say is that it feels like I’m wiser than I used to be lol.
Alison
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i just love your adventures…i often imagine…you know i’d love to travel more…. 😀 so nice to see YOU! smiles hedy 😀 ❤
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Thanks Hedy. Oh I read travel articles and imagine a great deal 😀
I don’t often publish pictures of myself. I like being behind the camera 🙂
Alison ❤
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i know…so nice to see the photographer and writer that people smile at in so many of your posts…it’s the surveyor and surveyed…smiles ❤
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Such beauty!
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What? Me? Gosh, thanks Ka.
Alison
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I am missing the words to say how much I enjoyed your article. I really admire your way of life. Thanks so much for so much inspiration! 🙂
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Thanks so much Carsten. I never forget how very lucky we are to be able to do this. Meanwhile I am inspired by your paintings. Your use of colour sings to me, and your facility with water colours always amazes me. I never had half the control you seem to have.
Alison
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Thanks so much, Alison. I try to loose control more than I try to gain control. For me, coming from the drawing, it is really hard to just let go. But I think there is some progress and I am learning to relax.
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Life really does begin at 50. Enjoy the adventures … and I’ll keep enjoying your shares 💛
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Yes it really does. I’ve had an amazing life, and loved my earlier travels, but it certainly feels as if things have gotten better with time.
Alison
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Congratulations on getting published. Way to go!
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Thanks so much Peggy. I’m just thrilled!
Alison
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You have every right to be thrilled. So don’t wipe that smile off your face! 🙂
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I’ve pinned your story to my “Life Lessons” board, and emailed the link to several friends. Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration.
P.S. I love that you have the guts to shave your head, too. (Maybe that seems like small potatoes after your other accomplishments.)
-a 43-year-old neo-traveler
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Thanks aelkins, it’s always good to hear I’ve inspired people. It’s like paying it forward for all the people who’ve inspired me. And with the journey you’re undertaking no doubt you’ll do a little inspiring yourself.
Shaving my head was one of the most freeing things I’ve ever done. First time was in a little hole-in-the-wall barber in India. Now we have our own buzzer and buzz each other every 4 or 5 weeks.
Happy travels.
Alison
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I already buzz my hubby’s head every few weeks. It’s been tempting to do my own. But I’m not ready yet.
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To many, many more years of wandering the world, Alison and Don! –Curt
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Oh I hope so Curt, I hope so. And for you and Peggy too!
Alison
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🙂
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Bravo. To you both.
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Thanks Pam. It seemed like an obvious thing to do once we got there.
Alison
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So lovely to see a bunch of photos of both of you! Your courage and risk taking definitely admirable. I enjoyed the article and of course coukd relate to so very much of it. Nodding my head “yes, yes, yes!”
Wonderful!
Peta
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Thanks so much Peta. We egg each other on a bit with the risk taking. We don’t want to get stale. Life needs to be lived apparently! I’m not remotely surprised to read you could relate. I hope we get to meet one day.
Alison
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I hope so too!! 🙂
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Fantastic and inspiring story! All students should read this – or even better, spend time with this type role model… They might studywhat is of highest interest to them so they can then follow their inner voices and embark on a life that they own.
You two are THE BEST!
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Thanks so much Lisa. I was lucky to have good role models in my parents – they were unconventional, risk takers, and avid travellers. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I think learning to follow your heart and intuition is one of the most important lessons we can learn in life.
Alison
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What a great article Alison. Congrats! I love the photo of you in Delhi—beautiful! I hope you are feeling better and re-charging despite this crappy weather. Hope we can get together again over the coming months.
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Thanks Caroline. I too love that photo of me in Delhi. Don really captured how I was feeling – in love with everything. And yes – let’s get together. I’ll email you.
Alison
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Having the guts to do, sell all and go off in the sunset, probably the hardest step. Amazing and inspiring…to sometimes don’t give a damn about where is due, and give more on something else. Great shots either.
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Thanks so much Robert. It actually wasn’t that hard in terms of courage – we knew we really wanted to do it. It felt really right. It was hard in terms of the mountain of stuff we had to do to end one life and begin another, but that’s just practical stuff. No regrets. It was the best thing we’ve ever done.
Alison
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Such a great reading 🙂 thanks
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Thanks so much Ana, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Alison
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Hi Alison, just read this and although inspired as I always am by your love of life, I’m now worried that the evil Mrs B might consider putting my house on the market and whisking me away to who knows where. That wouldn’t bother me all that much but selling my car? Noooooooo!!!! Damn it no, I love that car!
I’m so sorry I haven’t messaged you recently, I never find time to even post on my own blog anymore, but I still think the world of you my friend.
Fair winds.
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Hey Danny, good to hear from you! You could always put your car in storage!
We’ve just bought a car – the first time we’ve owned one for over five years. We’re not done travelling, we’ll store it when we leave Vancouver again.
Fair winds to you too
Alison
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I like your article, very inspiring and thank you for your post
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Thank you so much. I’m glad you liked it.
Alison
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Your article was fascinating and resonated with me like nothing has recently. There is definitely a sense of liberation in selling a “sticks-and-bricks” home and giving away all those possessions but what is necessary. Life’s experiences are worth so much more than material objects, imho. We hope to follow in your footsteps and have many more.
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Thanks so much LuAnn. We always seem to find somewhere to live, and although our budget doesn’t allow for fancy places we always seem to make it work. A certain basic level of comfort is all we need, the rest is just frills, and as you say, experiences are worth so much more than stuff! Happy travels!
Alison
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Wonderful! Thanks for your inspiration!
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Thanks so much Cecilia, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Alison
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A fabulous article Alison! I loved this, ” Age is just a number; and whatever number you are, don’t let it stop you traveling.” You two are amazing and so inspirational.
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Thanks so much Darlene. Mostly it hasn’t occurred to us that we can’t do what we do. Sometimes we need to acknowledge our limitations eg no white-water rafting, and we do less each day than we would if we were younger, but mostly we don’t think about age.
Alison
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We have slowed down too but the good thing is when we do less each day, we enjoy what we are doing more. Not rushing off to do the next thing like I used to. It took me awhile to figure that out!!
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I am actually looking forward to being older and (hopefully) having more freedom to travel than I do now. You and Don are so inspiring to me. And not to embarrass you or anything, but that photo of yours is so beautiful. There is a light that shines from your face. xx
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Thanks so much Gaya for all your lovely compliments. Well I own that the light is shining in that photo. Don really captured how I was feeling – in love with everything. I assure you it’s not always the case 🙂
Here’s to your future freedom and travels!
Alison
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Loved the article in Intrepid and found myself nodding my head at so many of your observations saying, “Yes!” because you perfectly articulated so many of the same feelings I’ve had over over our years of nomadic travel. Your sheer enjoyment of life’s adventures and joy at finding beauty as you go shines through. Here’s to many more years of travel, celebrations and festivals and maybe even another waterfall ahead! Anita
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Thanks Anita, I’m not surprised to hear you could relate. We’re on similar journeys. I love adventuring. The world is so full of amazing places. And yes! Here’s to many more years of travel!
Alison
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Excellent article, Alison. Like you, I traveled as a young person and am back to it now as a …. less young person! You hit so many things right on the head here; I see myself in so many of your observations. I enjoyed reading about the arc of your travels. Your posts are always so focused on one time and place, and it was fun to see the big picture, even though I know its main outlines. To more adventures!
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Thanks Lexie. I’m not surprised you also can relate. It feels to me that life is richer now, maybe because I’m more open and more present than I was when I was young. And here’s to more adventures!
Alison
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Congratulations on the great article in The Journal, Intrepid Blog. The features shots of you both are lovely. You are both inspirational. I know that Iguazu wet feeling 🙂 Louise
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Thanks Louise, I’m glad you liked it. We don’t often put up shots of ourselves. I prefer to be behind the camera. Oh I’ll never forget that boat trip at Iguazu – spectacular!
Alison
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Once upon a time, when I was about 20 years old, a man in a nursing home told me: “Don’t do what I did. Don’t keep waiting for tomorrow. Dance while your knees still bend.”
I sailed the Hawaiian islands when I was in my late 20s, but I have not done anything close to what you and Don have been doing. What a magnificent journey you are having. I often travel vicariously through you!!
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Thanks for travelling with us Mary. That man gave good advice. It must have been an amazing adventure sailing the Hawaiian Islands. I can imagine what a special time it must have been.
It is a wonderful journey we’re on. We never forget how lucky we are to be able to do this.
Alison
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Good to be back in cyber space with you! These photos are lovely. And I LOVE the article on The Journal!! You da man, woman! Hope all is well with you two in Canada? Where are you living these days?
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Thanks BF. It was a fun article to write. Where have you been? All is well except I have some mobility issues that need to be sorted. Aging sucks. So we’re back in Canada and staying in Vancouver until I find some solutions. The health system moves slowly unless it’s a life or death emergency. Hopefully be the end of the year we’ll be on the move again.
Alison
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Two years ago, when I was 57, my friends took me on a journey to Italy – it was something I dreamed of, it was something I feared – MS and a mobility scooter seemed too much to overcome. It was Glorious!!! All I do now is scout airfares and think about where I might settle for a bit and when can I leave again?? My travel will have to be very thoughtful, but now I know…. it can be done, and it is more than wonderful. Thanks for your story – it just propels me forward! And don’t be afraid to use mobility aids, they can be awesome – my scoot and I have been in some crazy fun situations:) Plus you get into museums free and no lineup!
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How wonderful that you were able to go to Italy! It must have been beyond your wildest dreams. Even now I feel your joy, not just for that trip to Italy, but now knowing travel is an option for you. So exciting. I do use hiking poles, and they help a bit, but I’m still hopeful that I’ll find a solution that will enable me to walk comfortably again. On this last trip I did get a wheelchair at airports because I knew I’d not be able to walk the distance required, and you get through immigration and customs super quickly when you’re in a wheelchair! Bonus! I’ve been fit and active and athletic all my life, and used to being able to hike long distances, so this is an adjustment for me – step by step. In the meantime it’s good to be taking time out to try to get it all sorted, or come to terms with a new way of life, as the case may be.
Alison
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Awesome article, very well written and inspiring. A very timely article for me, since my husband and I are selling our house, taking early retirement and setting off on adventures of our own 😄
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Thanks so much Gilda. I’m so excited for you. It will be better than you can imagine. When do you start? And where first? Italy was first for us.
Alison
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We don’t have a starting date yet, since we have few more ducks to line up, but we hope that in the next few months the plan will come together. I would like to start in New Zealand, but no firm plans yet😄 Italy is certainly a great place to start, I remember reading your blog posts on Italy.
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New Zealand is one of the best places we’ve been. We loved it. Be warned – it’s very expensive.
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I am from India and your photo from Nizamuddin made me happy 🙂 Loved your article
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Thanks so much Jheelam. That was a wonderful evening on a special occasion at Nizamuddin’s tomb. It made me happy too 🙂 We enjoyed our time in India very much.
Alison
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Love this post so incredibly much Alison. So incredibly inspiring!!!
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Awww thanks Nicole. I do love it when I hear that what we’re doing is inspiring. It means I’m paying forward for all the people who’ve inspired me. And there have been many!
Alison
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🙂
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Great article. It resonates so much. Sounds just like our story.
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Thanks Tracey. I think there are quite a few of us around these days. Are you still in Tokyo? It’s on our list.
Alison
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Wonderful article Alison! Very inspiring!
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Thanks so much Debbie. It was a fun one to write.
Alison
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Loved your article Alison, you know that it resonates very much with us. We’re putting together a somewhat similar post and would love to reference yours if that’s OK? Tim & Anne
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Thank you so much Tim and Anne. I’m not surprised to hear that it resonates for you guys. I’d be honoured if you reference mine!
Alison
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old enough
to stay out of trouble,
young enough
to enjoy & share 🙂
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Mostly staying out of trouble 🙂
Young enough still
for the heart to be thrilled.
Alison
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What a beautiful read Alison! Enjoyed and related to every word. We are yet to take that final step, and our travel plans have had to be shelved for a while, but the road blocks have only sharpened our wanderlust itch. Thank you and Don for being the inspiration you are.
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Thanks so much Madhu. I’m glad you found it inspiring. I hope you get to go wandering again soon. There’s nothing like travelling to feed the soul as I’m sure you know!
Alison
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I just discovered your blog and it has completely made my day.
I’m so thrilled to see you’ve not only been able to enjoy so much of the world and its wonders together later in life, but have also chosen to share them through your beautifully crafted writing and photography.
I am looking forward to keeping up with you, wherever you end up next!
If you’re ever in London or Frankfurt, I’d love to buy you both a drink and have some travel wisdom imparted upon me!
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Wow, thanks so much Han. I’m glad you like the blog. We’re taking a bit of a break from travel at the moment, but I still have several posts to come about Guatemala and Cuba (which was amazing!). Do you split your time between London and Frankfurt? Anyway we always love meeting people from the blog IRL so we’ll make it happen if we’re ever there.
Alison
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No problem 🙂 It’s a beautiful site and a joy to read.
Thanks for replying so fast!! Can’t wait to read about Guatemala and Cuba in the near future!
I’m from South London originally, my parents still live there now.
I’m in my final year of University studies in Guildford, Surrey (UK) but will graduate this July.
I’ve spent the last year living between the two… on trains and planes and coaches…
I worked in Frankfurt last summer for 8 weeks but accidentally fell in love with a German guy- we’ve spent the past 8 months meeting part way and taking turns travelling! It’s been the best excuse to get away more.
Anyway, I’ve got a new job over in Frankfurt starting in June, so i’m moving back!
Absolutely- would be so wonderful to share a bit of one of my cities with you two!
Very best wishes,
Han 🙂
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I love that line – I accidentally fell in love. It’s pretty much the way it happens eh.
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Indeed – glad you appreciate the poeticism!
I’m off to bed soon as it’s 22:38 here- BST!
Hope you both have a lovely afternoon 🙂
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