Hannah J. took her first solo trip after turning 50 when she set off for the U.K. Initially hesitant, this experience helped her open up, make friends, share her experiences, and learn from others
A culinary enthusiast, Hannah J., loves cooking and enjoys experimenting with various ingredients to create sumptuous and delicious delicacies. Her passion has led her to participate in cooking contests, judge events, and learn from celebrity chefs such as Jenny Morris, Sanjeev Kapoor, Vikas Khanna, and Gordon Ramsay.
Her culinary journey is nothing short of remarkable, as she says, "I have always been passionate about the culinary arts, winning cooking contests and being invited as a judge at various events. My journey has taken me through the Middle East, Dubai, and India, where I've embraced and celebrated each region's culture, heritage, and, most importantly, food. Working in logistics and teaching in Bahrain allowed me to explore diverse cuisines and share my culinary ideas with like-minded foodies. My interest in flavors, textures, and the art of plating runs deep. Being around other cooks, professional chefs, and celebrity chefs and learning from them was a great achievement. Beyond cooking, I find joy in sharing my knowledge, whether it's about travel, interior designing, gardening, or embracing a holistic lifestyle through yoga and meditation."
Her culinary interests run deep, but these alone do not define her life. Her zest for life extends far beyond the kitchen. Having lived in diverse places like the Middle East, Dubai, and India, she has cultivated an appreciation for different cultures, traditions, and cuisines. Her love for travel has taken her to many places in India and abroad, enriching her life with new friendships, insights, and memories.
"Travel to different places has taught me a lot. From heritage to culture to various cuisines and adaptations, I have learned to understand every place with great interest. I also love capturing moments through photographs and videos, whether it's the places I visit, the diverse foods I taste, or the wonderful people I meet from different backgrounds. This allows me to cherish these memories forever.
Sharing my experiences and learning from others enriches my life, motivating me. It's a beautiful cycle of learning and sharing that benefits us all", she says.
One of her most memorable trips after turning 50 was a solo journey to the U.K., a pivotal experience that taught her independence and self-reliance. She remembers, "This was my first solo trip, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a special trip as I had never travelled alone before. I learned to manage and do all things by myself. I thoroughly enjoyed the freedom and self-reliance of solo travel”.
After her experience, she suggests other women ‘embrace the opportunity to travel alone at least once. It's a chance to confront and overcome challenges independently, and you'll undoubtedly be proud of yourself for making this bold decision”.
Sharing her recent trip to Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra, she says, “It was indeed a fabulous and 'memorable' trip for me, where I made many friends. The enjoyment didn't end with the trip; we friends continued to keep up the friendship after our travel. Travelling in a group brought another level of fun and excitement."
Travelling can broaden one’s horizons, as happened in Hannah’s case. She excitedly shares her experience in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the simplicity and warmth of tribal communities, she had felt. She shares, “This tribal island, home to various tribes and located about 120 Km from Port Blair, presented an opportunity to witness the lives of communities far removed from my own experiences. Although we were advised not to stop our vehicle or interact directly with the tribals, observing their excitement and way of life was thrilling. The government's efforts to support these communities with clothes and food were heartening to learn about. This experience of witnessing the culture, tradition, habitat, clothing, and food of the tribal community filled me with joy and happiness. It reinforced the beauty of diversity and the importance of understanding and respecting each other's ways of life."
During her working years, she could not travel much. But with her recent trip experiences, she feels more confident, empowered, and full of zeal.
For the other spirited women, she shares a message: "Listen to your mind and do what your heart says. As long as your feet support you, travel as much as possible. Travel truly molds a person, whether it's solo travel or group travel... just keep travelling. You will meet many people from different nationalities, and learning about their culture, tradition, heritage, and food inspires and motivates us. Thus, we learn a lot from each other. Learning has no end to it. So step out of your comfort zone and keep your feet moving. Pack your bags and keep travelling, even if it is just 30 km away. Be with Mother Nature, admire nature, the fall, flowers, different places, food, local markets, and you will see that Mother Nature, in turn, will keep smiling back at you and keep you grounded."
Her story highlights a few important traits that one should maintain even after retirement, such as curiosity, boldness to embrace new adventures and learning opportunities, and staying active both physically and mentally.
The article is contributed by the GetSetUp team