Last updated on November 2nd, 2024
“Tales of a Female Nomad” shows us it’s never too late to start travelling solo
By Carolyn Ray, Editor, JourneyWoman
Tales of a Female Nomad is the story of Rita Golden Gelman, an ordinary woman who is living an extraordinary existence. At the age of forty-eight, on the verge of a divorce, Rita left an elegant life in L.A. to follow her dream of connecting with people in cultures all over the world. In 1986 she sold her possessions and became a nomad, living in a Zapotec village in Mexico, sleeping with sea lions on the Galapagos Islands, and residing everywhere from thatched huts to regal palaces.
She has observed orangutans in the rain forest of Borneo, visited trance healers and dens of black magic, and cooked with women on fires all over the world. Rita’s example encourages us all to dust off our dreams and rediscover the joy, the exuberance, and the hidden spirit that so many of us bury when we become adults.
Grab your backpack! This is going to be a good one!
“I move throughout the world without a plan, guided by instinct, connecting through trust, and constantly watching for serendipitous opportunities” – From the Preface
Our Take on Tales of a Female Nomad
This book is definitely a 5-booter! Not only was it resoundingly loved by everyone on our call, it inspired us to embrace nomadic and solo travel! Rita was so incredibly brave, and at a time when technology was only in its infancy – no internet, no mobile phones. She truly embraced the cultures she visited, without fear and great respect to ‘leave things as she found them.’
On this call, we shared our solo travel tips, the differences between men and women, travel with partners and many topics that reinforced the ethos of generosity and adventure of a JourneyWoman!
Solo Travel Tips worth sharing:
– Have your main meal during the day and avoid drinking at night
– When asked “is this your first time in our city’ – particularly by taxi drivers or strangers, always say NO!
– If lost in a city, ask a woman for help!
It was wonderful to have Cathy’s expertise on Bali and her narrative of cultural differences and stunning photographs. Watch the video to learn more. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful discussion!
Carolyn and Wendy, your book club hosts
