My 12-Month Hiatus is Over, with New Stories to Tell. -

Why I’m Returning to Travel Writing — and Why It Still Matters at 71

I’m Molly, from London, England — and I’m back.

I started mollywozhere in 2018 without even knowing what a blog was. I simply wanted to share something that had become very important to me: the joy, the fun, and the feeling of being truly alive that travel brings.

As a child, I dreamed of places I learned about in geography, history, and religion. Egypt felt like another world. Mongolia felt like a myth. Those places seemed impossibly far away — beautiful, mysterious, and entirely out of reach.

Like many people, life took over. I focused on building a successful professional career and raising my family. I’m a very proud mother of two children and four grandchildren. Watching them flourish has been one of the greatest joys of my life. In addition, my four grandchildren keep me active and young at heart.

My husband and I dreamed of seeing the world together one day. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 56 after a short illness with the silent killer- cancer- and that shared dream never had the chance to unfold. That loss changed me profoundly.

From that moment on, my personal motto became very clear: make the best use of my time on earth.

I didn’t give up on my dreams. Instead, I decided to go for them — even if that meant travelling solo. After taking early retirement, I planned carefully, set aside travel funds, and began exploring the world with curiosity, courage, and an open heart.

Over the years, travel has given me so much. It makes me feel alive. It brings me joy and new experiences. I love discovering new cultures, meeting people along the way, and — very importantly — trying new foods and drinks, which I enjoy tremendously.

I’ve always believed in travelling with intention. I created my bucket list using the Seven Wonders of the World and the most visited places on Earth — around 250 in total. I wanted to understand why these places mattered. What made them special? Why do people keep returning?

So far, I’ve visited all Seven Wonders of the World, including the honorary wonder, the Great Pyramid of Giza. In total, I’ve explored 187 places, cities, and attractions — and I’m still curious. There is always more to see, learn, and experience.

The Taj Mahal, India – one of the 7 Wonders of the world.

About a year ago, I took a pause from blogging.

Firstly, because I needed time to reflect after completing much of my original bucket list.

Secondly, because I began a new relationship, which needed care and attention as we both adjusted and found our rhythm — as two independent people – with our own ways of living.

And finally, because I wanted to prioritise my finances and plan carefully for the next chapter of my life.

I’m often told I’m a people person — outgoing, friendly, and great fun to be with. I happily embrace those compliments, because connection has always been at the heart of my journeys.

Mollywozhere has always been about authenticity. I only write about places and experiences I’ve actually had myself. I take my own photographs (with the occasional trusted helping hand for “Mollywozhere” shots!), and what I share is a trusted, personal account — honest, real, and lived.