One October night, exhausted, I was ready to crawl into bed. Peace Corps rules required us to stay in our huts as soon as it turned dark for our own safety. Darkness came quickly, and evenings were usually quiet, except for dogs barking.

Suddenly, shouting erupted outside my hut. I had just turned off my paraffin lamp and was tucked under my covers. I could hear several men approaching my front door and bolted out of bed.

I slid open the window and peered through the metal burglar bars the Peace Corps had installed to keep us volunteers safe.

The drunk man was back, and his slurring was worse than ever. He was known to steal money from his elderly mother, who lived in a rundown mud rondavel beside mine. That poor woman crawled on her hands and knees as she could not afford a wheelchair.

This time, several young men surrounded the drunk man, voices rising, all within a few feet from my hut.

The shouting turned violent. The young men knocked the drunk man to the ground and began kicking him. My heart started pounding. Shaka, the scrawny, pregnant dog belonging to my host family, barked frantically, and for a terrifying moment, I thought they were kicking her too. Then, the drunk man grabbed a brick from the pile behind him and raised it above his head. I froze. I was sure someone was about to be killed.

My host mother, Mary, came outside in her robe holding a flashlight. I had warned her previously that if the Peace Corps ever saw this kind of violence happening around my hut, they would extricate me from the village and place me somewhere else.

I decided to record the shouting on my phone as it was too dark to video the men. I might need evidence to inform the Peace Corps about my safety, so I stuck my hand between the metal bars and pressed the record button.

A woman nearby screamed hysterically while the men kept shouting. I recognized her voice as that of the disabled woman’s granddaughter. Only fifteen, she was also pregnant and lived in the rundown hut next door. Mary told me the drunk son would insult his mother before forcing her to hand over her pension so that he could buy booze.

I wished desperately that I could understand Sesotho. Ten weeks of language training, and I still could only speak the basics.

I shouted that I would call the police. The words sounded absurd the moment I said them.

There were no police here.

Maybe the village chief would show up.

The fighting went on long after dark and ended with the drunk man screaming in agony. Mary told me they had broken his arm, and she was happy about that, as it meant he would not be around for a long time.

I sat on the edge of my narrow bed, shivering from anger and fear.

With no one to talk to and no friends to call, a terrible thought crossed my mind: Had I made a mistake coming to Africa alone at fifty-eight, newly divorced, and thousands of miles away from home?

This is the opening chapter of my forthcoming memoir. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Reflection: Have I made the biggest mistake of my life?

Looking back now, that night wasn’t the most dangerous thing I experienced in Lesotho. It was the moment that I realized something about fear.

Most of the things we fear never unfold the way we imagine.

If I had packed my bags and given up after that terrifying night, I would have missed one of the richest experiences of my life.

Sometimes the scariest part of a new adventure isn’t the place itself. It’s realizing that what feels frightening today may be unfamiliar. Given enough time, fear often gives way to understanding.

Have you ever wanted to give up on the first day of something new?

It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since I packed my life into two suitcases and left for the Peace Corps in Lesotho, a tiny mountain kingdom in southern Africa.

For years, I wasn’t ready to write about the experience. I needed time and distance to understand how profoundly my fifteen months changed me. Looking back now, I can finally see not only what happened, but why it mattered.

As I work on my memoir, I’ve decided to share a series of stories called Stories From My Peace Corps Years. These aren’t just stories about living in a rural African village—they’re about starting over after divorce at fifty-eight, facing fears, embracing a completely different culture, and, ultimately, learning to become my own best friend.

I hope you’ll enjoy following along. If these stories resonate with you, I’d love for you to subscribe at soniamarsh.com and join me on the journey.

Coming next: The First Night I Wondered If I’d Made the Biggest Mistake of My Life.

What Is Solo-maxxing?

Have you heard about the latest trend called Solo-maxxing?

If not, don’t worry. It’s a relatively new term coined by Gen Z, generally those in their teens and twenties.

Solo-maxxing describes a lifestyle in which people intentionally choose to remain single rather than spend their time, energy, and money pursuing romantic relationships. Instead, they focus on personal growth, financial independence, mental well-being, and creating a life they genuinely enjoy.

For many, it’s also a reaction to the frustrations of modern dating, endless swiping, ghosting, and disappointing first dates. Rather than chasing a relationship, they’re investing in themselves through travel, hobbies, goals, friendships, fitness, and new experiences.

Baby Boomers May Be Doing the Same Thing

As I read about this trend, I realized I’ve been doing solo-maxxing just like Gen Z.

After years of relationships, marriage, divorce, or loss, many of us have grown tired of the emotional ups and downs of dating. We’ve experienced rejection, disappointing relationships, and yes, frequent ghosting, which certainly isn’t limited to younger generations. I thought we were more mature than that!

Instead of waiting for someone else to complete our lives, we’re learning to enjoy the freedom of creating a fulfilling life on our own terms.

Singlehood is no longer something to “get through” until the next relationship comes along. For many of us, it’s become a choice, and a rewarding one.

Solo-maxxing Creates Space for a Richer Life

One of the greatest gifts of living happily on your own is the freedom it creates. Without the constant emotional energy that dating often requires, you have more time to invest in the parts of your life that truly matter.

Deepening Friendships

Strong friendships become even more meaningful when you have the time to nurture them. I call my friends in Europe and the U.S. regularly and keep in touch.

Financial Freedom

Money that once went toward expensive dates or trying to impress someone can instead fund experiences that enrich your life. In my case, I love cruising with PONANT and take advantage of their small ships and “no single supplement” for solo travelers.

Travel and Adventure

Whether it’s exploring your own town or snorkeling over coral reefs halfway around the world, solo adventures often become our greatest teachers.

Health and Well-Being

Exercise, healthy eating, swimming, hiking, or simply taking care of yourself become priorities because you’re doing them for you, not for anyone else’s approval.

Pursuing Your Passions

Perhaps you’ve always wanted to write a book, learn a language, volunteer, paint, or start a new business. Living solo gives you the time and freedom to pursue the dreams you’ve been putting off.

Becoming Your Own Best Friend

When I first found myself alone after my divorce, I never imagined I would one day treasure my independence. Yet that’s exactly what happened.

My years in the Peace Corps, my solo travels around the world, writing my memoir, leading African safaris, and simply learning to enjoy my own company have taught me something I wish I’d known much earlier.

What Gen Z calls “Solo-maxxing,” I call becoming my own best friend.

I hope you stay tuned as I begin sharing excerpts from my memoir about how serving in the Peace Corps in Lesotho helped me discover the greatest relationship of all, the one I built with myself.

And I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Have you learned to enjoy your own company? Are you at peace?

I want a robot to take care of me when I can no longer do my daily chores.

Will Robots Help Us Age at Home? The Future of Robots for Seniors

At 68, I still swim, travel, and lift weights. The last thing I want is someone fussing over me. But what if, twenty years from now—if I’m still around—a robot could help me stay in my own home longer without taking away my independence?

I’ve already started thinking ahead about how I might keep driving in my later years with my Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology.

Curious about what’s already available, I started researching robots that can help with household chores and support us as we age. What I found was both fascinating and surprisingly practical.

Why We Need Robots for Seniors

The number of adults over 65 in the United States is expected to grow from 58 million today to 82 million by 2050. At the same time, healthcare costs continue to rise, and many countries are facing shortages of caregivers.

This isn’t just an American issue. South Korea became a “super-aged society” in 2025 and is experiencing one of the fastest demographic transitions in the world. As we age, the demand for care is increasing faster than the supply of people available to provide it.

Could robots help fill the gap? I believe they can.

Robots That Can Prevent Falls

One of the biggest dangers for older adults is falling. Engineers at MIT have developed the Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot, or E-BAR. This mobile robot is designed to physically assist older adults as they move around their homes.

How the E-BAR Robot Works

According to MIT News, E-BAR acts like a set of robotic handlebars that follows a person from behind.

A user can:

• Walk independently while the robot follows nearby
• Lean on the robot for support
• Use it to transition from sitting to standing
• Receive full-body support if balance becomes an issue
• Get lifted out of the bathtub

Perhaps most impressive, the robot can rapidly inflate side airbags if it detects a fall in progress.

Watch the E-BAR video demonstration.

Falls remain the leading cause of injury among adults over 65, so technology like this could help many people remain safe while living independently.

Most People Want to Stay in Their Own Homes

Imagine being 90 years old and still living in your own home.

Instead of moving into assisted living, your robot unloads the dishwasher, carries the laundry basket, reminds you to take your medication, and brings you a cup of coffee while you video-chat with your grandchildren.

Statistics consistently show that 95% of older adults overwhelmingly prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. This familiar environment provides important emotional, social, and psychological benefits.

Watch this video: A 92-year-old Chinese woman climbed a 7-foot fence to escape her nursing home.

There may not be enough caregivers available in the future to support everyone who needs help so that robots could make a significant difference.

Robots Can Help Fight Loneliness

Physical assistance is only part of the story.

Loneliness is becoming one of the biggest challenges facing older adults. Sometimes they are alone for days without speaking to anyone. A perfect example of how a robot can engage seniors is this video of West Vancouver seniors paired up with AI robots.

Another example is ElliQ, an AI-powered companion robot designed to engage seniors in conversation, encourage exercise, facilitate video calls with family members, and provide daily interaction.

A New York State program distributed ElliQ robots to isolated seniors and reported significant reductions in loneliness and improvements in overall well-being.

One 79-year-old woman described feeling lonely much of the time and said the robot helped provide companionship when family members weren’t available. No, it’s not the same as having a friend, but for someone who spends most days alone, it may be far better than silence.

Robots That Could Handle Household Chores

The robots being developed today aren’t limited to elder care.

Many companies are working on robots that could eventually handle routine household tasks.

Chores Robots Could Handle in the Next 5–10 Years

• Vacuuming floors
• Mopping
• Loading and unloading dishwashers
• Folding laundry
• Making beds
• Taking out trash
• Bringing groceries inside
• Cleaning countertops
• Watering plants
• Walking dogs
• Fetching items from another room
• Monitoring home security
• Checking on elderly family members
• Preparing simple meals
• Reminding people about medications and appointments

Companies such as Figure AI, Tesla, and 1X Technologies are racing to develop humanoid robots capable of performing these tasks autonomously.

Imagine telling your robot:

“Can you unload the dishwasher, bring in the groceries, and start a load of laundry?”

But What Happens When Robots Do Everything?

If robots eventually handle many household chores and AI continues replacing factory workers while also taking over some professional tasks performed by radiologists, lawyers, paralegals, accountants, and others, what will be left for humans to do?

I keep hearing that future generations may not need a traditional university education. Instead, they’ll need creativity, adaptability, and entrepreneurial skills. But not everyone is naturally entrepreneurial or wants to start a company or invent the next big thing.

So where does that leave us?

Can Humans Live Without Purpose?

That is what I keep asking myself. If we have so much leisure time, what is our purpose? And here’s another question: If robots are doing the work, how do people earn a living? How do we get paid when there are fewer jobs for humans to do?

Do we want robots to take over the tasks we don’t want to do, so we can spend more time on the things that give our lives meaning?

Traveling.

Learning.

Creating.

Volunteering.

Spending time with family.

Building relationships.

Helping others.

The bigger challenge may not be building smarter robots. It may be figuring out what gives humans purpose when we no longer have to spend so much time working.

What do you think?

Would you welcome a robot helper in your home?

I look forward to your comments.

Everywhere I turn these days, someone—usually a billionaire with more money than they know what to do with—is talking about living to 120 or beyond. People like Bryan Johnson, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are investing billions into the quest to slow aging and extend human life.

Longevity has become one of the hottest topics in the world. Maybe it’s because AI knows everything I research, listen to, or talk about, so my news feeds and podcasts are now filled with experts promising ways to extend my life. Every day, there’s a new supplement, a new biohacking trick, or a new scientific breakthrough claiming it could help us live longer.

But here’s the question I keep asking myself:

Do I really want to live to 120?

The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.

Living Longer Isn’t the Goal

What interests me far more than lifespan is healthspan.

Healthspan refers to the number of years we remain healthy, active, independent, and able to do the things we love. To me, that’s what really matters.

I don’t want to spend the last twenty years of my life sitting in a chair, dependent on medications, and unable to travel, swim, snorkel, or enjoy adventures.

I want to remain strong enough to carry my own luggage, curious enough to keep exploring the world, and healthy enough to enjoy every stage of life—including becoming a grandmother.

The Medication Trap

One reason I pay attention to healthspan is that I see what happens when health issues begin to pile up.

Many people I know are taking eight, ten, or even more medications every day.

I often listen to these doctors’ podcasts discussing how modern medicine works. Physicians are trained to follow protocols. If you have a particular condition, there is usually a medication for it. The problem is that medications often come with side effects. Then another medication is prescribed to treat those side effects. Before long, a person can find themselves taking a handful of pills every day.

Of course, medications can be lifesaving and necessary in many situations. But my personal goal is to avoid that path as much as possible through prevention.

So how do we increase our chances of staying healthy as we age?

Exercise: Use It or Lose It

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for extending healthspan.

There are two components I focus on:

Cardio

Cardiovascular exercise keeps the heart and lungs healthy and supports endurance as we age.

For me, that means swimming, one of my favorite forms of exercise.

Strength Training

After age 50, adults typically begin losing muscle mass every year. This loss accelerates as we get older.

Why does this happen?

Our muscle fibers naturally shrink with age, and hormone levels such as testosterone and estrogen decline. The result is less strength, poorer balance, and an increased risk of falls.

That’s why lifting weights has become non-negotiable for me.

Muscle isn’t just about looking fit. It’s about maintaining independence.

Sleep: The New Superpower

Sleep has become another hot topic in the health world—and for good reason.

Most experts recommend seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

Sleep supports:

• Cognitive processing
• Physical repair
• Emotional regulation
• Immune function
• Memory consolidation

I’ve also noticed that my sleep improves when I avoid television, scrolling on my phone, or consuming too much information right before bed. One habit I’ve adopted is finishing dinner at least three hours before bed.

The older I get, the more I realize that quality sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Nutrition: You Can’t Outrun a Bad Diet

Nutrition may be one of the biggest factors influencing healthspan.

If there is one thing I consistently hear from longevity experts, it’s this:

Reduce sugar.

Excess sugar contributes to inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to many of the diseases people fear most as they age.

Ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, and highly refined carbohydrates may be convenient, but they often come at a cost.

I try to focus on real food, protein, vegetables, healthy fats, and minimizing added sugars whenever possible.

Am I perfect? Absolutely not.

But I believe small, consistent choices made over decades matter more than occasional bursts of perfection.

Meet the Man Behind the “Don’t Die” Movement

Have you come across Bryan Johnson and his documentary Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever? He has turned himself into a human experiment in the quest to slow aging and extend life.

His daily routine includes strict meal timing (nothing after 11 a.m.), extensive medical testing, dozens of supplements (Which he also sells), intense exercise, early bedtimes (8:30 p.m.), and constant monitoring of his body’s biomarkers. Reports have estimated that he spends around $2 million a year on his anti-aging protocols.

Watching Bryan Johnson’s video on his daily routine made me wonder: Is this really the future we want? Or are we becoming so focused on avoiding death that we forget to enjoy living?

So, Do I Want to Live to 120?

Not really.

Part of me wonders whether we’ve become so obsessed with living longer that we’ve forgotten to ask what those extra years will actually look like.

If I make it to 120, do you know how much exercise I’d need to keep moving? How many laps would I need to swim? How much weight lifting would I have to squeeze into my week? And let’s not even talk about the plastic surgery industry. If people start living to 120, are we all supposed to spend decades trying not to look like old prunes?

Will 120 be the new 60?

Maybe.

But I suspect the real question isn’t how long we can live. It’s whether we can remain healthy, independent, curious, and excited about life while we’re here.

I’d rather be an active, adventurous 90-year-old than a miserable 120-year-old counting pills and doctor’s appointments.

But only if I can remain healthy, active, independent, and engaged with life.

I don’t dream about simply adding years to my life.

I dream about adding life to my years.

If I can still be swimming, traveling, learning, writing, and embracing new adventures at 90, then I’ll happily keep going.

For me, that’s what Gutsy Living is all about—not living forever, but living fully.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below.

Why I Let a Tesla Become My Private Chauffeur

I have a private chauffeur now, and honestly, he drives better than I do.

His name is FSD.

Yes, my Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system has officially taken over my life.

My son convinced me to try it, and I admit: I’m hooked.

At first, it wasn’t easy handing complete control over to a car. The idea felt terrifying. I kept hovering over the steering wheel, ready to grab it at any second. But after a few months of using Tesla FSD, I trust it more than I trust myself.

Especially at night.

My Tesla “sees” better than I do in the dark. It sticks to the rules better than most humans, too.

I mean, who actually makes a complete stop at a stop sign anymore? Three full seconds can feel like an eternity.

My Tesla, however, behaves like a polite British butler.

“No, you go first…”

It stops and gives way to cars even when it technically doesn’t have to.

The Strange Joy of Watching My Car Think

One of the things I love most about Tesla Full Self-Driving is the giant screen showing everything around me in real time.

A bicyclist appears with a cute little bicycle icon. Pedestrians show up as tiny moving avatars. Cars glide across the screen like a video game.

And even when FSD isn’t activated, the car politely dings when the traffic light turns green — just in case you’re busy searching for a YouTube podcast at the light.

How civilized is that?

Why I Hate Driving (And Why FSD Changed Everything)

The reason I listened to my son when he said, “Mom, you’ll love FSD,” is that I’ve never liked driving.

I grew up living in France and England, where public transportation was normal. I spent my younger years taking trains, buses, and the Tube instead of sitting behind a steering wheel for hours.

Driving long distances has always exhausted me.

Unlike many Americans who grew up with a car at sixteen, I never loved road trips if I had to do the driving myself.

That’s why Tesla’s Full Self-Driving appealed to me so much.

My son lives in Santa Barbara, 147 miles (236 km) from me through the nightmare traffic of Los Angeles. Depending on traffic, it has taken me up to four hours to reach his house.

One week after leasing my Tesla with FSD, I let the car drive me all the way through Los Angeles to Santa Barbara without touching the steering wheel or brake once.

Not once.

It took courage at first, but I did it. And now? I can’t imagine going back.

The Moment I Realized I No Longer Know How to Drive

The other morning, before sunrise, I decided to override the car and take a different route to my gym.

I clicked the button to disengage FSD and took control of the Tesla myself.

I moved into the right lane to turn. Suddenly, the driver behind me slammed on his brakes and honked furiously.

I had completely cut him off. The shocking part? I honestly hadn’t seen him.

That was the moment I realized: Sonia, you no longer know how to drive. Let your private chauffeur handle it.

Will Self-Driving Cars Help Older Drivers Stay Independent?

So what’s the real reason I have Tesla FSD? Because I believe this technology is the future.

And if I’m lucky enough to still be alive at 85 or 90, perhaps with weaker eyesight and slower reflexes, maybe Full Self-Driving technology will help people like me remain independent longer.

Maybe it could prevent elderly drivers from losing their freedom the moment someone takes away their car keys. That thought matters to me.

I know self-driving technology scares some people, but honestly? Some drivers scare me more.

• FSD stays in the lane.
• It doesn’t text.
• It doesn’t have road rage.
• It doesn’t get distracted.

And these days, that already puts it ahead of many drivers on the road.

Are Self-Driving Cars the Future?

So now I’m curious. Have I convinced you that getting used to self-driving technology might actually be a smart idea? Would you trust a car to drive you through Los Angeles traffic? Or am I completely crazy for handing over control to my Tesla chauffeur?

Let me know in the comments below.

I quit dating apps—and oddly enough, my 35-year-old son and I are in the exact same boat. He has women lining up, I’m attracting men 10–17 years older who need a caregiver, and yet… neither of us is finding what we actually want. So what’s going on here?

Why I’ve Stepped Away from Dating Apps

I have quit dating apps for a while for two reasons: one, no luck, and two, people keep telling me that you meet someone when you least expect it.

The Surprising Truth: My Son and I Have the Same Dating Problems

What I find so interesting about online dating is that my 35-year-old son is having the same issues as me.

We’ve actually become quite close as mother and son, sharing dating stories. The main difference? He has no problem getting dates, while I’m only getting a few dates with older men who have health issues.

The Dating Imbalance: Age, Attraction, and Expectations

My son is a doctor who makes a good living and is 6’4” tall, so women flock to him. Listening to dating podcasts, he fits into that tiny fraction of men who are young, tall, and financially successful.

I, on the other hand, fall into the category of mature women who can only seem to find men 10–20 years older than me—men who often need a woman to take care of them.

This feels unfair, especially since I’m thin, active, intelligent, and fully capable of taking care of myself.

The Real Issue: Avoidant Attachment Style

So what’s the problem for both my son and me? Are we both too picky? Isn’t chemistry important?

During our phone conversations, we’ve realized that we are both “avoidants.” This comes from attachment theory (I’ve included a quick YouTube link if you want to explore it further).

Basically, we are not the clingy type. We’re independent and tend to have our guard up—at least I know I do. We don’t easily show physical affection unless there’s real chemistry.

In other words, we’re picky. And maybe a bit naïve in believing there’s someone out there who meets at least 95% of our criteria. Listening to podcasts on relationships and dating, I’ve come to the conclusion that we look at photos of men, (in my case) and women, (in my son’s case) as products. It’s become online shopping for a partner, just like shopping on Amazon, but without the reviews.

Chemistry vs. Companionship

Intellectually, I understand that perfection doesn’t exist—and I’m certainly not perfect either.

But at this stage of my life, I’m not willing to be with a man I’m not attracted to despite what relationship coaches tell us. “You can grow to fall in love with someone’s personality.” Well, I’m sorry, I need to be attracted to the man physically as well.

I work hard to stay fit, healthy and to keep learning. I travel, build friendships, host gatherings, and genuinely love who I am.

I’m tired of hearing, “You can develop chemistry with someone who’s kind or has a sense of humor.” I call that a friend.

And in my online dating experience, I’ve yet to meet a man—even at 80—who wants to be “just friends.” You know what I mean.

I also have no interest in becoming someone’s caregiver at the beginning of a relationship. It’s different if you’ve been married to this person all your life.

Should I Date Younger Men?

Friends tell me I should date a younger man.

And I would—if I knew he genuinely liked me for who I am. Maybe it’s my avoidant attachment style that makes me feel there is always an ulterior motive on their part. A lack of trust on my part.

What I’m Doing Instead: Real-Life Connections

So these days, I’m focusing on real-life interactions.

I’m joining discussion groups and attending art museum events in Laguna Beach. I love meeting intelligent people—men and women—who have traveled, who are curious, and who refuse to become stale in their thinking.

What I’m Hoping For

What I would truly love is a natural introduction—to meet a single man through someone I trust.

Someone who shares my love of travel, snorkeling, swimming, and staying active. Someone who wants a companion, an equal—not a caretaker.

If you can introduce me to that man, please email me at sonia@soniamarsh.com!

And As for My Son…

As for my son, I’m sure he’ll have no trouble finding someone he can love and marry…

As long as he’s not holding out for 100% perfection.

Small ships are better for Solo Travelers.

Many women worry about solo cruising and about feeling lonely. I’m sharing my experience to help you feel safe and confident about finding companionship and meaningful connections while cruising solo.

My Solo Cruising Experience

I started cruising four years ago. Only once did I feel slightly uncomfortable and self-conscious — on a Crystal cruise when I had to dine alone in three specialty restaurants.

From an uncomfortable dining night to better choices

Reservations had to be made several months in advance, and when I asked the maitre d’ if I could join a sharing table (as I had on other cruises), he replied, “We don’t have sharing tables.” He seated me at a table for two in the most conspicuous part of the dining room, surrounded by couples. That was when I felt lonely.

After that experience, I chose not to cruise with that line again. I now prefer smaller ships with a more intimate feel where the staff get to know you, look after you, and create a more comforting atmosphere.

Why Small Ships Work Better for Solo Travelers

It’s easy to assume a large ship means more people to meet, but I’ve found the opposite: the smaller the ship, the easier it is to connect with like-minded passengers.

Intimacy, shared tables, and friendly staff

My first cruise was on the Paul Gauguin, a small ship with just 330 passengers. The restaurant staff welcomed me and consistently found me a seat at shared tables with other solo travelers and friendly couples who wanted to mingle. Conversations flowed, and getting to know people from other countries while sharing travel stories made me feel alive.

No Single Supplement on PONANT Cruises

I’ve chosen to stay with PONANT and similar small-ship lines (185–330 passengers). One big benefit I discovered: PONANT offers “no single supplement” on many departures, meaning you can have your own cabin without paying extra for single occupancy. On their website, you can filter offers by “no single supplement.”

The Ponant website allows you to filter “no single supplement” under “Offers.”

Highlights from a Smithsonian Cruise on Le Champlain

• Many cruise lines organize a welcome cocktail reception on the first or second night of your cruise. Don’t be disappointed if you meet only women at the reception. On one cruise, there were 19 solo women and one man, who happened to be gay, and who had just lost his partner.

Lectures, Panama Canal, Darian tribe excursions

• Ponant offers lectures on board. I was recently on a Smithsonian cruise through the Panama Canal and Costa Rica, and we had lectures on the history of building the canal and on the wildlife in both countries by experts in the field.

• Interesting excursions with small groups. No long lines to get off the ship.

Food, Service, and Gala Evenings on Le Champlain

• The food is to die for, but I’ve always loved French refined food with delicious, freshly prepared meals and smaller portions.

• Friendly crew and staff who get to know you and truly care about you and your comfort.
• I like to dress up for cocktails and dinner in the evening and share stories with fellow passengers during a pre-dinner cocktail and dinner.
• No tipping as everything is included. Wifi and drinks, including free-flowing French Champagne and nice canapes.

Tips for Making Friends Onboard

– Attend the welcome cocktail and any orientation/social events.

– Sit at shared tables in the dining room or ask the staff to seat you with others.

– Join lectures, classes, and shore excursions — these naturally create shared experiences and conversation starters.

– Be open and approachable: a simple question about someone’s itinerary or hometown often leads to a great conversation.

Should You Try Solo Cruising?

I hope you give small ship solo cruising a try. You’ll enjoy the freedom to explore new places while still enjoying the companionship of fellow travelers and the attentive, familiar crew. It’s a blend of independence, luxury, learning, and social connection — everything I want from travel.

I’m a single woman cruising solo and enjoying life at 67. I feel young, vibrant, and excited about life.

With all the turmoil and uncertainty in our world today, I’ve decided to cruise solo as much as my budget will allow. I’m in good health and want to enjoy the positives, meeting people from other countries and seeing new places on our beautiful planet.

Focusing on small ships catering to singles:

This year, I’ve booked three different cruise lines to compare: PONANT (French), CRYSTAL (owned by Abercrombie and Kent), and SEABOURN (Carnival Corporation & plc.) After trying all three cruises, I’ll be able to discuss the pros and cons of each, and decide which cruise line I prefer.

Solo traveling is growing, especially among women, so I have researched the smaller ships that offer discounts for solo travelers, and cannot wait to compare all three.

My first cruise is on The Paul Gauguin Cruise Ship (PONANT)

I plan to spend a week in Bath, U.K., before heading to Singapore, where the first leg of my cruise starts.

This will be my third cruise on the Paul Gauguin twice to French Polynesia, which I highly recommend.

The ship is small, with 330 passengers, and the crew is always upbeat and friendly. They remember my first name and the extra-strong Americano is ready every morning when I arrive at the early risers continental breakfast bar.

On my Christmas cruise in French Polynesia, I met a nice Romanian woman who loves to swim as much as I do. We would meet at the coffee bar at 6:00 a.m. and wait for the swimming pool to be refilled with warm seawater. I love that there is no chlorine in the pool and that they replace it with seawater daily. Here’s a video on how they do it.

I’ve never been to Singapore, so I decided to hire a guide (tours by locals). I arrive in the evening at Changi Airport, and a Paul Gauguin representative will drive me to my hotel. (That’s the plan!) The following day, I’ll have 3 hours to tour Singapore’s highlights with my guide before embarkation.

Another bonus are the lectures on board the Paul Gauguin by various experts. So I look forward to learning about different cultures and other interesting facts on my two-week journey to Darwin (see map above). I’ve pre-booked my excursions to stunning islands and beaches such as Parai Beach, Indonesia, Java, Bali,

Komodo Island (and the famous Komodo dragons, the largest species of dragons up to 330 lbs).

My last excursion before Darwin, is in Dili (the capital of East Timor), an island that I was hoping the Peace Corps would send me to volunteer when I applied.

Please follow me as I cruise along for another two weeks to Fiji.

Let me know if you’ve experienced a wonderful cruise and which cruise lines you would suggest I try.

More to come!!!

Sonia

What does “self-love” mean to you?

The most important relationship in your life is the one you have with yourself. Do you agree?

If you have trouble understanding the term, “Self-love” another way to understand this is to realize that it can motivate and guide you towards self-care practices. Those who genuinely love themselves are more likely to prioritize their health and happiness.

Self-love took me a long time to understand, and now I see the importance of practicing self-care.

I live in Orange County, California, where most people are into exercise, taking care of staying healthy and youthful. Self-care is important to me, and I don’t think it’s being self-centered or selfish. It’s something I do for myself and for my adult children. It doesn’t mean I’m egotistical and lack kindness and empathy towards others. It means that I want to keep as active and healthy as I can be to enjoy the rest of my life and avoid health issues as long as I can.

Another part of self-love is setting boundaries,

Is self-care the same as self-centeredness?

Self-care is essential, but what do I mean by it? (Here is my list)

• Eat right, and avoid fast food, sugary sodas, and desserts
• Exercise every day
• Take pride in yourself and your looks (for yourself)
• Avoid alcohol
• Sleep 7-8 hours
• Do not smoke
• Call your friends
• Check on family members
• Keep learning
• Belong to a community
• Gratitude Journaling
• Meditation
• Travel

Self care is not the same as being self-centered.

What is self-centeredness?

According to Chat GPT, the definition of self-centeredness:

“Self-centeredness refers to a personality trait or behavior where an individual excessively focuses on themselves, their own needs, desires, and interests, often to the exclusion or neglect of others. It can manifest in various ways, such as constantly talking about oneself, seeking attention or validation, prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others, and displaying a lack of empathy or consideration for others’ feelings and perspectives.”

Finally, Marissa Peer describes 3 ways to know you love yourself in a succinct manner in this short video.