Geckos, Incense, and the Moon

At 73, the author sets off alone to spend a year living in a small beach village in Vietnam near her expat son-just as, unexpectedly, the pandemic begins. Drawn by her deep curiosity about Buddhist culture and Vietnamese life, she arrives just before the borders close. What follows is a once-in-a-lifetime immersion into a world vastly different from her own.

From navigating a foreign culture to riding out typhoons; from traveling to the Northern Highlands to enduring an unexpected hospital stay; from connecting with expats to simply finding joy in watching life unfold around her, she shares her journey with honesty, insight, and humor. At the heart of the story is the bond with her son, made more complex by his struggle with alcoholism, and her attitude of embracing whatever comes her way.

With wisdom earned over a lifetime, she reflects on the beauty of community, resilience, and finding peace later in life. This deeply personal travel memoir reveals how stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to the most unexpected and meaningful experiences-even at an older age.

Praise from Early Reviewers:

Your spirit illuminates the pages like the sun lights the early morning sky. Barbara Ellis, CA

What a fabulous read! It brought me joy and tears! Mary Grul, CA

"It feels like a transformational travel story like "Eat, Pray, Love", only with the protagonist at a different phase of life and facing different challenges. Dara Tuell, CA