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The People You Meet: Luxury, Leeches, Love, and Lao-Lao with a Host of Interesting Characters in Southeast Asia, by Melissa Rodway

The reviews are in for my first travel memoir!

“A compulsively readable journey that will stay with you for a long time to come.“

“A page-turner, full of adventures and humour!“

“Couldn’t put it down!“

“A funny, nostalgic, and insightful travel read.“

“Melissa Rodway hits travel gold with her debut book.“

“Equal parts hilarious, honest, and deeply human.“

“Incredibly captivating read!“

“If you love to travel or just a good laugh, this book has it all.“

The People You Meet: Luxury, Leeches, Love, and Lao-Lao with a Host of Interesting Characters in Southeast Asia

In 2010, at the age of 35, I had the opportunity to leave my life in Toronto, Ontario, Canada behind for a few months to travel around Southeast Asia and China with my British boyfriend. Thanks to his work in the luxury travel industry, the trip was to be part budget/backpacker and part luxury with many free nights spent at posh hotels designed for the upper crust. As one who grew up with the Holiday Inn setting the bar on accommodations and then being a cheap and cheerful adult backpacker, luxury was far from my typical mode of travel. Truthfully, it was a foreign concept—but I was willing to give it a go. After a few weeks, my mind became restless and I turned my attention to writing long, novella-like emails to friends and family about everything I was experiencing. In the years since, I have revisited these emails numerous times. I finally decided to turn them into a book.

The People You Meet is a story about travel, but more importantly, it is a story about the people you meet on the road and the impact of these temporary but powerful, in-the-moment relationships. There is also a complicated love story happening subtly in the background about two people connected by travel and adventure. Take whatever it is you need from this book, be it the inspiration for more adventures, the comfort of knowing we are all built differently, that reinforcement to listen to your gut, or just the pleasure of being entertained by someone else’s journey. Enjoy.

Get your copy here!

Welcome to FLY, with Melissa Rodway!

FLY is a community of explorers, where travels, books and business initiatives are shared through storytelling. It is the place to discover your next adventure, as you will find ideas, information and inspiration. Listen to interviews from those discussing their experiences on the road less travelled. With over 180 episodes, infinite adventure awaits. You will find travel posts, true stories, books, gear and more on this site. Whether you are planning your first trip, permanently nomadic, or vicariously traveling the world from the comfort of your couch, there is something here for you.

FLY is growing. You will want to visit frequently to see and hear what is new in travel and to get some inspiration for your next journey. Discover. Experience. Repeat. You wouldn’t believe the world out there.

Safe travels,
Melissa

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Testimonial

“I had such a great time recounting my adventures to Melissa on FLY! I love coming on the show, Melissa is so engaging and welcoming, its such a joy to chat all things female explorers with her!“

Elise Wortley, Woman With Altitude