April 26, 2013 - The Wandering Wasp

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April 26, 2013

Italy Part II – Vespa Birthplace, Pisa, Siena, Florence

Juvena April 26, 2013

We arrived in Florence San Maria Novella Train Station at 7pm. It was still bright and sunny thanks to the 15hours summer daylight. We had

thewanderingwasp

Rode 44,000km S'pore - Czech by 🛵solo.
Change-maker through travel & human stories, Content creator. DM for collab, 📍🇸🇬

Live is not always how you expect it to be. #fyp

Live is not always how you expect it to be.

#fyp #instagramvsreality #motonomad #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure #sustainabletravel #conscioustravel #mindfultravel

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 - 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲

Throwback to 6 years ago. I was looking lost when I reached Stelvio Pass, wondering if I was in Italy or Switzerland.

My overloaded scooter with a non-European plate became the centre of attention. People asked me where I came from, some asked to take a photo with me. This candid photo was taken by Dave Morris who later followed this page and sent this to me. Thank you.

I always joke about this, if I were to charge $1 for every photo taken, I would be rich. But that is not the case. Money was tight while travelling in this part of Europe. I started carrying a lunch box in that blue bag because eating out was expensive. I didn't have mobile data travelling in Europe because the frequent country change in Europe made SIM card purchases not economically worthwhile. Instead, I relied on offline maps, free wifi at petrol stations or stopping to ask locals.

Being in the expensive part of the world compelled me to devise ways to stretch my dollars. Travellers I met along the way have inspired me to think out of the box on what I can do in exchange for travel experience. One talented singer and guitarist shared he busked on the streets and even went to the extreme of dumpster diving for food.

What can I offer? I volunteered for accommodation as a receptionist, social media manager, and yoga teacher. I camped, couch-surfed and bunked at friends' homes. In return, I bought food, cook, do some housework, did gardening, harvesting and shared travel stories. Many times, strangers randomly gave me cash and food on the road, just because they value what I was doing and my stories.

(Cont'd in comment)

#motonomad #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure #sustainabletravel #conscioustravel #mindfultravel�

The Wandering Wasp in a Nutshell from 2015 to 2017

The Wandering Wasp in a Nutshell from 2015 to 2017

#motonomad #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure #sustainabletravel #conscioustravel #mindfultravel

𝗜 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱. 𝗠𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗼.

I left Singapore 7 months ago to explore my backyard of Southeast Asia (SEA). It was meant to be a much shorter and simpler trip as compared to the more ambitious intercontinental trip I embarked 8 years ago. However, this SEA trip proved to be much more challenging.

What went wrong this time?

My biggest mistake was being complacent about going to an authorised Vespa workshop in Cambodia for a simple oil change, which was not done properly. Learn from my mistake, always double-check after servicing, even if it is done by an authorised workshop.

A loose oil cap started a cascade of problems - 2 engine rebuilds, each with a downtime of 2 months, and an impending fine for scooter overstaying in Thailand. Problems didn’t end there. 1,500km after the second engine rebuild, the scooter had problems again in Malaysia. I wasted 5 days waiting only to receive incompatible parts. Since it was the last 500km of the journey, I decided to courier the scooter back. Enough time has been wasted waiting for parts and for clueless mechanics to troubleshoot issues.

Unlike the old Vespa PX Vespa which I rode to Europe, this Vespa GT200 does not really have a presence in SEA except Singapore. Thus, there isn’t much business or community support for this particular model in the rest of the region. Piaggio factory has discontinued the production of its piston and cylinder, only aftermarket equivalents are available. Plus, shipping parts to Thailand through dealers is a long tedious process. Not all mechanics are familiar with this scooter.

For the old Vespa PX which I rode from Singapore to Europe, I could get spare parts so easily, even in sanctioned countries like Iran. The machine is so simple and ubiquitous that most mechanics know how to repair it. Even a mechanical idiot like me can perform roadside repairs on the PX.

After the first engine rebuild in March, the nagging thought at the back of my mind was, “If something goes wrong with this scooter again, it is going to cost me time and money again.” True enough, (Cont'd in comment)

It’s so hot and yet you can’t leave this place

It’s so hot and yet you can’t leave this place dry. #Songkran is not over. Water fight ensues.

#Thailand #Thailandtravel #waterfestival

No one is going to stay with you forever except yo

No one is going to stay with you forever except you. So, learn to enjoy your own company. #hardtruth

#solotravel #thailand #Sangkhlaburi #motocamping #motonomad #bikersofinstagram #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycletravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure

Hey, that is a different scooter! Thank you Alex f

Hey, that is a different scooter! Thank you Alex for lending me the scooter to travel with. The red scooter is currently in the workshop going through a second engine rebuild as it waits for spare parts to be shipped to Bangkok. (Yeah, again 😑)

There are so many places to visit and things I want to do in this trip. However, I didn’t expect a such a long downtime, having to spend so much time visiting workshops and dealing with logistics and bureaucracy! It all started with a servicing that went awry in Cambodia 3 months ago. Since then, it has been a cascade of issues after issues.

So many of you asked me to ditch this scooter and return to the PX. I had been riding the Vespa GT200 in Singapore for the past 4 years and never had any major issues until this trip. Is it really just a reliability issue?

Through this saga, my eyes were opened to the dynamics of the riding community, dealers, importers and workshops that can make a difference whether a bike is joy or a challenge to travel with. Will be creating a video to share these findings and lessons learnt.

A big thanks to the team at Vespario Thailand, (Julia, Gian Luca) that has been so gracious to take on this case and liaise with Piaggio in getting the scooter back on the road. Mark from Scooter Narcotics has also been checking in to cover any lapse in the engine rebuilding effort.

Thank you follower for supporting me in different ways, be it by offering your advice, connecting me to people or buying me a coffee. My priority now is to get back to Singapore. It is a shame that this time, I cannot explore more of Indochine and share more places and stories. I guess this hiccup itself is already a story to tell. However, the travel still continues in one way or another.

Supported by
@scooternarcotics
@sipscootershop
@steadymoto
@firstgearusa
@nelsonrigg
@chongaikai
@cardosystems
@dbunkd.sg
@bamboostrawgirl (Use “JUVENA10” at their store check out for 10% discount, link in bio)
@crcdrones

#motonomad #bikersofsingapore #vespa #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders

Riding the Rails - A thrilling adventure ride in B

Riding the Rails - A thrilling adventure ride in Battambang Cambodia

#cambodia🇰🇭 #cambodiatravel #bambootrain #bambootrainbattambang #southeastasia #fyp

A few years ago, I told a young friend how proud I

A few years ago, I told a young friend how proud I am of her independence after breaking out of the mould of a very conservative society. She said, “Juvena, you are the first women I met who is truly a free bird. You have shaped my journey so very much.” It was then that I realised m solo travel is also the embodiment of freedom and autonomy.

No matter what society said, knowing that you deserve the life you want is the first step to make it a reality. You are stronger than you think you are.

#iwd2023 #embraceequity #genderequality #genderequity #womensday #womenempowerment

I may not be able to reconnect physically with som

I may not be able to reconnect physically with some friends abroad but I do sometimes reconnect with them through other friends.

Over the past three months, Rudy had ridden across India, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. He rode through the places I had been and connected with my Pakistani, Iranian and Turkish friends.

While back in Singapore for our breaks, we met up and chatted for hours. As he recounted his interactions with my friends. I felt as though I was with them.

Riding through the wintry months and earthquake zone involves a lot of uncertainties. Many times, we need to rely on the locals to help us navigate through these uncertainties.

Both of us have experienced countless acts of kindness from people who sometimes do not have much (or have lost after the earthquake). Strangers paid for our meals and petrol without our knowledge. They truly gave from the heart, not asking for anything in return. Coming from a transactional society, this may be hard to fathom for many.

South Asia and Middle East is really special that I cannot explain in words. It only can be experienced. Those who have travelled extensively there will understand. Rudy shares the same sentiments.

The experiences in so-called “third world countries” humble us so much that we feel that our labels as “first world countries” is so undeserving.

The connections that we forge during travel made us realise that the human spirit is so underrated in our monetized society. If we make the effort to look past our man-made barriers or labels, the world is actually a big village.

“A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions.’ ~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

#motonomad #bikersofinstagram #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycletravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure

As a traveller, you make friends in different part

As a traveller, you make friends in different parts of the world, not knowing when you will ever see them again. Opportunities to reconnect face-to-face are always so precious because we know we will say good bye again.

#saudade #friendshipwithoutborders

Supported by
@scooternarcotics
@sipscootershop
@steadymoto
@firstgearusa
@nelsonrigg
@chongaikai
@cardosystems
@dbunkd.sg
@bamboostrawgirl (Use “JUVENA10” at their store check out for 10% discount, link in bio)
@crcdrones

#motonomad #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure #sustainabletravel #conscioustravel #mindfultravel

Finally, the scooter engine parts are in after a m

Finally, the scooter engine parts are in after a month long wait! I didn't expect getting the parts to be so challenging.

If you have been following my stories and live streams, my scooter requires an engine overhaul after a servicing went awry in an authorised Vespa workshop in Cambodia.

After reaching out to Piaggio, they agreed to provide most of the parts for the overhaul. However, I was short of the 200cc piston and cylinder as they are no longer in production. Owner of @scooternarcotics Mark Yeow offered to get me the parts. I decided to pick up the parts when I am back in Singapore for Chinese New Year

I was supposed to receive them just before my return flight in end January. And then bad news! The parts turned out wrong and the seller went MIA. Mark had to source from other shops. With lots of uncertainty, I had to forfeit my return flight instead of rescheduling it. Finally, Mark managed to find a new set of piston and cylinder from Germany. It could be the last few pieces remaining in the world.

I cannot wait to return to Cambodia with the parts and complete the engine rebuild. This seems like the last chance. I still need to deal with the bureaucracy of my scooter overstaying in Cambodia. Wish me luck.

Thank you Mark of Scooter Narcotics and Piaggio Asia Pacific for getting the scooter back on the road.

#motonomad #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure #sustainabletravel #conscioustravel #mindfultravel

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸-𝘂𝗽 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸-𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲

Last Valentine’s Day was my most agonising one.
I was waiting for a response from my partner to resolve a broken relationship. After one and a half months of non-response, I was finally told it is best to move on. I decided to go on a long ride with the scooter he bought me, rewriting a future without him in my life. (In case you wonder why I rode this Vespa GT200, I didn’t choose it.)

Within a month of my journey, the scooter got towed 3 times due to a variety of issues, the latest issue requiring an engine overhaul. I found out that my Thai friend of 7 years is a pervert when he tried to kiss me. I returned to Singapore to spend the Chinese New Year with my family and to get engine parts for my scooter. The wrong engine part was delivered and I had to forfeit my return flight to Phnom Penh. Yes, I am still waiting for engine parts!

This ride is just problem after problem. This is how my break-up ride turns into a break-down ride. I think I need mandi bunga, a flower ritual bath to get rid of negative energy. If you have no use for your Valentine’s Day flowers anymore, you may donate them to me. 😂

Special thanks @scooternarcotics for all the technical support along the way and @piaggio for sending the engine parts.

#silenttreatment #motonomad #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure #sustainabletravel #conscioustravel #mindfultravel

It has been 5 weeks on the road - 4000km and 3 cou

It has been 5 weeks on the road - 4000km and 3 countries, no lack of hiccups along the way. Thank you for following my journey and giving me encouragement amidst all the challenges so far.

For the first time in two years since the pandemic, travel and gathering restrictions have been lifted. I am taking a short break from this journey to spend time with family this festive season. (And also to settle logistics to repair my scooter)

Wishing all a prosperous new year. May your dreams be fulfilled. Stay healthy and happy.

I will be back to the road soon.

Supported by
@scooternarcotics
@sipscootershop
@steadymoto
@firstgearusa
@nelsonrigg
@chongaikai
@cardosystems
@dbunkd.sg
@bamboostrawgirl (Use “JUVENA10” at their store check out for 10% discount, link in bio)
@crcdrones

#motonomad #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure #sustainabletravel #conscioustravel #mindfultravel

Greetings from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. After 20 day

Greetings from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

After 20 days on the road, crossing 2 countries with a couple of hiccups along the way (if you have been following my stories and FB live broadcast), I have arrived Phnom Penh just in time to celebrate birthday with a former student and her family.

On New Year Day, I am very blessed to have met up with Singaporean biker based in Phnom Penh, Harry. He was so nice to show me around the city and brought me the taste of home again. (The thing I miss most about Singapore is always the food.)

My new year started with a new found friend, hair cut and much needed facial. The past 3 days has been a hectic rush from Bangkok to Phnom Penh as I weathered through bad road, a broken top box and border bureaucracy.

Be it words of encouragements, buying me a coffee, providing advice and contacts, thank you all for making this journey much easier in your different ways.

Now, I can slow down and bring more stories from the road to you.

Have a blessed 2023.

Supported by
@scooternarcotics
@sipscootershop
@steadymoto
@firstgearusa
@nelsonrigg
@chongaikai
@cardosystems
@dbunkd.sg
@bamboostrawgirl (Use “JUVENA10” at their store check out for 10% discount, link in bio)
@crcdrones

#motonomad #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure #sustainabletravel #conscioustravel #mindfultravel

𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻.

It has been 5 years since I returned from the two-year journey riding from Singapore to the Czech Republic. I never expect the journey to have touched lives.

The pandemic has disrupted the continuation of the trip. Now that borders are opening again. The Wandering Wasp is wasting no time in getting back on the road. The old scooter is still in the Czech Republic. However, heading back to Europe this time means riding in winter.

For now, I am going to explore my backyard of Southeast Asia which I rushed through the previous time.  Thank you for staying with me after all these years. I am grateful for all those who have support in different ways, emotionally and monetarily.

I have set up Buy Me Coffee and a Merchandise Store for ways that you can support. (Links in the bio) Your encouragement will keep me going.

This time there are businesses that support me in kind to offset the starting cost of another motorcycle tour.

My sincere gratitude to
Image 2 - @scooternarcotics for providing mechanical support and the new coat of paint for the Vespa GT200. @sipscootershop for parts support
Image 3 - @steadymoto for sponsoring @firstgearusa riding jacket pants and @nelsonrigg saddle bag
Image 4 - @chongaikai for giving me the @cardosystems Freecom4X to try out for this trip
Image 5 - @dbunkd.sg for making the scooter shine with the delicate detailing and coating
Image 6 - @bamboostrawgirl for providing @allmatters eco-friendly feminine and hygiene products (Use “JUVENA10” at their store check out for 10% discount, link in bio)
Image 7 - @crcdrones for the drone lessons

#motonomad #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure #sustainabletravel #conscioustravel #mindfultravel

The Wandering Wasp wouldn't have started if not fo

The Wandering Wasp wouldn't have started if not for these advice. I am grateful for all the people I met who inspired me, gave me valuable advice to pursue my dreams.

#payitforward

#motonomad #bikersofsingapore #vespa #whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure

𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚?

Although I may have ridden from Singapore to Europe and come from Southeast Asia, I have not really explored my own backyard. I have not been to Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia and Timor Leste (our latest inclusion to ASEAN).

The two years of pandemic restriction has starved us of travel. For many countries in Southeast Asia that depends heavily on tourism, that translates to people’s livelihood.

Now that restrictions have greatly eased, I am planning to explore Southeast Asia before returning to my scooter in Europe. If you know of any small businesses or community-based tourism activities to support in this region, drop me a DM or comment.

@malaysia.truly.asia @tourismthailandsg @amazingthailand @laos_simplybeautiful @vietnamtourismboard @tourism_phl @wonderfulindonesia

#MalaysiaTrulyAsia #CutiCutiMalaysia #DreamMalaysia #GoThailandLah #laossimplybeautiful #laos_simplybeautiful #laossimplybeautifulcampaign #LiveFullyinVietnam #VietnamNOW #MyVietnam #WonderfulIndonesia #ItstimeforBali

#whyweride #motoadventure #overland #horizonsunlimited #motorcycletravel #womenwhoride #motorcyclediaries #solofemaletravel #mototravel #motorcycletravel #motorcycleadventure #bikelife #womenoverlandingtheworld #advriders #womenadvriders #womenadventure #southeastasia

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