Meet the Nomads: Lois Yasay

Lois is one of the authors of wearesolesisters (which is also one of my favorite travel blogs). And their blog is becoming one of the most popular travel blogs in the Philippines. Together with her travel partner Chichi, Lois left her job to pursue travelling for six months in Southeast Asia and India.

Travelling for six months is indeed a huge feat for these two Filipinas. Seldom you’ll meet Filipinos travelling for more than two weeks. It’s just not common for our culture, but Lois braved the unknown world of (long term) backpacking and followed her passion.

Learn more about Lois and follow her adventure (together with her sole sister Chichi) by checking .

Before you head on to her blog, check out my short interview with Lois.

How did you discover your passion for travelling?

“I was a late bloomer. I only started to travel long term when I was 26. I first decided to live and explore the US and then got a chance to live in Europe. The thing about travel is that the more places you’ve been, the more you want to explore.”

What’s the most horrible experience that you’ve had on the road?

“We crossed the border from Vietnam to Laos through Dien Bien Phu. It was a 10 hour bus ride from hell. We were in a 24 seater coaster that had almost 50 passengers. I was sitting on top of a huge sack of rice and holding on to my 2 carry on bags. Passengers were getting in and out through the windows. It was so cramped that you couldn’t even scratch your nose!”

What’s the best travel experience that you’ve ever had?

“This is a tough one. I would say travelling in the holy town of Pushkar India. It’s such a colorful and peaceful place. We got to stay in a room overlooking the lake and everyone just seemed so happy and content. I could have stayed there for months! And India really captured my heart.”

What’s the biggest realization that you’ve got out of travelling?

“That everyone can do it. Rich, poor, young and old. Even people with disability! There’s no stopping a person’s need to see beyond his homeland and wonder about the places he’s never been.”

What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?

“The thought that there’s no other thing I should be doing other than travel and see the world. I keep myself in a state of joy by taking photos, seeing the emotions in strangers’ faces, talking to locals…”

This is a silly and hypothetical one. If you would be given a chance to travel with a popular person or a celebrity, who would it be and why?

“Hands down it’s Anthony Bourdain. No explanation necessary. ”

Where’s your favourite place in this planet and why?

“I would say Davao Oriental where I spent most of my summer as a kid. There’s a secret island where you can just get away from it all. I could swim in the ocean, go trekking and biking. There’s no place like home.”

What’s your best tip for newbie traveller?

“To spend less and get to travel more. Keep track of your expenses. Don’t buy too many souvenirs. Haggle. Travel slowly and deliberately.”

“I believe people should stop thinking about the cant’s and focus on the possibilities. I believe that those who say something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it.”

What’s the funniest and silliest thing you’ve ever done while travelling?

“I would say getting into a waterfight with 300,000 other people at the Songkran in Thailand last year. I was in Chiang Mai with a watergun just dousing everyone I saw with water. I felt like a child again. And it felt amazing to see everyone else acting like little kids.”

What do you think about yourself?

“I’m a , and feel alive by doing lots of things. I believe people should stop thinking about the cant’s and focus on the possibilities. I believe that those who say something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it. I own and dream of the day I get to make living by doing what I love.”

“2 Girls. 4 Soles. 6 Months in Asia. We are girls with a never-ending quench for travel on the cheap, beaches and surfing. Walk with us and let’s wrap our arms around the world one trip at a time.” – Lois Yasay

Photo Credits: Pics by Lois Yasay

Next: Keiichi Iwasaki of Feel the Earth. Previously: Mike and Luci of 1000 Fights. For more interviews with travel bloggers, check out the archives of Meet the Nomads.