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  • Molly Hofer

Asia

India for the second time and some new places to come as well :) Read more
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  • Trip start
    January 29, 2025
    Molly HoferAsiaTraveler

    New Delhi

    January 31 in India ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Backpack packed (circa 9 kilos), kisses goodbye, and I’m off!

    It feels incredibly freeing to “only” have this one bag. I missed this.

    Van life is lovely but there’s something about getting down to the bare necessities of back pack life that makes me feel alive.

    Here we go 😃    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    1
    Ganga (river Ganges) is considered a Hindu holy pilgrimage site1Many people come during Kumb Mela- largest gathering in the world!The Dom, a caste in India, do a ritual and burn bodies at the sacred riverTempleWe saw the Gahts (steps /platforms leading to the sacred river) from a boat :)I loveeeee street snacksMuseum & PalaceFlowers and candle to set in the river to manifest intentions2Your intention can be particularly well carried for recently passed loved ones.Samosa for 8 Rupees (8cents!)32CHAT I love this!!!Street food is so goodTempleGhat3Parade at Vishy's university :)

    Banares - Northern India

    Jan 31–Feb 6 in India ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Not in my wildest dreams could I imagine a warmer welcome than I have received here in the beautiful ancient city of Banaras (Varanasi).

    My mind is expanding every day that I am here. Although there are many people, this place exudes a peaceful vibe. It is situated on the Ganga (Ganges River) and is considered one of the most sacred places for Hindu pilgrimage. This is the place where one caste is in charge of burning dead bodies and sending them down the holy river - a sight that was stirring and interesting.

    I also unknowingly chose to visit during a very special religious holiday called Kumb Mela, which only happens every 144 years and is the largest gathering of human beings on the entire planet! It was amazing to see from a boat perspective on the Ganga how many people came to to practice their faith at evening Puja (prayer).

    Vishi’s family opened their home and their hearts to me, fed me the absolute best food I have eaten in my whole life, taught me so much about their lovely city and country… I feel I could never thank them enough for their generosity. I really cannot express how comfortable I felt in their home… the city itself is wonderful, but by far the greatest gift of this travel is having gained an adopted family that has nurtured my soul 🥰l

    I will do a part II with more pics and videos of the family !!    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    Vishy's father playing the flute
    Vijay's mother playing the Sitar2Bua (aunt) put me in a traditional dress, bindi, and Sindoor (red powder that signifies I'm married)1Vishy 's father gave me a Kurta (shirt)3I got a gown as a gift as well! 🥹 I feel like a princess 🥰Me and Bua1My friend Vishy :)

    Banares part II

    January 31 in India ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    The family is not only very scholarly, but also very much into creative arts like playing instruments, professional traditional dance, singing. 🥰 Not to mention their cooking is like an art!!! Unfortunately I don’t have a video of Shailey (Vishy‘s sister and my new personal stylist and friend ;) dancing- she is amazing at it though!!
    💜    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    1Wanted to go to sleep, but Boxer was not havin it 😅

    Dreams Hostel- Vagator Beach, Goa

    Feb 6–9 in India ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    At my next stop in India I got a warm welcome from such friendly staff at this hostel. I planned to stay 3 nights in a more bustling area (although the hostel was on a side street, which made it quite quiet and peaceful). The beach was just a short walk away, and the chill space was so nice. Not to mention Yogi and Boxer the cutie pie doggos 🐶 were happy to snuggle whenever you decided to read or have a meal on one of the common areas.

    There was a psytrance „festival“ (can’t really call it that, it was a day rave going from 2pm-10pm for a few consecutive days) going on 10 minutes walking away, so I tried my luck and ended up getting in for free twice 😃

    All in all I was happy to have been back again in the backpacker world but felt so ready to chill with my good friends who began trickling in for the wedding festivities 🥰    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    3Inside the venue for Full Moon
    Full Moon Ceremony outside1Full moon venue from entrance1FMCeremony groundsThe happy couple ❤️1Nadine 💜And Andy!Palace on the Hill 👑1Just a monkey 🐵 drinking from the poolDavid & Nadine being cool kidzKevin, Nadine, David 💜Pixie & Jovan plus a friend (Beautiful couple!!)1💜✨💜✨💜Finally a picture with Dan!

    Villa Life & Wedding

    Feb 9–18 in India ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    We felt like royalty at our „Palace on the Hill“, as we called our villa.

    I had the privilege of both adventuring and relaxing with some top notch friends that I normally work with in the summer at Psycare.

    It has been incredible to have the time with these magical beings without the responsibility of running a service and instead of a dusty sweaty festival ground, in a luxurious house with a private pool surrounded by nature 😍

    The Villa & wedding week highlights:

    10. Bachelor & Bachelorette parties
    The women and unicorns met for a yoga session and a sunset cafe visit before joining up with the men who had experienced a healing sound bath 🛁 what a lovely day to mingle!

    12. Full Moon Ceremony
    I spontaneously jumped filled the slot between lunch and Handfasting Ritual due to logistical issues with the original plan. I held space for the guests to both mindfully arrive to begin the ceremony week as well as build trust and connection within the group with some icebreakers. I was proud of my spontaneous workshop and many people gave me lovely feedback, but most of all I felt honored to contribute to this special occasion 🥰

    We also celebrated Nadine’s Day (her‘s Birthday) & Roce Purification Ceremony, the pouring of coconut milk over the heads of the couple and the wedding party to purify them.

    At the end I got food poisoning which was not my favorite part, but at the same time showed me what amazing friends I have by my side who took such good care of me.

    This was another one for the books,! It was a once in a lifetime alignment of people that touch my soul and heart so deeply not primarily with their actions but simply by being who they are and sharing their time with me.

    Thank you universe. 💜    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler

    Bye bye Beautiful India 🥹, Hello Bangkok

    Feb 19–20 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    After being awake and travelling for over 24 hours I reached Bangkok; in the sweltering heated thickness of its humidity in my Indian dress proudly adorned, long sleeves and all, I came fuzzy headed and foggy eyed and ready to explore.

    My friends, who have been here already a few days, were happy to lead me around to a temple, through the bustling market and food stand strewn streets, down the dark stinky alleys of sketchy 10 Baht bathrooms, and through the China Town madness. We sampled plenty of little goodies from various vendors, sharing bites of deep friend veggies and squishy rice based sweet filled pastry things and juices and smoothies galore!

    Our hotel has a „stuck in time“ retro feeling, in the classiest of ways. There is a gorgeous garden and pool area, a tiny oasis in the busy city.

    My first day in Thailand has been exquisite- but I’m excited to take off again tomorrow, despite the lack of true rest between travel, to enjoy island life for the next 3 weeks 😃    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    My altar on my little terrace in front of my tent. SpiRitUal w/AttiTudE
    The terribly long (3 mins) walk to the beach everyday 😛Eva, Michelle, me, Chris, Fabi. Käthe, AliceTuktukkkkMy frenemy/alarm clock1He literally threw sticks at me from up there that buttfaceOrchids everywhereMy tent 😍🥰 that felt like homeAtzeSunset Rapé RitualsSpartikus the womanThe coolest bar I've ever been to, was more like its own world... hidden corners and rooms everywherHippy Bar1Hippy BarGoa party in the jungle1Kittens at my hostel have their own tiny hammock 😭🥹😭🥹2Kitten siblings ❤️My friend who guarded my tent 😇☺️🥲

    Koh Phayam

    Feb 20–Mar 11 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Oh Koh Phayam!
    You were exactly what I needed these last few weeks… such a chill relaxed vibe, happy people, healthy delicious food, soft beaches, tent life and circadian rhythm, daily contact with animals, jungle dancing… and a group of people who reflected back to me exactly what I needed to work on, who simply in their presence gave me insight about where I am going and what I need to do.

    Khop khun kha!!! 🙏    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    Chasing sunrise by moonlight
    11My little friend joined me for the entire hikeOldddd temple at the top of the hike2Self care manicure pedicure day :)2The Sunday market. Even minutes after getting my heart broken I was able to appreciate the sunset.And hours after able to appreciate the moon over the templeDrag Show 😍Em!!!!Ping 💜 my yoga teacherCooking class at Sammy's FarmMango sticky rice and curry :) we made our own coconut milk from fresh coconuts :)1Choosing to stay playful even when my heart hurts. Choosing me and not losing who I am 💜

    Chiang Mai

    Mar 12–22 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    In Chiang Mai I can say I learned how to let go in a way I did not expect.

    I surprised myself with my own mental and emotional strength and resilience.

    I found an absolutely phenomenal yoga teacher, who feels now like an old friend. I was reminded why I love to belong to the backpacking community- the way that travellers are willing and happy to support one another is beautiful to experience. Travelling brings people together to relate without the burden of set standard social norms; since everyone was raised in different settings with very different cultures, all of these social expectations fall by the wayside or simplify, and make way for a more authentic and raw exchange, mainly of knowledge and ideas.

    I was really emotionally productive in the last days and therefore now also exhausted, so it’s time to escape the city, as much as I really do love it, and have some time closer to nature 🪷    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    "My" cat. She scratches at my door and cries when she hears me crying until I open and let her in
    1Every morning and every evening with her at my side 🥹✨1When people ask where I'm at in my process. Here, *trying* to be grateful and patient1My paradise that holds me while I healInfinity pool 😍2lol I wasn't allowed in yet 🤪😂Typical Pai street 🥰Walking street at night feels magical3Treating myself to whatever I need right nowRandom phtotographer on the street told me I was radiant and asked to snap photos.. the result:121Proof of earthquake that my anger startedAnd proof that I am not imagining the number 13 playing a major role in this! 🤪Butterfly Pea Tea 🫖2Trying some new hairstyles to boost my mood

    Pai Part I: Going Through it

    March 25 in Thailand ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Normally I don’t write about a place until I leave, but I am feeling very safe here and want to give an update since so much is changing within me. I will stay as long as I need to, I am in no rush to be anywhere as I make a safe home within myself.

    I feel incredibly connected to nature, to the universe, and to myself. I’ve got my spark back and my magic is unfolding in ways I didn’t know it could. Sometimes it takes great disappointments to unleash true change- and I am grateful for my path, and for this new chapter, which is also so synchronised with the moon and the nature around me.

    The day before yesterday I reached the peak of emotion, characterised by firey anger, deep hurt, betrayal, an absolute broken sense of trust..and the ground beneath me began to shake. It was day 13 (my number!!) after the phone call that sparked this emotional turmoil happened, and exactly 13 tremors quaked the earth in Pai. I could not help but feel I was an integral part of this natural phenomenon.

    The following morning was New Moon, a chance to start from scratch, and now that I had felt all of my feelings, they began to subside. I began to shift my focus and set concrete intentions. The emotions are still there, but are fading, and as I sink into a deep sense of love towards myself, I’m beginning to make peace with what was. The pangs of heartbreak still make me clench my chest, but the pauses between are moments of peace and they are lengthening.

    Father Time, I know you are the only cure. I’m praying to all my ancestors and to Mama Moon to continue to grant me patience as a walk my path. 💜    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    2Kasia & me
    1Sunsets on swings ✨✨3Being able to laugh at myself 😆

    Pai Part II

    April 5 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    My last days in Chiang Mai and first days in Pai were characterised by a longing for a friend- particularly a female friend- just to hang out, exchange stories, have adventures… as per usual, the universe answered my call and I found Kasia, exactly the kind of company I needed! We hung out at the pool, went on some scooter adventures, talked a lot about our past and our ideas… and today we head back to Chiang Mai together for one last evening of fun before she flies to Kathmandu.

    I changed my plans and instead of going directly to Laos I will be milking my Thai visa for all it’s worth and most likely staying til mid April so that I can experience Thai new year.

    On a personal growth level:

    I’m learning to meet people exactly where they meet me. I am no longer going the extra mile for people giving me the bare minimum, no longer creating space for others by shrinking myself. Protecting my own heart and energy while caring for myself and loving myself wholly have become the center of my universe. Don’t get me wrong, I am still community oriented and do my best to accommodate others- but never again at the cost of my own peace.    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler

    Canggu

    Apr 19–20 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    I had planned the entire time I was in Thailand to go to Laos by slow boat, but something in me resisted every time I went to book. I pushed my visa quite literally til the very last hours of expiration and decided to book a (surprisingly inexpensive) flight to Bali. With less than a day to find accommodation, I took an all female dorm for a night in Canggu, a beach about 45 mins from the airport. It was so clear to me within minutes that this was not my place or my vibe… but I was exhausted and had already paid for the night, so I just showered and slept. The next morning I wrote to a yoga retreat that was affordable and seemed to be a good fit, and although it showed “no available spots” I wrote them anyway and they responded within minutes, offering me a spot that was just cancelled :) I grabbed my backpack and headed there :)Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    1Excursion to the rice fields
    1Cooking class :)Just a cute little streamOfferingsLearning to make an offering basketYummmmmFinal dinner together with the yoginis2Made my own chocolate :)

    Firefly Retreat

    Apr 20–26 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    I booked a spot on a yoga retreat the morning I left Canggu and arrived just 3 hours later.

    It was located next to the rice fields away from the hustle and bustle of the Center. I thought it would give me the soft and relaxed environment I needed to process my separation from both Chiang Mai itself /my new close friend Ping. [This goodbye has actually been pretty hard for me, Thailand started to feel like home and I found one of the deepest connections that I’ve had to another person- that sort of instant close friend, the one where small talk is never necessary, where you can fully be yourself. I feel like I’ve known her for years and I miss her so much every single day!]

    The retreat did not give me what I wanted, rather what I needed… it gave me a mirror to look at myself from a different angle. It challenged me not in my body but in my mind. And it also reconfirmed for me that I’m on the right path.

    💜    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    Adventure time
    Midday is best spent under a waterfall 😍MagicalDancing my way through beautiful BaliWe had THE.BEST.TIME!Accidental photo, captures the vibe thoughSun set and Bali lost power

    Sideman

    May 2 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    I freelance for an entirely remote online company and in the last year cocreated a pretty dope series of
    online workshops and seminars with Allie, an Italian born digital nomad who I had, until this week, never had the pleasure of meeting in the 3D world.

    We finally got the chance to actually hang out and it has been so much fun!! We took our first trip together to Sideman from Ubud, and the entire day was a vibe. From incredibly beautiful hanging flowers and moss covered coves to waterfalls to volcano view from our rooftop terrace lunch stop… it was a magical day from start to finish.

    I forgot in my months of solo travel just how nice it can be to travel with a companion. We will separate for about a week now (I’m itching to move again and she’s not quite ready to leave Ubud) and then regroup for some more adventure :)    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    Brittany 💜
    Sunset ✨Rossy :)

    Kuta Da Housetel

    May 4–6 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Found a diamond in the ruff!! This hostel has exactly the vibe I needed. So many real connections with badass backpackers, and jam sessions every day and night. Highlight was also meeting Rossy, an incredibly talented musician who ended up inviting me on a boat adventure 😍Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler

    Uluwatu

    May 6–9 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    As I mentioned in my last post, I made friends with some musicians jamming at a hostel in Kuta who happened to be the crew of a luxury boat. After we chilled and made music for a few days they invited me to tag along their way home to Labuan Bajo, but I wanted some more of our musical hostel crew to join so I ended up organising an unofficial „tour“ with one of the crew. I’m helping them with some business stuff in exchange for a beautiful suite on board 🥰 The sea was too rough to depart on Wednesday so I decided to make a stop in Uluwatu for a few nights and dance my ass off at a reggaeton party with a new friend Dana. It was well worth it!!Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    3111

    Full Moon Yacht Life

    May 11–12 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Dolphins greeted us playfully as we glided through the sea waves lining the shores of one of the most breathtaking scenes I’ve ever taken in. We slept floating between the rolling hillsides of Komodo National Park, observing deer, birds, and another unknown black animal gallivanting about as the sun gave way to the fullness of the moon.

    Despite having lost the dingy‘s motor and having to dive at sunset, the crew was in good spirits 😅We went to sleep early to charge up for our biggest day yet on the boat adventure.

    We started on our hike at 5am and arrived at the lookout point by sunrise to do a full moon ritual. We felt humbled by the nature around us and asked twice for good measure for permission to set our intentions for the coming month on this sacred land.

    Mama Moon and all her helpers answered our calls for protection and support in the following hours, revealing some of the most incredible beings I ever had the pleasure of witnessing. To name a few of the biggest nature hilights:

    Deer that were not at all phased by humans, dolphins playing next to our boat, Komodo dragons that I could’ve sworn are legit dinosaurs, a flock of huge Dracula-grade bats that took off in a sunset exodus above us, eagles, snorkeling to see healthy corals/bright blue starfish/parrot fish and much more, fireflies gracing my balcony at night, swimming with manta rays, and observing baby sharks and sea turtles next to a pink sandbank in the middle of the ocean…    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    Queen Leah, one of the funniest and most beautiful humans I've gotten to know in my journey
    💜Rossy jam sessionsRossy never remembers the lyrics and never lets me sing alto, loves pork and has the cutest familyWhy don't u let me sing alto where I belong 😂

    Labuan bajo

    May 13–14 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Okay the yacht had us all spoiled as hell… so we booked a fancy villa to enjoy for one night before flying back to Bali the following day.

    I can’t express the gratitude that I feel for this spontaneous boat adventure…. And how much I will miss each person from this short but intensely deep journey.

    I will dearly miss Rossy and his beautiful wife and daughter… he feels like a brother to me and I cannot believe that it may be years before we meet again. Thank you for everything my friend.    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    Dana 💜 beautiful ray of sunshineLaura 💜 incredibly strong beautiful woman!!!Blu, the newest street cat to grace the hostelSpot the kitten 😍

    Hostel Family

    May 18–20 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    We had one last bougie outing to a beach club called Tropical Temptation in Uluwatu before Leah flew home. We treated ourselves to cocktails and a seafood platter for kings while being caressed by the ocean breeze with our feet in the pool and danced in the shallows to the DJ with live drumming til closing. But of course, we eventually ended up back at “home” in Kuta at the hostel where Laura got a tattoo 😂Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    Sunset 😍
    2View from my Homestay1How is he balancing 😂1Got it all to myself!!! Early bird gets the worm!!!Vaccas bro

    Munduk

    May 20–21 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    These last weeks with my hostel family have been incredible, but it was time I part ways and go solo for the final stretch of my trip in Asia.

    I decided to head somewhere less touristy, following recommendations from fellow travellers and Titi (thanks for that!!). I ended up in a Homestay in Munduk, a beautiful little place with breathtaking views and tons of trails waterfalls stemming directly from the property. It’s just what I needed after so much socialising- a quiet place to breathe.

    Had the best morning, waking up with the sun and doing yoga on my terrace while he rose up into the sky… walk to another (even better than yesterday) waterfall where I was alone to play music!! 🥰    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    1View from my terrace2The food is really inexpensive compared to the south and portions are (too) big for me 😅The tiny kitten who sat at my feet for every mealMy 1 minute walk to the beach could be much worse 😍21Black volcanic sandMy lil mocktail 🍸1Happy Birthday Video Chat with Leo......and Mopfy:)

    Pemuteran

    May 23–26 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Tiny sweet beach town with few people, just a couple restaurants. Very quiet and not a whole lot going on, exactly what I wanted 🥰 Off to Munduk (waterfall/mountain/hiking spot) for one more night and then I’ll be ready to head back to the chaos of southern Bali :)Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler

    Adventures with Ven 💜

    May 28 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    I met an incredible human last Sunday named Venon. They are from Jakarta but has made a life in Bali for the past 8 years. We have a lot in common (from our love for adventure, camping, & animals, to passion for community work and human rights) and it has really been a hot minute since I met someone with as much integrity and strong character as Ven. I really came to admire them through our talks and in the little actions in our brief time together…

    Since the first meeting at the hostel concert, we spent time every day together, up until I had to go to the airport for my flight to Vietnam… from beach days to chilling at their house to an insanely beautiful adventure to the places in Bali that I hadn’t yet seen… Ahhh this was a tough goodbye. I wish that I had more time, but am trying to focus on being grateful for the time we had.    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    A puppy "ambushed" us on our morning walk, so we took him with us to the river 😍

    Amed: first Chiang Mai Rival 🙊

    May 28–29 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Even though we had spent quite some time in the car already, we decided to head to Amed, a beautiful oasis with mountains and sea, where Ven‘s good friend Hannah lives with her adorable pup Noodles. Hannah welcomed us into her home like family, as did Noodles with her sweet snuggles and requests for belly rubs 🥰 We stayed the night so that we could go take a walk to the river and after go snorkelling at the beach the next morning. I barely took photos because I was enjoying the moment so thoroughly…

    I have been quite convinced since leaving Thailand that nowhere else could rival Chiang Mai as a contender for my next base… but then there was Amed 🤪😂 I absolutely loved the vibe there, the landscape (IN-FUCKING-CREDIBLE!) and the fact that it is on the ocean, well… I suppose I can have two bases?! 😆

    Thank you Hannah, Noodles, and Venon for everything. I’m leaving Bali with a full heart and contrary to what I believed at the start, I now know I will be back 💖    Read more

  • Molly HoferAsiaTraveler
    Hostel rooftop during the day
    Rooftop at nightBustling streetsNhung :)Nhungs writing in a book :)

    Hanoi

    May 29–Jun 1 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    My flight to Europe that I booked a few months ago is out of Vietnam, so although I didn’t really have time to see much I did at least get a glimpse of Hanoi.

    I visited a queer museum/community center to support an art exhibition for the people affected by genocide and the earthquake in Myanmar and got the chance to meet Nhung, who is at the heart of a grassroots organisation that is making a safe space for the queer community.

    Other than that I just explored the city on foot and enjoyed the (many) places to chill at the waterfront.

    It’s hard for me to grasp that my time in Asia has come to a pause for now. I’m leaving (albeit reluctantly) with my heart full and grateful, so touched by the beautiful people I was privileged enough to meet and the incredible adventures I got to have.    Read more

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