Sue Green, who grew up in Stone and attended Alleyne’s School, has written her first travel memoir, drawing on journeys from Cambodia to the Cook Islands and South America.
Free to Be – Discovering Freedom Beyond Fear brings together Sue’s experiences of travelling beyond familiar surroundings, including new friendships, a demanding trek in Peru and a terrible haircut in Rarotonga.
In details submitted to A Little Bit of Stone, Sue describes how those experiences helped her build confidence, particularly when things did not go to plan.
One of the biggest challenges was completing the Lares Trek in Peru. The altitude, steep climbs and cold nights tested Sue, who recalls questioning her decision to take part.
Sue wrote:
“We set off at four o’clock in the morning, which is an unreasonable time to be doing almost anything, let alone walking into the Andes.”
Her travels also took her to New Zealand and destinations across South America. Alongside the places she visited, Sue remembers the people she met and the unexpected experiences that often made a greater impression than the sights she had set out to see.
There were less comfortable moments too, including long journeys, early starts and questionable food choices. Looking back, Sue says those experiences often became the stories she remembered most.
Writing the memoir gave her a chance to reflect on the journeys and how they had changed her outlook. She hopes sharing them will encourage others to try something unfamiliar, whether that means travelling somewhere new or taking up an opportunity closer to home.
Sue wrote:
“For me, freedom isn’t about being fearless. It’s about not allowing fear to make every decision for you.”
Sue says a portion of the book’s proceeds is being donated to Alzheimer’s Society.
Where to find the book
Advertisement, affiliate link. A Little Bit of Stone receives a commission from qualifying purchases made through the book link below, at no extra cost to you. Read our commercial and affiliate disclosure.
Free to Be – Discovering Freedom Beyond Fear is available to buy through Amazon.
