Silk Road Nights

For fans of Behind the Veil**, this immersive, humourous travel memoir captures the adventure, cultural exchanges, and unpredictable moments of life abroad.** The Vagabunda: Journeys Without Borders is an ongoing memoir that invites readers into the adventurous life of a traveller, archaeologist, and Doctor of Medicine candidate. In this vibrant series, Elyssa Vagabunda shares her explorations across continents, offering a deeply personal window into the cultures, histories, and landscapes she has encountered. This first instalment introduces Elyssa's journey, beginning with preparations in the Middle East and quickly transitioning to her travels across Asia. Readers will follow her path through Iran, Turkey, Georgia (ancient Colchis of the Golden Fleece and the Argonauts), Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and ultimately back to China—a country she had previously called home. Through humorous and adventurous anecdotes, the memoir highlights the excitement of crossing the Steppes, exploring ancient sites, working on archaeological digs, meeting diverse characters, and hiking breathtaking terrain and unexpected dangers, including a daring escape from abduction. With a lifetime of exploration spanning 65 countries and residency in 17 of them across every continent, Elyssa invites readers to experience the wonders of cultural connection and boundless discovery. This instalment sets the stage for future chapters that will journey to new regions, revealing the joys and challenges of a life lived without borders. Readers can anticipate new updates that continue weaving together Elyssa's vibrant tapestry of global travels—offering reflection, adventure, and an enduring celebration of the shared human experience. Note: Please keep in mind that what I'm writing of this journey, as a living book, is ongoing — new chapters will be added as regularly as possible as my reflections continue -- until we arrive at Chongqing, Chin This living book is now complete, but I'll be updating the chapters with additional images to enhance its visual appeal. To access the latest updates, simply refresh or redownload periodically until the final edition is marked complete.