Breaking stereotypes, Norah and Susie embrace freedom and discovery across continents
The term “auntie” in Singapore carries a mix of stereotypes and endearment, often conjuring images of homemakers or retirees living quiet lives. But for Norah Soeb, 54, and Susie Chua, 59, life took a different turn. Together, they embarked on a journey that defies expectations, traveling the world as the 2 Travelling Aunties.
Breaking Free from Convention
The pair first crossed paths at a 2016 networking event for women. Both were at crossroads—Norah, a former media professional, had cherished memories of solo backpacking trips but thought her traveling days were over. Susie, entrenched in corporate life, yearned for more than the typical two-week vacation.
A shared passion for exploration sparked an instant connection, leading to their first trips together. In Yogyakarta, Indonesia, a chance encounter with a foreign camper truck inspired them to explore overlanding—a mode of travel defined by long-haul journeys in campervans that double as mobile homes.
The Maiden Journey
In 2019, armed with a 23-year-old Ford Elnagh motorhome nicknamed Van Garang (“bold” in Malay), they embarked on their first overland adventure through Europe. Their journey took them through France, Spain, Morocco, and beyond, stopping at campsites to explore local attractions and meet fellow travelers.
The pandemic, which struck shortly after, forced them to adapt, changing routes and waiting for borders to reopen. Despite these challenges, they pressed on, inspired by the advice, “Don’t base your decisions on fear.”
Defying Expectations
Their unconventional lifestyle wasn’t without criticism. Friends and family questioned Norah’s choices, particularly as the only unmarried child in a large Malay-Muslim family. But she saw her travels not as an escape, but as a pursuit of personal fulfillment.
Susie, too, faced a tough decision to resign from her job and forgo a year-end bonus. Yet the freedom of the open road proved liberating. “Living on the road opened my eyes to the vastness of the world outside our tiny island,” she reflects.
Adventures Across the Americas
After selling Van Garang, the pair set their sights on the Pan-American Highway, a 460-day journey through Central and North America. They traversed rocky terrains in Alaska, explored vibrant cultures in Guatemala, and reveled in the solitude of remote landscapes.
Meeting fellow travelers along the way, like an 80-year-old German couple who had circled the globe, reinforced their belief in the transformative power of travel.
A Pause, Not a Halt
Returning to Singapore for Chinese New Year and to address family commitments, Norah and Susie admit to feeling a sense of reverse culture shock. “People here look so stressed,” Susie observes. “Having experienced the freedom of the open road, I see how different life can be.”
Far from ending their journey, their return is merely a pause. For these two trailblazing women, the road continues to beckon, offering endless possibilities for discovery and growth.
