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Noodle Trails #1
Noodle Trails, A Travel Memoir: Fair Trade, Dung Trade, and Travels in Thailand and beyond
Failed comedienne and heartbroken idiot loses nearly everything else, and flees to a beach hut to recover. Ten years later, in the same beach hut, she writes her sweet, funny tale of mangoes, lizards, and a new life.
For many winters, it was all sun, sand and souvenir samples, but not now: she's broke, alone and discouraged. This trip could be her last.
She bids farewell to her Fair Trade business partners, producers of such products as:
elephant dung paper
gecko fridge magnets woven from recycled newspapers
patchwork fashions from surplus tsunami aid
brass jewellery from old bombshells
and millions of things from every part of a coconut.
This inspiring true story shows what one woman can do in a world of economic elephants.
Travel journals and a sense of humour are the basis of this eccentric autobiography and "wai" (bow) to all the Thai people and ex-pats who befriended this funny woman.
Best of all, she's wrong: it's not a farewell journey after all.
Tsunamis, heartbreaks and other losses can be survived: hers, theirs, anyone's.
For those who love inspiring memoirs by women, and a touching yet humorous read,
Noodle Trails contains edible insects, tough questions, sarcasm, ambushes of poingance, and an awful lot of elephant dung.
For many winters, it was all sun, sand and souvenir samples, but not now: she's broke, alone and discouraged. This trip could be her last.
She bids farewell to her Fair Trade business partners, producers of such products as:
elephant dung paper
gecko fridge magnets woven from recycled newspapers
patchwork fashions from surplus tsunami aid
brass jewellery from old bombshells
and millions of things from every part of a coconut.
This inspiring true story shows what one woman can do in a world of economic elephants.
Travel journals and a sense of humour are the basis of this eccentric autobiography and "wai" (bow) to all the Thai people and ex-pats who befriended this funny woman.
Best of all, she's wrong: it's not a farewell journey after all.
Tsunamis, heartbreaks and other losses can be survived: hers, theirs, anyone's.
For those who love inspiring memoirs by women, and a touching yet humorous read,
Noodle Trails contains edible insects, tough questions, sarcasm, ambushes of poingance, and an awful lot of elephant dung.
- GenresTravel
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2014
17 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Kay
4 books3 followersEileen Kay is a seasoned solo traveller, long-term ex-pat and author. Previously she was a comedian, a slave in the BBC's film editing dept, and KISS-100 FM radio's traffic presenter Carmen Ghia: "She can make the Hanger Lane Gyratory sound like a deviant sexual act. Put her in charge of all jungles immediately." The Guardian
She fled her native USA, lived in London for 20 years and Scotland for 10, and now splits her time between Thailand and nomadicism. She splits her humour between irony and sarcasm.
She fled her native USA, lived in London for 20 years and Scotland for 10, and now splits her time between Thailand and nomadicism. She splits her humour between irony and sarcasm.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 30, 2016
Noodle Trials By Eileen kay is a memoir read.
Eileen is off to Thailand, like many winters before. Then it was sun, sand and samples of souvenirs, but not now: she's broke, alone and discouraged. This trip could be her last.
This was a very enjoyable read. I loved reading about Thai. I would love to see it for real but the way it was described I could see it in my mind. I love how she described the beaches. They sounded beautiful. Highly recommended. 5*. Thanks to tbc on fb for the arc. #tbconfb.
Eileen is off to Thailand, like many winters before. Then it was sun, sand and samples of souvenirs, but not now: she's broke, alone and discouraged. This trip could be her last.
This was a very enjoyable read. I loved reading about Thai. I would love to see it for real but the way it was described I could see it in my mind. I love how she described the beaches. They sounded beautiful. Highly recommended. 5*. Thanks to tbc on fb for the arc. #tbconfb.
September 7, 2016
Noodle Trails by Eileen Kay A Book Review
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Noodle Trails from The Book Club on facebook in exchange for a fair and honest review – all opinions are my own and not sponsored.
Eileen sets off for her regular annual travels with Thailand firmly in her sights, only this year the circumstances feel different. In the past she has visited foreign parts under her business guise of Eileen’s Imports indulging in her passion to work with small producers of Fair Trade goods. These trips took her to Nepal, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Africa and always her favourite, Thailand. However this trip came as a long term relationship was ended suddenly and out of the blue by her partner, and also as Eileen was having to accept that her once thriving business was no longer profitable. The change in the economy meant that the goods that she imported from small groups of, often, women working on the poverty line, were no longer in demand from the struggling shops & traders of the UK. But the trip has already been booked, and maybe it will provide a time of both grieving and healing for these two great losses in her life, before she can move on to a new life in Scotland.
As a blogger, I was keen to read this journal and experience blog posts brought together in a book. The disclaimer at the beginning does state that whilst the book is based upon real events, many have been dramatized and some is fiction. I have never been to Thailand, or in fact any of the countries that Eileen describes, but she transported me there with wonderful descriptions of the scenery, the people and the infrastructure. But my favourite descriptions were of the food! Every place that she stayed in was rated by the local food – not the food served up to the tourists, but that served in a local lady’s front room or café where the residents would eat. The aromas and tastes conjured up by Eileen’s writing made me salivate for noodles and ginger and chilli!
I learnt so much about Fair Trade – and Eileen’s guilt at letting down her contacts in villages in the middle of nowhere when she was unable to place an order this year. Small orders from western businesses could keep a whole village in work and food for months at a time. But I also laughed out loud at the descriptions of the family from whom she rented her final bungalow – the mixture of Italians and Thais was lovely, and I really hope that these lovely people were real and not fictional! I enjoyed this so much that I have found Eileen’s blog and her facebook page (www.facebook.com/Noodle-Trails-Eileen...) and continue to follow her as she writes another book, learns Thai and I believe continues to wander Thailand.
I rate this book 4 stars.
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Noodle Trails from The Book Club on facebook in exchange for a fair and honest review – all opinions are my own and not sponsored.
Eileen sets off for her regular annual travels with Thailand firmly in her sights, only this year the circumstances feel different. In the past she has visited foreign parts under her business guise of Eileen’s Imports indulging in her passion to work with small producers of Fair Trade goods. These trips took her to Nepal, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Africa and always her favourite, Thailand. However this trip came as a long term relationship was ended suddenly and out of the blue by her partner, and also as Eileen was having to accept that her once thriving business was no longer profitable. The change in the economy meant that the goods that she imported from small groups of, often, women working on the poverty line, were no longer in demand from the struggling shops & traders of the UK. But the trip has already been booked, and maybe it will provide a time of both grieving and healing for these two great losses in her life, before she can move on to a new life in Scotland.
As a blogger, I was keen to read this journal and experience blog posts brought together in a book. The disclaimer at the beginning does state that whilst the book is based upon real events, many have been dramatized and some is fiction. I have never been to Thailand, or in fact any of the countries that Eileen describes, but she transported me there with wonderful descriptions of the scenery, the people and the infrastructure. But my favourite descriptions were of the food! Every place that she stayed in was rated by the local food – not the food served up to the tourists, but that served in a local lady’s front room or café where the residents would eat. The aromas and tastes conjured up by Eileen’s writing made me salivate for noodles and ginger and chilli!
I learnt so much about Fair Trade – and Eileen’s guilt at letting down her contacts in villages in the middle of nowhere when she was unable to place an order this year. Small orders from western businesses could keep a whole village in work and food for months at a time. But I also laughed out loud at the descriptions of the family from whom she rented her final bungalow – the mixture of Italians and Thais was lovely, and I really hope that these lovely people were real and not fictional! I enjoyed this so much that I have found Eileen’s blog and her facebook page (www.facebook.com/Noodle-Trails-Eileen...) and continue to follow her as she writes another book, learns Thai and I believe continues to wander Thailand.
I rate this book 4 stars.
August 10, 2015
Eileen is a traveler, not a tourist. From the title we know she will write of travel adventures in Thailand, but she also offers great observations of her side trips to Vietnam and Cambodia. In Thailand her trips included Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and several forays to islands other than popular ones such as Phuket. Although she wrote that she knew where Pattaya is, she did not write much about it. Of particular interest to travelers is her ability and desire to proceed in a direction and see where it ends up. This is the sign of a true traveler.
I was worried in the first approximately one-third of the book about the emphasis on her feelings about the Tsunami tragedy and ceremonies surrounding an anniversary of it. I have no personal inclination to dwell on horrific events; they happened and we are left to move on, not to celebrate the gruesome particulars. She wrote that she was from Lockerbie, so there was a connection to that tragedy. I began to wonder if I was reading something by a disaster junkie. She redeemed herself toward the end of the book (in my opinion) when she refused to visit Toul Sleng (the genocide museum) in Phnom Penh. She and I have a shared experience; I also declined visits to it as well as to the Killing Fields.
The entire idea of the Fair Trade organization and its activities was entirely new to me. Great stuff. Her descriptions of food were extensive; there might be a cookbook spin-off business possibility here. I was in suspense throughout the book as to what illnesses she might contract. I have lived in the area for almost 30 years and have not been nearly as adventurous in the culinary area as this author.
This is a fine, quick read of particular interest to travelers such as myself, those who keep travelling and forgetting to go “home”.
I was worried in the first approximately one-third of the book about the emphasis on her feelings about the Tsunami tragedy and ceremonies surrounding an anniversary of it. I have no personal inclination to dwell on horrific events; they happened and we are left to move on, not to celebrate the gruesome particulars. She wrote that she was from Lockerbie, so there was a connection to that tragedy. I began to wonder if I was reading something by a disaster junkie. She redeemed herself toward the end of the book (in my opinion) when she refused to visit Toul Sleng (the genocide museum) in Phnom Penh. She and I have a shared experience; I also declined visits to it as well as to the Killing Fields.
The entire idea of the Fair Trade organization and its activities was entirely new to me. Great stuff. Her descriptions of food were extensive; there might be a cookbook spin-off business possibility here. I was in suspense throughout the book as to what illnesses she might contract. I have lived in the area for almost 30 years and have not been nearly as adventurous in the culinary area as this author.
This is a fine, quick read of particular interest to travelers such as myself, those who keep travelling and forgetting to go “home”.
September 13, 2016
I received this copy from TBConFB for an honest review. This book has the feel good factor. You want to grab your passport and head to Thailand immediately. If you love travelling then this is your perfect companion.
Great descriptive language of the people, food and culture resulted in making this book come alive.
Great descriptive language of the people, food and culture resulted in making this book come alive.
September 3, 2022
I enjoyed this book immensely. Ms Kay lays out her situation pending her most recent return to Asia openly. I like how she “speaks”. She gets through her originally perceived goals of maintaining contact with her suppliers in a sketchy time, then listens to her first morning voice to let go and rest. The Noodle Trail is under way. Continuing to trust her her inner voice she sets out to find R&R on an island (as yet unknown) in Thailand. She finally finds her home. The following months bring her the peace and renewed soul and body she needed. The people she encounters en route are memorable and the ending is a new beginning.
May 2, 2020
I enjoyed this nicely written travel memoir. Reading Eileen’s stories brought back memories of my trips to Asia. Her way of describing people, places and situations is very realistic and humorous. Looking forward to read more of her adventures.
April 18, 2020
Honestly loved this book, could feel, smell the country, could picture the character's. Loved all her stories some sad some funny.
May 2, 2020
Good memoir
This was a good story. Ever wonder what it would be like to travel to an exotic land by yourself? This is one ladies story of her travels to Thailand. I enjoyed her story.
This was a good story. Ever wonder what it would be like to travel to an exotic land by yourself? This is one ladies story of her travels to Thailand. I enjoyed her story.
June 15, 2024
This was such an immersive experience into Thailand - as I sat reading it, I was propelled into the sounds and smells of Thailand as I followed Eileen as she navigated life-changing ups and downs. If you've been to Thailand or Indonesia, it'll take you back right there. If you haven't, it'll take you there!
Her memoirs (check out her other three) have a lovely pace and quality of detail, along with a sprinkling of dry humour and emotional honesty, that makes Eileen such a good storyteller,
It's a book I read quickly because I was impatient to find out what happened next, and it's one I still buy for friends and family. So, if you have like travel memoirs from the Far East to Scotland, then dive into her books.
Her memoirs (check out her other three) have a lovely pace and quality of detail, along with a sprinkling of dry humour and emotional honesty, that makes Eileen such a good storyteller,
It's a book I read quickly because I was impatient to find out what happened next, and it's one I still buy for friends and family. So, if you have like travel memoirs from the Far East to Scotland, then dive into her books.
September 24, 2016
Thailand (sunny, safe, cheap, with miles of beaches) is a mecca for Westerners. Some go to stretch out retirement incomes. Some for the booming sex industry and the Thai's look-the-other-way approach. Some seek a nebulous Eastern enlightenment. Some represent non-profit organizations and are there for an easy life and to line their own pockets. Like American politicians, they "Come to do good and stay to do well."
This author is an American living in Scotland. Although she's had many jobs, her passion is Fair Trade - helping independent craftsmen (and women) in Third World countries market their goods. The tiny (to us) sums that the artists receive enable them to live in dignity, if not luxury.
This is her story of an extended visit to Thailand in 2008, when her own world seemed to be falling apart. Her long-time partner jumped ship. The recession had destroyed her import business. She was alone and facing health problems. After many yearly trips to purchase goods, she returned unable to help her friends, but needing to touch base with them anyway. The fact that all of them welcomed her with open arms proves that these are not the usual business relationships, but deep friendships between like-minded people who have bridged some huge cultural divides.
It's an intriguing look at modern-day Thailand (and Cambodia and Viet Nam) seen through the eyes of a woman with a shrewd, realistic appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of South-Asian culture. She avoids the tourist spots and heads for the noodle-stands where the locals work and eat. Eventually, she's accepted as a different kind of Westerner.
There are stories of European and American tourists and expats and how they help and hinder the local's lives. Like any area that depends heavily on tourist money, there's conflict and greed and arrogant behavior, but there is also an opportunity for people from different countries and cultures to cross paths and learn from each other.
Kay writes simply and with humor and honesty. That's what makes a good memoir. I hope she keeps writing. It's impossible to read this book without wanting to know more about her.
This author is an American living in Scotland. Although she's had many jobs, her passion is Fair Trade - helping independent craftsmen (and women) in Third World countries market their goods. The tiny (to us) sums that the artists receive enable them to live in dignity, if not luxury.
This is her story of an extended visit to Thailand in 2008, when her own world seemed to be falling apart. Her long-time partner jumped ship. The recession had destroyed her import business. She was alone and facing health problems. After many yearly trips to purchase goods, she returned unable to help her friends, but needing to touch base with them anyway. The fact that all of them welcomed her with open arms proves that these are not the usual business relationships, but deep friendships between like-minded people who have bridged some huge cultural divides.
It's an intriguing look at modern-day Thailand (and Cambodia and Viet Nam) seen through the eyes of a woman with a shrewd, realistic appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of South-Asian culture. She avoids the tourist spots and heads for the noodle-stands where the locals work and eat. Eventually, she's accepted as a different kind of Westerner.
There are stories of European and American tourists and expats and how they help and hinder the local's lives. Like any area that depends heavily on tourist money, there's conflict and greed and arrogant behavior, but there is also an opportunity for people from different countries and cultures to cross paths and learn from each other.
Kay writes simply and with humor and honesty. That's what makes a good memoir. I hope she keeps writing. It's impossible to read this book without wanting to know more about her.
April 21, 2015
This is an easy read. It is a perfect book to read on a damp spring day with a cup of tea and maybe a cookie or two. The author is a lady to applaud for following her heart and her head into the next adventure.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews