Breaking the Stereotype: Singapore’s ‘Aunties’ on an Epic Journey Across Continents
The Singaporean ‘auntie’ is a beloved cultural stereotype—often seen as a middle-aged homemaker, this image evokes respect and affection. However, Norah Soeb, 54, and Susie Chua, 59, are challenging this typical narrative by embarking on extraordinary adventures as 2 Travelling Aunties, living life on the road, far from the quiet retirement most people expect for women their age.
Rather than finding comfort in conventional retirement, Norah and Susie have spent over 460 days traveling through the Americas, a journey spanning the Pan-American Highway in a campervan worth S$47K. Their travels defy expectations, both for their age and for their cultural background, as they embrace a life of freedom and exploration.
The two women met in 2016 at a networking event, each at a crossroads in their personal lives. Norah, once a media professional, had already experienced solo backpacking across Europe and road trips in America. Susie, entrenched in corporate life, was yearning for something more than the usual two-week vacation. Their shared passion for travel and a desire to break free from their mundane routines sparked a deep bond. What started as a friendship quickly blossomed into a partnership, and their mutual love for overlanding—a form of long-distance travel in large vehicles—became the cornerstone of their grand adventure.
In 2019, after purchasing a 23-year-old motorhome named ‘Van Garang,’ Norah and Susie set off for Europe. Their journey took them through the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Morocco, where they embraced the slow, immersive nature of overlanding. Staying at campsites, meeting fellow travelers, and exploring local cultures became a central part of their experience.
Their travels were momentarily interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but they were able to navigate the uncertainty with a flexible, go-with-the-flow attitude, rediscovering new routes as they went. The pandemic reinforced the wisdom of Susie’s decision to leave her job early, allowing them to continue their travels unimpeded.
For Norah, being the only unmarried child in a large family with traditional values added another layer of complexity to her decision to pursue a life of adventure. Her family’s expectations weighed heavily on her, with some questioning her choice to leave her responsibilities behind. Yet, Norah was determined to pursue her own goals and live for herself, not for others.
For Susie, the decision to leave her corporate job was similarly daunting. She ultimately resigned early, sacrificing her bonus to start her journey. The liberation she felt upon handing in her resignation was immense. “I was finally going to live my life and see the world,” she recalls.
After concluding their European journey, Norah and Susie sold ‘Van Garang’ and set their sights on a new adventure: the Pan-American Highway. They traveled through countries such as Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Canada, experiencing the vastness of the Americas. Along the way, they encountered diverse cultures, met inspiring people, and learned valuable lessons from the open road.
The journey was far from easy, and the pandemic threw unexpected challenges their way. However, the pair remained committed to the journey, choosing to take risks rather than retreat in fear. In doing so, they discovered a profound sense of freedom and connection to the world that was far beyond their previous experiences in Singapore.
Their journey culminated in November 2023, but rather than marking an end, their return to Singapore is a temporary pause. The experience of living on the road has irrevocably changed their perspective on life. They have seen the world in ways that most people only dream of and met individuals who, like them, refuse to let age or societal expectations limit their possibilities.
As they prepare to return to their homes in Singapore, Susie reflects on the stress she now observes in the faces of those around her. “I see the difference,” she says. “Having experienced the freedom and happiness, the nature and all the things the world offers, it’s hard to go back to this tiny little island.”
Norah and Susie’s story is one of liberation, proving that life on the open road can offer an entirely new world of possibilities, no matter your age.
