If you’ve ever felt jealous of young folk taking off on gap year adventures, Paula Rooney’s book is proof that age is no obstacle. I Hope There’s a Kettle in My Room will be the subject of her debut talk at St Austell Library on Monday, April 17, writes Kirstie Newton. 

At the age of 55, Paula found herself furloughed and empty-nesting. In response, she embarked upon a solo backpacking journey around Europe for a month during the summer of 2020. 

Her trip took in 10 countries, 45 trains, 14 buses and 16 beds. Highlights include the charming Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov, Slovenian capital Ljubljana, the panoramic express train through Switzerland and tourist mecca Venice.

“My children had left home, and after 25 years of raising a family, I decided it was time to do something for me,” says Paula, who settled in St Austell 20 years ago and works at Wheal Martyn Museum. 

“My children had been interrailing, and I was very jealous of them. Then I thought, there’s no need to be jealous – just go out there and live. It’s my time.” 

She was adamant she wanted to travel solo. 

“My partner couldn’t just take a month off work, but it was also really freeing to do things without a man to do ‘man things’ for me,” she said.

 This included steering a tin boat through an underground cave in Hungary. 

Paula chose Europe for safety reasons. While her children (who attended Bishop Bronescombe school) knew in advance where they were going to stay, down to the exact hotel, in contrast Paula deliberately avoided planning. 

“I wanted to feel the freedom. I turned up without booking and just hoped they had room. 

“There were little bits of chaos – on one occasion, I didn’t even know which country I was in and had to ask which currency to use – we thought it was funny.” 

Her travel journal began as a personal memoir to read back to herself, but others encouraged her to publish it. 

The title reflects a peculiarly British requirement: “You have to beg for a kettle in a European room, and it was the first thing I asked for. It became an obsession sometimes I would even ring ahead. I also got into the habit of carrying my own loose green tea, which meant I didn’t need milk.” 

The scenario clearly resonates with fellow UK travellers: “The title has sold so many copies because it hits the nail on the head.” 

Now 58 and living in Truro, Paula has caught the travel bug and recently returned from a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago – look out for a second book, due to hit the shelves in July.  Her advice to anyone inspired by her experience: “Think about what suits you rather than what other people think you should do. I prefer nature to big cities, and my trip reflected that.” 

Five-star Amazon reviews praise the book as both a searingly open memoir and a practical travelogue. 

“It certainly made me feel like I could do this too,” said Paul J White. Mission accomplished.  

• Paula Rooney will speak at St Austell Library on Monday April 11, 6.30pm. 

Entry free but book early to avoid disappointment. Call 0300 1234 111 and ask to speak to St Austell Library or email [email protected]