Some retired couples take cruises to exotic destinations or head for sunny beaches.
But for Hazel and Ron Postma, longtime Coquitlam residents, retirement is an opportunity to give back — preferably in a developing country where their work and life experience can make a difference.
Hazel, formerly a journalist and an administrator at Douglas College, and Ron, who owned his own automotive business for 15 years, are leaving the comforts of the Tri-Cities behind for seven months in Laos, in southeast Asia.
As a Cuso International volunteer, Hazel will be working for the Laos National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, which trains disadvantaged people to work in the tourism sector. Ron, who is a director with Coquitlam Sunrise Rotary, will be working on Rotary International water projects.
The couple was expected to leave late this week for Laos.
“We are grateful that Cuso is giving me this opportunity. We are going to do our best to be helpful,” Hazel told The Tri-City News before embarking on the potentially life-changing experience.
Although Ron is not a Cuso volunteer, he will be able to join Hazel in a two-week orientation on language and culture, and help with anything technological that needs doing.
“They embraced him, but I did tell them he could fix anything,” she joked.
While Hazel is working with the tourism institute, helping develop marketing materials and teaching English, Ron will be visiting Rotary water projects.
They expect to live in a modest two-bedroom apartment on Hazel’s Cuso stipend, and Hazel will be given a bike to get to work.
“The stipend is for you to live like you’re a local,” said Hazel.
Markets are close by and fruit and vegetables will be plentiful. But Hazel admitted the experience will test her cooking skills, while Ron hopes to explore some of the patisseries and coffee shops in the city of Viantiane, where they will be living.
They also plan to bring their own Marmite, which the England-born Hazel loves on toast, and the chocolate flakes that Holland-born Ron craves.
They’ve also packed a lot of clothes and books for the trip; Hazel is expected to wear long-sleeved blouses and long skirts to the office, and with rainy season underway, rain gear has also been packed.
The couple has done a lot of traveling in the past, including a six-week rally drive from Plymouth, U.K. to Banjul, Gambia, but this is their longest trip and one that may provide the most challenges.
Luckily, their sons and a number of friends have announced plans to visit and when the going gets tough, the two will have each other.
