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Shen’ao Village sits just outside Hangzhou, in China’s Zhejiang province. This is where Amelia met JoAnn Leung. JoAnn left city life behind and restored a 240-year-old courtyard house here, turning it into Eight Blessings Inn. It isn’t built around amenities or schedules. It’s built around meals, conversation, and the belief that time spent together still matters. In this episode, Amelia and JoAnn talk about following a calling later in life, starting over without certainty, and taking responsibility for a place and the people who move through it. JoAnn doesn’t frame her story as reinvention. It’s simply the life she chose—and the one she continues to tend to every day. Shen’ao isn’t preserved. It’s lived in. Craftsmen open their workshops. Neighbors stop to talk. An ancient drainage system still works beneath the stone paths. The village does what it has always done. This episode isn’t about travel as escape. It’s about paying attention—to where you are, to the people around you, and to the kind of life you’re building. 🎥 The YouTube version includes photos and video clips from Shen’ao Village and Eight Blessings Inn. Topics Covered Life inside Shen’ao Village, a thousand-year-old working communityFollowing a calling later in lifeRestoring a 240-year-old courtyard houseBuilding Eight Blessings Inn around meals and conversationResponsibility to place and peopleChoosing attention over paceKeywords Shen’ao Village, Shenao Village, Hangzhou China, Zhejiang China, Zhejiang Province, Eight Blessings Inn, historic villages in China, slow travel, cultural travel, heritage travel, China bed and breakfast Listen & Share If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with someone who values thoughtful travel, meaningful conversation, or stories about choosing a different way to live. Following the show and leaving a review helps these stories reach others. Sponsor This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported Amelia’s travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at:  https://us.ceair.com/en/ Photos from this journey are shared at @AmeliaOldOfficial, with additional details at AmeliaOld.com 

This episode was recorded during Amelia’s stay at Qianhuang Bay, a family-run homestay in Xiling Village, Zhejiang Province, and features a conversation with owner Zhu Xiaokui. Zhu opened Qianhuang Bay in 2016 after returning to his home village following years working in the city. It was the first homestay established in Xiling Village. Since then, the village has grown into a network of more than thirty family-run homestays operating cooperatively rather than in competition. The conversation touches on opening one’s home to travelers, hospitality across language barriers, and how rural communities in China are navigating tourism without losing their footing. Rather than offering recommendations or itineraries, the episode looks at what happens when people choose to stay, work together, and build something slowly over time. This episode is part of a larger series recorded across Zhejiang Province, focused on people, place, and community-led travel. Topics Discussed Qianhuang Bay homestayXiling Village, Zhejiang ProvinceFamily-run homestays in rural ChinaReturning home after working in the cityCooperative tourism modelsHospitality beyond languageRural revitalization and community leadershipKeywords Qianhuang Bay, Xiling Village, Zhejiang Province, family-run homestay China, rural homestay China, community tourism China, sustainable travel, cultural travel, rural revitalization Additional Notes The YouTube version includes photos and video clips from Qianhuang Bay, Xiling Village, and the surrounding area. This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com. If this conversation resonated, consider sharing it with someone who could use a reminder to slow down. You can subscribe, leave a review, and find more episodes wherever you listen. Photos and moments from this journey are on social at @AmeliaOldOfficial, and more about my work can be found at AmeliaOld.com.

A roadside crowd in South Carolina. An ancient mountain path in Jingshan. A scarf passed hand to hand and a cup of whisked tea that turns strangers into friends. This episode traces those moments to show how small, intentional acts can travel farther than we expect. In this episode, Amelia sits down with Zhang Hongyan, a second-generation tea practitioner who returned home to preserve the art of Diancha and open a tea-focused homestay at the base of Jingshan Mountain. She shares how the Jingshan Tea Banquet, rooted in the Tang and Song dynasties, brings together Zen philosophy, etiquette, and presence. Beyond ceremony, she founded Songyun Tea Affairs, a women-led collective that has trained and employed dozens of local women, creating opportunity while keeping cultural heritage alive in the village. We also step into Jingshan Temple and the living culture that surrounds it. Amelia reflects on wearing Hanfu with care, the difference between appropriation and appreciation, and why heritage here isn’t preserved behind glass. It’s practiced every day, in temples, teahouses, and family rituals.  This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel to Changxing, China. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at: https://us.ceair.com/en/ In this episode: • The origins of the Jingshan Tea Banquet • The art of Diancha and why it still matters • Building a women-led tea collective • Visiting Jingshan Temple and wearing Hanfu with respect • How one cup of tea can change a life If this conversation spoke to you, share it with someone who could use a reminder to slow down. Subscribe, leave a review, and find more episodes of Voices of Inspiration wherever you listen. Photos and moments from this journey are on social at @AmeliaOldOfficial, and you can learn more about my work at AmeliaOld.com .  Keywords Jingshan Tea Banquet, Diancha, Jingshan Temple, Hanfu, Zhang Hongyan, Songyun Tea Affairs, Buddhist monks Walk for Peace, women in tea culture, Chinese tea ceremony, Voices of Inspiration podcast

In this episode of Voices of Inspiration, Amelia Old travels to Yinxing Guli Homestay in Changxing County, Zhejiang, China, located near the famous gingko tree corridor. Amelia spends the afternoon with the homestay owner, experiencing a traditional herbal tea bath and moxibustion therapy, and reflecting on how challenging it can be to sit still without distractions. The owner shares how she transitioned from the tea industry to running the homestay, the meaning behind the name Yinxing Guli (“ginkgo hometown”), and the everyday values that guide her work. Photos and video from this visit are available on the YouTube version of this episode. Topics Covered • Yinxing Guli Homestay in Changxing, China • Herbal tea baths and moxibustion therapy • Ginkgo corridor and seasonal travel in Zhejiang • Journey from tea to hospitality • Family values and daily life at a rural homestay • Learning to slow down while traveling This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel to Changxing, China. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at: https://us.ceair.com/en/ For more information about Yinxing Guli Homestay and planning your own visit, you can find their listing here: https://us.trip.com/hotels/changxing-hotel-detail-9055720/yinxing-guli-hotel/  Keywords: Yinxing Guli Homestay, Changxing China, Zhejiang travel, ginkgo corridor China, herbal tea bath, moxibustion therapy, rural homestay China, Voices of Inspiration podcast, travel wellness China

In this episode of Voices of Inspiration, host Amelia Old visits Yunqishe Homestay in Changxing County, Zhejiang Province, to meet Mr. Fang Xiaoping, a fifth-generation practitioner of Wumei, a smoked plum tradition that has been part of this region for more than 500 years. The episode features Mr. Fang speaking in Chinese with translation by Joanna, allowing his voice to remain part of the conversation while making his story accessible. Together they discuss how Wumei is produced, how rural homestays are growing across Zhejiang, and what it takes to run a small, twenty-room property outside major cities. Amelia also reflects on what it was like to move through daily life while relying on translation, and how that experience reshaped the way she paid attention to people and conversations around her. Topics in this episode include: • the history and process behind Wumei • rural homestays and short-stay travel from cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou • balancing tradition with modern hospitality • staffing challenges in the countryside • plans to build a working farm and complete production chain • what visitors take home beyond photos SUPPORT THE SHOW If you enjoy the episode, a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform helps more listeners find the show. More information about Voices of Inspiration, along with episode updates and newsletter sign-ups, is available at ameliaold.com and voicesofinspirationpodcast.com 

This episode of Voices of Inspiration takes place in Miaoxi, a village in the Huzhou region of Zhejiang Province, China. The episode follows time spent at a family-run homestay and a conversation with the owner, Wang Ying, about daily life, hosting travelers, and her transition from working in finance to welcoming guests into her home. Through the discussion, the episode captures moments from the property, walks through tea-covered mountains near the village, and the small details that shaped the experience of staying in rural Zhejiang. Rather than focusing on major landmarks, the episode centers on place, pace, and everyday life outside of China’s largest cities. KEY TOPICS • Staying at a family-run homestay in Miaoxi, Zhejiang • Time spent walking through tea-covered mountains near the village • Daily life and seasonal rhythms in rural Zhejiang • A conversation with Wang Ying about hosting travelers • Family involvement in running the property • Navigating language barriers while traveling • Small tools that helped simplify travel logistics • Beginning the homestay-focused portion of the China series BOOKING INFORMATION Listeners interested in staying at the homestay featured in this episode can find details and booking information at the link below: Huzhou Miaoxi Slide Meisu https://www.trip.com/hotels/v2/huzhou-hotel-detail-44559210/huzhou-miaoxi-slide-meisu/ The property is located approximately 16 km from Huzhou Railway Station and is near local attractions including Elves Alley, Xisaishan Holiday Resort, and Huzhou Giraffe Manor. SUPPORT THE SHOW If you enjoy the episode, a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform helps more listeners find the show. More information about Voices of Inspiration, along with episode updates and newsletter sign-ups, is available at ameliaold.com and voicesofinspirationpodcast.com

In this episode, Amelia looks back on her time in Shanghai, the first stop on a recent project in China. Outside Yu Garden, she found herself thinking about her childhood and how different her sense of the world is today. She describes her visit to Jing’an Temple, an afternoon in Peace Park where people gathered to dance, and the way Shanghai’s neighborhoods shift from one block to the next. She also shares her time at the observatory with its wide city views and a night river cruise along the Bund that offered a completely different look at the skyline. Amelia also talks through the practical side of her trip — the apps that made communication simple, the tools that helped her stay connected, and why Shanghai felt surprisingly comfortable to navigate on her own. This episode lays the foundation for where the series is headed next and why Shanghai was the right place to begin. This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines. Visit their official site for routes and booking information. https://us.ceair.com/en/

After an unexpected year-long break, Amelia returns to Voices of Inspiration with a candid look at why the past year pulled her in a different direction and how she found her way back to the mic. In this episode, she reflects on a year shaped by significant challenges, including a family emergency that required her full attention. She also reflects on completing 100 Things to Do in South Carolina Before You Die and what’s ahead for 2026. Now that the manuscript is turned in and life feels steadier, Amelia is back behind the mic with a clearer understanding of why these conversations matter and why this season felt like the right time to return. This season includes interviews with homestay owners in China, specifically in Shanghai and Zhejiang, whose work supports their communities through local hiring, cultural preservation, and the use of homegrown or locally sourced products. Whether you’ve been listening from the start or tuning in for the first time, this episode brings you up to date and sets the direction for what’s ahead.

Explore the strength and unity of Bryson City, North Carolina, as Erin Smith, owner of Humanité Boutique, shares her journey as a small business owner during challenging times. Learn how the community came together after Hurricane Helene, the lessons that shaped their recovery, and the impact of supporting one another. Erin’s story reveals the importance of connection, resilience, and creating a meaningful legacy, all set against the backdrop of Bryson City’s natural beauty and holiday charm.

Bryson City, NC, is a mountain town in Western North Carolina that blends resilience, community spirit, and festive traditions. In this episode, Sarah Conley, Executive Director of the Swain County TDA, shares how Bryson City navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. From using social media to keep residents informed to preparing for winter visitors, the town demonstrates its strength and ability to adapt in every situation. As the holiday season approaches, Bryson City transforms into a cozy winter retreat. Highlights include the Polar Express train ride, a family favorite that brings holiday stories to life, and the dazzling Christmas Light Spectacular that lights up the town. Visitors can enjoy warm hospitality, stunning mountain views, and countless opportunities to make unforgettable holiday memories. This episode dives into what makes Bryson City truly special—its resilience, holiday magic, and the way it welcomes visitors with open arms, no matter the season. https://www.explorebrysoncity.com/

Beech Mountain, North Carolina, Tourism Marketing Director Armando Garcia shares the story of how this resilient mountain community responded to Hurricane Helene, with heartfelt support from both locals and visitors. As winter approaches, Beech Mountain is prepared to welcome travelers to its snowy slopes and scenic trails. In this episode, Armando provides valuable travel tips on how visitors can support nearby North Carolina communities, making for a winter getaway filled with both adventure and community spirit.

John Murray, owner of 96 Pecan Company in Ninety-Six, South Carolina, discusses pecan farming and candy-making. Learn how his college football experience at Clemson and desire for a meaningful retirement led him to create a thriving business that's become an integral part of his community. In this episode, John talks about: His shift to pecan farmingApplying football lessons to businessNavigating challenges in agriculture and food productionStarting 96 Pecan Company and expanding into candy-makingCreating a welcoming, family-farm atmosphereBuilding customer loyalty through generosityJohn explains how his business has become a place of support for those seeking empathy. We also explore the local community that's supported John's success. Discover: How he's turned his store into a gathering place for localsThe impact of word-of-mouth in a small townHow he uses his business to give back to the communityFor travelers visiting Ninety-Six, SC: Why 96 Pecan Company is worth a stopWhat visitors can experience at the storeA glimpse into small-town Southern hospitalityJohn's story shows that retirement can open new doors. This episode offers insights for those nearing retirement, considering career changes, or interested in stories of reinvention. Listen to how John's post-retirement venture led to a beloved local business, and discover the charm of Ninety-Six through its pecan-centered enterprise. Audio and Video: Melanie Lech Multimedia Special Thanks to Old 96 District

Erica McCier, owner of Indigenous Underground in Abbeville, South Carolina, and 2023 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, shares her remarkable journey from middle school art teacher to celebrated chef. Discover how a near-death experience became the catalyst for McCier's transformation, propelling her from the classroom to the kitchen and ultimately to culinary stardom. In this episode, Erica dishes on: Her surprising transition from teaching to cookingOvercoming health challenges and personal obstaclesOpening Indigenous Underground The whirlwind experience of becoming a SC Chef AmbassadorHow her nomination boosted business and opened new doorsBuilding lasting friendships with fellow chef ambassadorsGet ready for some heartwarming moments as Erica shares how her new role has touched both her life and her customers'. You'll hear firsthand how she's adapted to sudden fame and embraced her expanded responsibilities. We'll also explore Abbeville's tight-knit community that's been crucial to Erica's success. Learn about: Her favorite local hotspotsOrganizing a massive Thanksgiving meal for 500 residentsGetting involved with the Chamber of CommerceHow community support fuels her passionErica's journey proves that food is more than sustenance – it's a way to nourish the soul and bring people together. Whether you're a foodie, an aspiring chef, or simply love a good comeback story, this episode serves up inspiration by the plateful. Tune in to hear how one woman's leap of faith led her to the forefront of South Carolina's food scene, and why following your passion can lead to the most unexpected and rewarding places. Audio and Video: Melanie Lech Multimedia Special Thanks to Old 96 District

Welcome to our latest episode featuring Sharon Manor, a unique bed and breakfast in Abbeville, South Carolina. This former 1920s schoolhouse has been transformed into a cozy inn by the Chupp family. This episode offers insights for history enthusiasts, small-town charm seekers, and those interested in renovation projects. We also share useful tips for aspiring B&B owners. Join us to learn about the journey of Sharon Manor, from its days as a schoolhouse to its current status as a welcoming inn. You'll hear about the challenges and rewards of preserving a piece of local history while creating a comfortable retreat for visitors. Listen now and discover how an old school became a beloved bed and breakfast in the heart of South Carolina. If you enjoyed this episode, hit that subscribe button to catch more stories about hidden gems and travel inspirations! Audio, Video, and BTS: Melanie Lech Multimedia Special Thanks to: The Old 96 District 

Join us as we dive deep into the world of culinary excellence with Chef Darren Smith, a renowned restaurateur and culinary maestro. In this episode, Darren shares his inspiring journey from his early days in the kitchen to becoming a successful restaurant owner. Discover the secrets behind running a thriving restaurant, including the importance of hiring great talent and fostering a positive work environment. Darren reveals the core values that guide his restaurant's success: creating an inviting atmosphere, serving exceptional food promptly, and maintaining menu integrity. Aspiring chefs will gain valuable insights as Darren offers advice on learning from seasoned professionals, exploring cookbooks, and embracing family food traditions. We also explore Darren's personal life, from cherished memories of his grandparents' frugal yet delicious meals to his own tradition of cooking for family and friends. Learn about his passion for local ingredients and the strong relationships he's built with farmers and fishmongers. Darren takes us behind the scenes of his experience on ChefSwap and the thrill of competing on a cooking show. Plus, get insider tips on hidden culinary gems in Conway and the surrounding area. Don't miss this captivating episode filled with culinary wisdom, personal anecdotes, and invaluable advice for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs alike. Rivertown Bistro Bonfire- A Smokin' Taqueria Special Thanks: Visit Myrtle Beach