Y is for Years
For many years, a girl growing up in a small blue collar town read books as her means of travel to far away destinations. To actually travel internationally felt like a dream. Before Mark was a part of my life, I went on one cruise with my best friend and her family. We went to San Juan and the Virgin Islands.
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| I'm on the left - my hair was dark back then! |
Fast forward a few years, and Mark and I flew to Nassau and stayed for a week for our honeymoon. Those locations all felt different from the USA, but we were still pretty close to home and the Virgin Islands are US territories. A couple of years later, we flew to Hawaii . . .which isn't international travel, but it was my longest flight to date. When our kids were in middle school, Mark and I flew to St. Maarten. I assumed that was as far away as I would ever travel and it felt pretty exotic -- they even had nude and topless beaches!
My first long-haul flight didn't happen until 2016, and it was 12 hours of nerves, excitement, and wide-eyed wonder. We flew from Atlanta to Tel Aviv and I was with a group, but without Mark!! I actually did that trip twice without Mark and twice with Mark. When he wasn't with me, I was surrounded by good friends.
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| me on the left, Terrie, and Duane Duane is one of Mark's best friends and I hung out with them a LOT! |
Now, with me at 66 and my husband at 71, we’ve decided: if not now, when?
We may not have started young, but we’re making up for lost time — one country, one memory, one beautiful view at a time. Our goal is to go somewhere new every year, if at all possible, savoring the richness of different cultures and landscapes while we can. This chapter of life is all about being intentional with our time and generous with our curiosity.
What are the things you have put off for "years" thinking that maybe some day you could/would do it? Is it travel? Is it a new car or a new house? Is it opening yourself up for new relationships? The years keep passing . . .don't let them pass you by!!
If not now, when? I've been traveling through my life, but when I retired ten plus years ago, I chose a "big" trip every years, discounting 2020 and 2021. I went to Japan, Australia, Scottish Islands and Orkney and Peru. Next week I'm off to Southern Africa. Writing a book is at the top of my "If not now, when" list.
ReplyDeleteYes! Write that book!! Also, we were able to slip in a big trip in 2021 - we went to Ireland in October 2021 and we had to wear masks everywhere but it was worth it!!
DeleteI love your goal! Yes! I've always advised that you just have to book the trip. Go now before it's too late. One more letter!
ReplyDeleteWe've almost made it - yay!!
DeleteI had never done any 'international' travel other than several trips to various Carribbean islands (which I loved) until I moved to England at the age of 43. We traveled a lot for those six years, and when we came back my hubs still had an international role so I have seen a lot of Asia too. I've seen a lot of the US, but we're eager to get to some of the beautiful places we've missed. Trying to plan one of those ventures for next year.
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to Vietnam, but I'm not sure Mark wants to go. My brother-in-law has been to Japan a lot and I think I would like to go there, too.
DeleteGrowing up in a working class home, I never imagined I would travel overseas though my interest was encouraged by an elderly neighbour who travelled often. Through employment conditions we were able to travel to Europe in our 20s….wide-eyed with wonder. We spent our 30s and early 40s having camping holidays but were able to travel internationally again as the nest emptied. I agree, go for it, don’t procrastinate! Health issues can come from nowhere and make travel overseas impossible so follow your dream - a new country, new culture and new sights each year and have FUN!
ReplyDeleteWe are also in a travel-forward time of life. Years do pass by; it's good to say "yes" to things before "yes" isn't possible anymore.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you enjoy travelling -- go for it!
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for A-Z Challenge The Honourable Yue-Lao & My Languishing TBR: Y #AtoZChallenge2025 #Books #Bookreview</a
You are so blessed to be able to travel like you do and I love being connected here in blogland so I can "follow" you to all those places! Your photos and descriptions always make me feel like I was right there with you (almost!!). Keep on keepin' on!!
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