This weekend I turn 65. In anticipation of that big milestone, I began planning a trip to Spain and Portugal late last year. We were to fly out of Los Angeles on the 12th of May and, perhaps like many of you, my plans have disintegrated because of the current situation. At first we were hopeful that we could make the trip later this year. However, as it stands even those plans are too uncertain. But rather than throw myself a pity-party, I decided that I would go through all of my photos from all my previous trips taken during the last 25 years and pick out the ones that meant the most to me. And you know what? Just doing that lifted my mood AND reminded me of how very fortunate I’ve been in my life. If you enjoy hearing about travel and don’t mind looking through a few photos, this week’s post is all about that. My hope is that it inspires you to think back and remember the travel highlights in your own life as well as feel gratitude for the places and people you’ve seen along the way.
Don’t worry though, in the interest of time, I’ve limited my list to my top five trips and the top five WOWs along the way. While we’ve been fortunate to travel to so many places, these five stick out as the most profound in my life.
#1 Egypt. When I turned 60 I told Thom (my husband) that I got to choose where—usually it is a collaboration—but not that time. And as it turned out that trip was the most amazing one to date. Timing was spectacular because it was a few years after Arab Spring and most American’s were afraid to travel there. Not only did that allow us to visit all the sites without crowds, but we received extra-special attention. The country is very dependent on tourism and the people there welcomed us with open arms and did everything possible to make sure we felt safe—and appreciated the majesty of the country. The people were kind, generous and helpful. The sites were AMAZING and everything I dreamed of experiencing. Would we go back? Oh yes, if there weren’t so many other places we have yet to see. Note: Click on photos for captions and to enlarge.
[easy-image-collage id=8903]
#2 Greece. This trip was the first international trip across the “pond” that Thom and I ever took. It was also pre-rightsizing so our finances were pretty tight. But we scrapped enough together to go with two good friends who told us about a 80’ trawler that accommodated 28 people maximum that cruised around the Greek islands. No frills but we did have a separate (tiny) room and bathroom, homemade Greek food every day and an interesting group of ten passengers from around the world. Oh and the Greek Islands like Mykonos and Santorini exceeded our expectations for sun-splashed wonder. After the cruise we did a short tour of Athens, Olympia and Delphi. Awesome memories that helped to light the spark for more travel to come.
[easy-image-collage id=8895]
#3 Scotland/England. My very first published book was published by a well-respected small press from Inverness, Scotland, name Findhorn Press. When I read about the publisher and the amazing little destination that spawned their company, I knew I wanted to visit. Thom was excited because he’d always wanted to see the Eilean Donan Castle. Plus afterwards we were pulled to the mystical sites of Stonehenge, Glastonbury, and the Chalice Well. And while we were there we had to visit Edinburgh, Bath and London because, why not?
[easy-image-collage id=8905]
#4 Mexico. As some of you know I feel I have a special affinity with Mexico. Maybe it’s a past life thing for those of you who believe in such a thing. All I know is we have taken dozens of small trips by car and flown to many others in the interior. Yes we’ve visited the beaches there like Cancun and Ixtapa and they were great. But the most interesting multi-faceted trips have been to Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende and Ajijic. And did I mention they have pyramids too? Apparently I have a thing for pyramids because they keep popping up everywhere we go. I’m so grateful that we were able to climb the Pyramid of the Sun in Mexico City AND the Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt because that is no longer allowed. Not only is Mexico an affordable location to visit, the people are wonderful and the variety of sites offers something for everyone.
[easy-image-collage id=8908]
#5 Tahiti. This final pick was a tough one. We traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia just two years ago and while that was an amazing trip, when I think back Tahiti stands out because it was so beautiful and dreamlike. While I don’t regret Vietnam/Cambodia, and am glad I went, I wouldn’t go back. We also loved Italy and Croatia and plan to definitely return there in the future. But Tahiti was in honor of our 30th Wedding anniversary and a destination we had always dreamed of visiting. Accompanied by friends, we cruised most of the islands like Bora Bora, Moorea and Huahine and finished the trip by staying a few nights at a beach front cabin on Moorea. The South Pacific islands are magical and exactly as we had envisioned.
[easy-image-collage id=8917]
But what about the Wows? As I’ve written about before, Thom is an easygoing travel mate as long as I follow the big rule: Only show me the WOWS! He knows I have a tendency to want to see everything so as long as I focus on WOWS and not run him too hard, he loves letting me plan everything out. So with that in mind, here are five big WOWs along the way.
- Racing around Bora Bora on a Jet Ski follow by lunch on a private island.
- Staying overnight for two nights on Mont St. Michelle in France.
- Two-night cruise of Halong Bay, Vietnam
- A gondola ride during our first trip to Venice.
- Petting whales in off the Baja Mexico
[easy-image-collage id=8926]
I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to choose which trips (or WOWs) meant the most to me because I have truly loved every single one of them for different reasons. They have helped me mold my view of the world we live in—everything from how we all share basic common needs and dreams, to the necessity of working to help make a healthier planet. Our plan now is to go to Spain/Portugal in 2021. But I think it is SMART to remember that we can’t ever take anything for granted, including the people we love or that the places we hope to visit in the future will always be accessible. And let’s never forget to be grateful for the fond memories that will always be with us.
First of all, wish a happy belated birthday and thank you for your sharing.
I appreciate your positive attitude towards life. After reading your article, I remembered the trip I met my wife in Lijiang China three years ago. that reminds us of that beautiful memory.
I’m always curious when US residents travel photos are in other countries. Do you not travel in our beautiful country? There is so much to see right here. I have a sister who also travels abroad and not here and I’ve asked her the same question.
Happy Birthday 🙂
Hi Elle! Good question. Actually we have travel quite a bit here in the U.S. I even thought that someday I might do a post about some of the awesome things we’ve seen and done here as well! But I think in answer to your question I have to say that I want to travel now to places that might be more difficult in the future. I tend to think of travel in the U.S. as easy and figure that we will be able to travel here more as we age. Plus, as the population increases the major “wonders of the world” are becoming less and less accessible. I want to see them while it’s still possible. Also, I really appreciate different cultures, languages and history. I realize that not everyone has that desire but I certainly do and feel incredible blessed that I’ve been able to satisfy the urge. Yes, the U.S. has many amazing things to see and do and I hope to include more of them in the future…but for now, the call to the exotic is stronger. ~Kathy
Happy Birthday, Kathy. It’s always fun to travel vicariously.
Hi Mona! Thanks…and yes, I hope my little trip down memory lane inspired others to do the same. ~Kathy
Happy Birthday to you!! This was a lovely way inspire us. When I did my photo-project this spring, I took time to pull out some of my travel journals as well. It was so much fun to read through the trips and recall some things I forgot in each one. We’ve done mostly US-based travel but do have a few international trips in there as well; I traveled internationally for work but as I used to say, “conference rooms look the same in all countries!”. The Greek Islands is on my list, as are Ireland and Italy. Tim has said that once we’re in a single location again (not splitting time between 2 homes) that he’d consider travel again. He’s not at all fond of travel… a polite way to say he pretty much hates many aspects of it. I’d started to think about finding some girl-pals to travel with… I still might. But all that is now in the future!
Hi Pat! Isn’t it a fun to go back and remember our travels? I also make a slideshow video of our bigger trips and every now and then pull them out and watch them. I ALWAYS feel good doing that. And I’m really grateful that Thom likes to travel as much as me…as long as I don’t make him crazy with trying to see too much, we are excellent travel partners. I think I would HAVE to seek out another pal to travel with if he wasn’t because it has always been so important. The good news is that there are now groups that you can join in if you want with every type of focus, walkers, photographers, history buffs, just women, etc. I would pick a passion and find a group and go…once we go “post-pandemic” of course. Thanks for the birthday wishes. ~Kathy
Happy Birthday and birthday/Memorial Day weekend, Kathy! A big milestone in which you are happy, grateful, healthy, and rightsized. 🙂 I just love your positivism.
Such wonderful memories to look back at, figuratively and via the photos. Beautiful! While we’ve seen and experienced a lot of the world (I forgot you cruised in the Society Islands in French Polynesia as well!), it has happened as a part of our lives, the location/situation we found ourselves in. Nothing can be taken for granted, that’s for sure, and I hope in the next post-pandemic chapter of our lives, Mark and I will be able to take a “real vacation” to one of the world’s wonders and splurge and enjoy without the side-effects of a frugal lifestyle. That might make it easier to pick a highlight as we’d be at a loss right now. 🙂
Hi Liesbet! Thank you for your birthday wishes! And I know you have had a treasure trove of wonderful travel experiences yourself that could never be repeated by just a visit to a country. And as for how we get there and how they unfold –I think that is as individual as we are. The key to me is taking the time to pause and remember what is special about them and be grateful. That I am…thanks for helping me remember. ~Kathy
I enjoyed this post so much! I’ve been to most of these places, and this has helped me relive them. Thank you for your time and inspiration in doing this, Kathy!
Hi Diane! I’m so glad that this post reminded you of some good times too. And yes, aren’t we both some of the “lucky few” who have been able to see them? ~Kathy
Happy birthday, Kathy!??
Loved your travel photos. Wishing you and Thom many happy future travels!
Deb
Hi Deb! And yes I am having a good birthday…not what I originally imagined but good nonetheless! And yes to more “happy future travels.” ~Kathy
Happy memories and a Happy Birthday! Raising a glass to enjoying more of both in the future.
Hi Caree! Thanks and I will drink to that! ~Kathy
Happy birthday! I always love going through my travel photos. Since I usually take a bizillion photos, they help to remind me of the little moments that happen which I might forget otherwise. I like Thom’s rule. I also tend to want to see EVERYTHING, which I know can get a bit tiresome (especially after the 500th photo). Sometimes it’s best to just see the WOWs. You have given me a few additional places to visit for my list. Enjoy your weekend, Kathy!
Hi Janis! I am enjoying my weekend, thank you. 🙂 And yes, isn’t it nice to have a spouse that balances out that need to see and do everything? He’s shown me that it is sometimes the little things like sitting at a quaint little cafe enjoying a cappuccino or a glass of wine and just watching the people pass by that I remember most of all….and I can’t appreciate that if I’m running around like crazy trying to see everything. It’s only taken 65 years for me to appreciate it though 🙂 ~Kathy
Happy birthday, and may your travels only be beginning.
Thank you Tom! I really, Really, REALLY hope that is true! ~Kathy
Happy Birthday Kathy,you are my junior by two weeks! Sixty Five feels pretty good so far. I have been finding comfort in reliving past trips also. We have visited all of the destinations on your list except Egypt which I would love to get to one day. My favorites from your list are Bora Bora and Santorini each of which are stunning. In fact, Bora Bora would be first on my list for a return visit! Next time I want a room over the water 🙂 Love your travel photos. It’s nice to revisit good times!
Hi Suzanne! And happy coming birthday to you. That makes you a fellow Gemini and I know that we celebrate our birthdays for a LONG time!! (Why? Because we can :-)) I had originally claimed the entire year of 2020 as a “Special Birthday Year!” but I decided to postpone it to 2021. I hope that you have something reasonably fun planned for your big day and are as happy to be “gifted” with Medicare as I am. Who would of thought we’d look forward to turning 65 so much? And yes to more travel in the not too distant future. ~Kathy
Oops, I must have gone the wrong direction? I was 65 on 5.7. Yes, those Medicare benefits are wonderful. Will get my ‘free’ gym membership as soon as this mess is done. Happy Birthday and stay well!
Hey Suzanne! so you beat me to Medicare instead! (Happy Belated Birthday to you!) No worries..and yes, the benefits for finally arriving make the year seem better. ~Kathy
What a fun idea to revisit all of your trips by photograph. I need some new art work around my house, and some of my trip photos might be just the thing! I’m sorry for your loss of a birthday trip. We have missed trips to Italy in April and Alaska in May. We were heading to England and Scotland in September for my birthday. Hopefully we can reschedule some of these trips for next spring and summer. In the meantime, we can all dream and plan!
Hi Michele! Oh sorry about missing your trips too. You had a bunch of them planned for sure. The rest of our travel this year is stateside so we believe we can still do most of that…but yeah, not going overseas till next year. And yes, hopefully we can recreate our trips and satisfy that urge. Meanwhile I think your idea of using some of your trip photos to redecorate is a great idea. ~Kathy
Great memories! Wow–You are so much older than me 🙂 Enjoy the day and the start of Medicare.
Hi Gary! hahahahaha…you’re just jealous because I get a few more months of Medicare than you do! Hope to see you soon to “celebrate!” ~Kathy
Happy 65th, Kathy! Sorry you have to miss your big trip (it’ll be grand when you get to do it), but what a delightful solution to the bummed-out-ness of a canceled trip! Great pictures. I’ve heard there’s now a fence around Stonehenge, but you two look as though you’re right up close!
Hi Susan! Thanks. And yes I heard that they put a fence around the Stonehenge making it harder to get so close but I know they have to protect the sites with so many people traveling. It will be interesting to see how things change when we get the virus under control. All the more reason for those of us with the “travel bug” to travel while we are still able. Not giving up…just delayed! ~Kathy
Happy Birthday Kathy, and many, many more to you! You’ve traveled to amazing places- how lucky! Enjoy this special “65th!
Fondly, Susan
Hi Susan! Thank you for my birthday wishes and yes, I have been incredibly fortunate (and still am really) in my life. I know not everyone has the “travel bug” like I do but for those of us sheltering in place who do, it’s really important to remember what we have been able to do. While I don’t think travel will ever be exactly the same, I am hopeful that we will still be able to find ways to satisfy that need when the time comes. ~Kathy
Happy Birthday Beautiful, Inspirational Kathy! A nice reminder how going through our photos can make us feel better. A huge Wow on all of the trips. Greece has been on our wish list. Maybe one day. Homemade Greek food. Our favourite. Actually petting whales?! The smiles on your faces say it all. Have a wonderful time with your alternate plans. I look forward to hearing all about it. Extra huge Birthday Hugs! xx
Hi Erica! I don’t know about you but I sure could use some extra hugs about now 🙂 Thank goodness for Thom in my life…I definitely need some tactile on a regular basis to stay sane. And I’m so glad you liked the photos. I know it was pretty self-indulgent…but hey…self care these days is pretty important. I hope everyone is finding ways to keep themselves as optimistic as possible these days. And yes, my alternate birthday plans turned out to be exactly what I needed. ~Kathy
Happy, Happy Birthday, Kathy!
Thank you for taking us traveling with you. I haven’t been to Egypt, Greece or Tahiti. They are now on my list.
Enjoy your alternate birthday travels. Please keep us posted about them.
Hi Donna! That’s a good way to put it, “alternative birthday plans!” I think we are all experiencing an “alternative year” in so many ways, aren’t we. As for us we are up in the mountains at a cabin for a couple of months now. The temps are cooler and the change of scenery is just what I needed. Regardless of how my plans have changed, I really have so much to be grateful for. Thanks for your good wishes. ~Kathy
Happy Birthday! Medicare, yeah!!!
Great wow photos
I have set a job this summer to go through photo albums and chuck off the old pictures with little meaning any longer or with people I can’t really recall their names.
Hi Haralee! Thanks and yes “Happy Medicare!” Finally! And have fun with your “job”. I confess I didn’t organize or delete those photos with little meaning or with people I can’t even remember while I was doing my search for these. So MANY photos. I really should but doubt it will happen this go around. ~Kathy
Thanks for the inspiration. I have nearly 60,000 photos from our travels. I’m going to do what you did.
Hi Charles! Wow! I’m not sure how many photos I have total but I doubt they are 60,000!!! The biggest problem was all the different ways we have them stored. Some on disks (remember them) some on backup drives and now some in the cloud! I really ought to get that organized!! Have fun with your project. ~Kathy