From Here to There

As I started to prepare myself, both mentally and emotionally, for the move into yet another decade of life, I came up with a plan. I didn’t necessarily feel comfortable with it right away – it somehow felt like a selfish thing to do.  And piled on top of my recent move to southern California, I realized it was an extravagance. But then I thought about what felt right about it.

I’m not getting any younger, and Lord knows I’m not getting in any better shape as I age. How many more years will I be physically able to “hike” (a term I use loosely) around Europe? How many more years before the arthritis in my fingers makes it impossible to take pictures anymore? To capture and share the beauty that I see in the world?

So, on March 31, I’ll be flying out of Orange County’s John Wayne airport on my way from southern California to southern Europe. It will be a six-week, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, experiencing countries and cultures and cuisine that, up until 6 months ago, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to enjoy. My creative heart is soaring at the thought of all the sculpture and art and architecture that will be taking my breath away as I turn each corner and make the most of each day. I’ll be following the pathways of the ancients, exploring the history of western civilization at its source. I suspect this will be a life-changing adventure. As it should be.

For those who have asked, the current itinerary includes time in Malaga (Spain), Barcelona, Venice, Florence, Rome and Athens. While at the timeshare in Malaga, there will be “day trips” to Cordoba, Seville and Granada, and a day (or two?) in northern Morocco. After an overnight in Nice (France) on the way to Italy, other day trips will include Trieste, Milan, Siena, Cinque Terra and Pompeii. After the first 10 days, all travel will be via train and public transport. And yes, I’ve started breaking in my new walking shoes.

I’m bringing plenty of memory cards. I also plan to journal my way across five countries (on two continents) and then post it here for posterity. Stay tuned!