It's Time to Travel
Victoria, BC - compliments of Worldwidehearts.com
We did two trips home to the States last year. It was the only travel we have done since Covid hit, right after we moved to Mexico. Both trips were to Mt Pleasant, SC and one included a stop off with friends in Miami. Looking back on our two years living in Mexico, this was not how we planned it would be – but, I learned long ago, my planning makes God laugh. I am, by nature, a planner and a researcher. When I am getting ready to go somewhere new, I devour any information I can find. My mission is to learn as much as I can about the place, what there is to do, where are the best places to go. Ironically, the moment I get on the plane heading somewhere new I throw out my itinerary and let the fun begin. Some may think the hours of researching and planning are a waste of time, but, to me, I find it is part of the fun. Being confined to our new home and the only travel being basically to our old backyard I have felt a certain sense of loss. My wanderlust is lifeless. It is becoming a dull ache in my soul which is growing. The only thing to do is to plan a trip. The funny thing is the rush of ideas of where to go and what to do has been like a tidal wave. First off there are so many places in Mexico we still want to explore, as well as some spots we hit on during our drive, but would really like to go back to.
In the past, a priority to travel was always WARM. I had no interest in going somewhere that required layers or warm weather clothing. I always laughed that we could do those trips when we got old. Well, I’m not saying we got old, but living full time in tropical weather now opens up the possibility of visiting cooler climes. We first explored doing a trip that included the Northeastern US and eastern Canada. That would have required a lot of transportation once we landed in NY. After several conversations with Mike and friends, we have decided to give the Pacific Northwest a visit. Details have not been completely ironed out, but the research has begun, and, as I said, that is half the fun.
That trip will not happen until September so what to do from now until then? Currently we are searching for a new or used engine for our boat. That is no easy feat given the shortage of engines, which is much like the shortage of cars throughout the world. Another by-product of Covid. We do miss getting out on the water even if it is just going to the cove for a swim and some sun.
We are taking the opportunity to spend more time with our friends here, short trips to neighboring beaches, trying out new restaurants and old favorites. Going to hear local music. Dinner parties for special occasions, or if we don’t have one, make up a theme. I guess it is just a matter of accepting that things have changed, and plans don’t always work out the way we would like them to, but that never seems to be bad thing. Letting go of the reins but still staying on the horse sometimes takes you to places you never could imagine, or researched!
Life is good! Sometimes simpler times of kayaking before coffee, cocktails under a palapa and walks with Manito and Mike are all you really need to smile!