It's time "The time for alone together was over. It was now time to reconnect with fun." Your blog makes me reflect on so many things about the Covid experience Tommy. Unlike your New York, we have kinda enjoyed it in Oz 'cos until the Delta strain it really didn't affect our lifestyles other than closing down so the pandemic did not have a say. Since the Delta strain we realise that Covid is here to stay. Our state of New South Wales is now 92% single dose and 80% double vaccinated so as of last week we are opening up again. The shops are filling up, the streets are full of cars again. The time for alone together is now over. Our son is coming from Canada for Christmas. Will the neon lights of Gatlinburg reach across the Pacific to invite us? Interesting times. I do not know if I am ready to break out of the safety of our cocoon just yet. Yet I know it is time!
Here’s to your reemergence! Happy to hear about your signs of hope from Australia and your son’s plans. What I have found so interesting about all this is how although we are all experiencing this major global event, each place is experiencing it in different ways. You might expect this between countries, but what has been fascinating is the completely different experiences state-to-state in the same country in terms of rules/regulations and attitudes. This curiosity of mine to experience the differences, and break free from my isolated corner, was what led to my two weekslong road trips I took last year. It’s been fun to revisit them through my writing.
In Search of America I think most people stopped using bumper stickers when care prices went up. Now political statements are made with yard signs which you discovered. It must have been fun revisiting the campus. Eager to read more.
USA in 2020 Yeah. I guess I hadn't noticed the switch away from political bumper stickers until I went looking for them. It's been fun reading through my notes from last year.
Conquering the Andes Interesting take on this consuming subject Tommy. Bolivia is one of our favourite destinations yet entering La Paz by bus is our most vivid memory of that high altitude city...miles and miles of ramshackle unfinished buildings. Kinda a pity you could not stay the extra day to experience the vibe of Pope Francis' arrival.
Bolivia is a wonder. Bolivia was actually the first country on my South America list, but the 4th one I visited. Go figure. The setting of La Paz is indeed extraordinary! And the buildings you mentioned were still unfinished when I was there in 2015. It would have been nice to stay for the Pope, but I made sure to watch the visit's highlights as soon as I got back home.
Missing blogs... The last 18 months has been a good time to clean house and discover buried treasures such as diaries. However, I completed blogging about my past trips in 2011 as a way of getting rid of old slides and pictures. I hope you find e diaries. As for Bolivia, we also almost missed our early morning flight. Fortunately we used a travel agent (due to fears about criminals late at night) who woke us up at midnight, took us to the airport, and checked us in while we relaxed.
No more early morning flights... Exactly. Never would have found it otherwise. On any past blog I write, I always like to keep it as close to my "back then" voice as I can. So it helps to have past notes, or better yet full journal entries! I am glad you made your flight leaving Bolivia. If I could, every long haul flight I was on would leave at 1pm!
Mom's Door There's always a story behind any old door especially if given the opportunity to see what is within. Did your Mum perchance seek to enter her red Number 10? 'Cos if she did, who knows what memories would flood back in! I will post this in our 'Doors, doors & more doors' thread in the Photography Forum.
Unopen Doors No, we just looked from the outside. You're right though, it could've been really interesting. A few years ago a grandchild a previous owner of our house asked if they could take a look around. It was really interesting to hear about her experiences and how the house had changed over the decades. Like time collapsing.
Much appreciated International travels on hiatus for the time being. Doing some domestic road trips in the meantime. Good luck on your trip to Scotland!
North Sea Winds We have experienced those winds and they are wicked. Thanks for sharing the story about the mad Scotswomen. LOL. It sounds like you've had a nice time.
November 2019 Back then it was a delightful family reunion, now it doubles as my last foreign adventure for the foreseeable future. It all depends on perspective. :)
Scottish Ancestors... My wife and I also have many ancestors in Scotland. We plan to visit there at the end of August/early September. Can you divulge your clan or family name...we might be distantly related.
England The last couple of times we've been in England we want to catch a soccer match but our timing has been off. Last time it was near Easter and they were not playing. One day it will happen.
I am 41 years old. I am currently living in New York and enjoying my life as a semi-retired teacher. Although I spend a most of my time in domestic tranquility it is my aim to take one major solo trip each year. My three most recent journeys are a pilgrimage through the Holy Land, a crazy month in Cambodia, and a return to India. Life is one gloriously unpredictable mess. My travels have taken me to many different places and I hope to experience and venture out to many more.
I have filled in many of the gaps between my 2000 graduation up until today. Well apart from the five years living in... full info
Home and Away
Bob Carlsen
Wonderful song...
we saw he light!