02.17.21

Two years ago today  Kathleen and I left Los Angeles airport, heading to Valencia, Spain and beyond. Our goal to “travel the world six weeks at a time” generated two books with that title, took us to 23 countries, over 400 cities, and four continents. So much has happened since then, and of course, the world changed at the beginning of 2020 and has still not returned to anything resembling normal. I don’t think the world “normal” applies anymore since normal is a state of mind or being at any given time, and that previous “normal” is passed and will never return.

I recently took a trip to the US, San Diego area, and the attitude about COVID is so different there, than what we have lived through in Mexico. In the US, COVID IS a thing, and everyone had their stories and experiences. Many I spoke with had it and recovered, with various degrees of severity and inconvenience. A good friend of mine, Felicia, age 88, contracted the virus just recently and spent about 10 days in the hospital in severe distress, but is now healthy. Meanwhile, the 49 year old owner of a trade magazine I work with, Roger, contracted the disease and went from condition “good” to his demise in just a few days. This illness has no rhyme, reason or predictability, so it’s wise we all take precautions.

California, and many other places, SEEM to be on the mend, with the number of illnesses dropping as people either get vaccinations or develop immunity. California removed the “stay at home” order, and outdoors eating is returning, along with the promise of indoor eating due soon, based on the numbers dropping further. According to a good friend in Orange County, CA, who works for the county health department, the numbers are definitely dropping, so that’s not anecdotal, but real life statistics.

I think the hope and prayers are positive, but traveling is just not as much fun right now. One morning I walked down the street to get a coffee and a bagel. I couldn’t sit inside, and by the time I got my coffee and my food, one or the other was cold. There was no sense of intimacy or relaxation, and everyone was going through the motions to get things done, but some of the fun was definitely gone.

I reflected back on some simple things and how they vary in different countries. Like street food.

In Asia, street food is a major foodie draw and the selection is mind blowing. In Mexico I don’t have to go more than a few hundred yards and I can find street tacos and more on any and every street in town. Not so much in the US! Regulations and competition keep street vendors in check, except in the larger cities, where they are on every street corner. But in outlying areas, not so much.

Today is 24 months since we became permanent ex-pats, and in another 30 days it will be one year since we arrived in Mexico. And as much as it IS very nice, Kathleen and I have been anxious to move on. Europe calls us and baring any changes, we will be leaving for Croatia on September 3, followed by Greece and then Albania.

Travel Younger will continue onward, and we hope that those of you that WANT to travel, will follow us, and in turn, JOIN US.