06.20.20

We have been sidelined since March when we returned from China, but now the possibilities to travel MAY be back again. Still a lot of questions, including WHERE to go, how long to stay and what about the virus?

Puerto Morelos, Mexico, has been our home since the end of March, and the town has grown on me. Close to—or ON—the beach, nice weather, though it can be humid and have too many mosquitoes, but the cost of living is very affordable and the proximity to the US is a plus. I will be returning next month for a business event in Utah, and by then the land borders MAY be opening with the US. AIR TRAVEL between the US and Mexico is open, but if we wish to continue our adventure, the questions of “Where do we go now, and How do we get there?” remains unanswered.

The easiest direction to go, and one we DO wish to do explore at some point, is due South. That means Belize and Central America, all new to us. Costa Rico and Panama have been on my list for years and since they are reasonably close, they are must go places. In South America only a few countries call me, which includes Peru, Chile and Ecuador. I don’t know why (convince me!) but most of the continent does not compel me like Europe did/ does. And there is one looming wildcard: The Coronavirus, which is easing up in Europe but very present in the Latin American countries. Which brings up the question of Europe…

We visited lots of places during our first year abroad, but there are many more on my list. We never got into the Nordic region and since I loved Italy and Croatia, Slovenia is a given since it’s almost in between. We really loved Romania, but never quite made it to Albania or Turkey, so they are high as well. I enjoyed our time in Southeast Asia, but not quite sure how compelled I am to return. Granted, we did not get to Indonesia, Bali, Malaysia or China, Korea or Japan, but with my remaining years and budget, I’m not sure if I want to make that trek.

Meanwhile the Middle East still calls out. Israel, my “homeland,” is a must visit and the Pyramids of Egypt are pretty much at the top of my “Seven Wonders of the World” places to visit list, ditto Petra in Jordan. I think the Middle East could be a 90 day sojourn and hit all those places and a few more.

At one time Australia and New Zealand were WAY up on my list, but how different from America are they? Same language, different accents and currency and of course, amazing natural beauty, so I’m still on the fence about a long, long journey Down Under.

When Kathleen and I left we wondered how long we would do this, and just a few answers came up: As long as it’s fun and as long as we’re healthy. The estimated timeline: Five years, an arbitrary and random n

umber. But now the possibilities of settling or staying mostly in one place is a Reality. How real I cannot say.

I welcome your thoughts and THANK YOU all for following. Travel Younger has reached the 500 Follower milestone and I have been fortunate enough to get publications throughout the world to share our story. It’s been totally amazing and awesome.

#mexico, #belize, #travel, #costarico, #panama, #southamerica, #centralamerica