“Are you going to another country tomorrow?” That’s what my grandson asked me, on the verge of tears, when I came back from Mexico last September. I assured him I wasn’t leaving the next day, but also made sure he knew that my travel days were not over.
In about a week I’ll be landing in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. It’s a new country for me and it’s where I’ll start three months of travel in South America.
Three months sounds like a lot, judging by the reactions I get when people ask how long I’m traveling for, but I know it’s not nearly enough for a huge continent like South America. Since I started researching this trip two years ago, I’ve gone from reading blogs with 12-month itineraries, then 6-months and now just three. So, you should be asking me why my trip is so short!
It turns out retirement is actually quite busy, but all for good reasons. There’s family commitments, time with grandkids, and getting more and more involved in my community. And I also know that an epic trip is not at all determined by its length.
Another problem I’ve had in preparing for this trip is packing. You’d think after all of my world travels it would be a breeze, but I just can’t escape packing stress! Over the past few months, I’ve bought and returned backpacks, made the difficult decision to travel with hiking boots and all the associated gear, and have “practice packed” several times without feeling any better.
I do love the new backpack I eventually bought, I just wish it could magically hold more without getting any heavier. When I’m struggling to close all of the compartments I just need to remind myself that no matter what size my pack, it would be stuffed to the brim anyway, so smaller is definitely better.
So as I embark on this journey, I’m going to remind myself that when things don’t go as planned, when my backpack gets too heavy, when I’m too hot or too cold, when I have an uncomfortable bed or an upset stomach, when I’m lonely or when I’m tired of being around people – these are really all good problems to have. I’m so lucky to be able to take this journey and I’m mostly very, very excited about it.
In the coming months, look for posts (my goal is twice a week) sharing what I’m learning about the people and places I encounter, as well as what I discover about myself along the way.
For those of you who like to “travel” along with me, here are some of the places we are headed to. Pack your hiking shoes!
| March | Colombia | * A few days in Bogotá * Five days in the Cocora Valley, hiking and coffee! * Five weeks volunteering in Medellín with weekend trips to surrounding towns |
| April | Brazil | * If all goes according to plan, I’ll meet my son in Rio (Did you buy your ticket yet, Ricardo?) * Several days in Porto Alegre (southern Brazil) visiting friends * Traveling overland to Antofagasta, Chile * Several days in northern Chile visiting Bolivian friends who now live in Chile * Traveling overland towards Cusco, Peru |
| May | Peru | * Arrive overland in Cusco and spend a few days getting acclimated and preparing for a trek * 5-day trek to Choquequirao (the “other Machu Picchu”) and 2 days visiting Machu Picchu and more hiking * More time back in Cusco and surrounding areas (or head north to visit the Galápagos Islands?) . . . |
February 17, 2024 @ 21:22
I love your comment about “good problems to have” ~ I’ll try to remember that when I travel this summer! Meanwhile, safe and HAPPY travels to you,my friend!
February 19, 2024 @ 11:23
Thanks, Pam! I want to read blog posts about your travels!
February 18, 2024 @ 00:43
Hi Tim
We travelled together in Vietnam on an Eric Kim photo workshop trip. I have enjoyed reading your blog and about you and your life and your travels.
I had to write to strongly suggest that you go to the Galapagos.
Hav a safe and wonderful journey. I look forward to your posts.
February 19, 2024 @ 11:33
Great to hear from you, Connie! (Of course I remember you.) I still see Eric and Cindy regularly. Thanks for the tip about the Galapagos – I was hoping for some encouragement to go for it! And thanks for following along on my blog. Hope you’re doing well. Hi to Rick.
February 18, 2024 @ 08:34
Safe travels, Tim! Can’t wait to read all about your adventures and see pictures.
(Also, love the pic of the 3rd and 4th place Scrabble winners 🤣).
February 19, 2024 @ 11:34
Oh, you had to mention that. At least I came up from 4th place at the last moment.
February 18, 2024 @ 08:53
Hi Tim! I don’t often comment, but I want you to know I read and love each one of your posts – they are both thoughtful and inspiring! Going to Machu Picchu with you in 1992 was one of the best trips I’ve ever had. I want to go back one day, but until then I will live vicariously through you. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
February 19, 2024 @ 11:38
I almost don’t want to go back to Machu Picchu because our trip was just magical. What could be better? I can’t even compare it to other trips or I’ll be continually disappointed! I do remember it like it was yesterday. Great to hear from you, Sarah, and thanks for following along. I’ll do my best to convey my experiences 32 years later!
February 18, 2024 @ 09:21
Whoooo Hoooooo! We’re going on another adventure!!! Thank you, Tim…….a perfect diversion for this time of year. As always, I cannot wait to travel with you.
Bon Voyage…..stay safe and enjoy every moment!
February 19, 2024 @ 11:38
I knew you’d be excited. Glad to provide some diversion for you, Lori!
February 18, 2024 @ 10:38
I love to hear from you and read about your journeys. Stay safe and be well and happy!
February 19, 2024 @ 11:39
Thanks, Susanne. It’s great to hear from you.
February 18, 2024 @ 14:49
Hi Tim,
Safe travels. Can’t wait to follow along on your journey!
February 19, 2024 @ 11:39
Thanks, Karen. Glad to have you following along!
February 18, 2024 @ 17:30
Tim – You are amazing!! It’s such a treat to travel vicariously with you! Have a great time and don’t forget to come back to us!
February 19, 2024 @ 11:40
I’ll be back! It’s getting harder to leave because of all the great people I meet on Sundays.
February 19, 2024 @ 08:03
Tim, always love your positive attitude, and “Good problems to have,” is what I’ll have to remember while traveling in Europe this spring with David for our 30th anniversary.
I admire your adventures spirit and your generous nature, helping humanity wherever you go.
Safe and joyful travels to you and your friends.
February 19, 2024 @ 11:41
Thanks, Diane, and happy anniversary to you and David. I’d love to hear about your trip.
February 19, 2024 @ 09:34
Adios, my friend,
l’ll wave to you from Cozumel and throw to the wind some sand from the beaches of Normandy, or maybe toss a note in a bottle to reach the shores of Brazil…to set up for our next adventure!
Safe travels🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
February 19, 2024 @ 11:42
I guess your traveling life is doing just fine without me! Hasta luego, amiga.
February 19, 2024 @ 21:27
So exciting! I’ll be looking forward to your posts! Safe travels.
February 20, 2024 @ 21:32
Thanks, Kris. Glad you’re following along.
February 22, 2024 @ 14:23
Hi Tim , The song that I hear when reading your logs is….on the road again! All of us just hanging in our towns, feel a bit jealous! Looking forward to your writing. 👍
February 24, 2024 @ 21:34
I’ll have that song in my head when I take off tomorrow!