Five Years on the Road
December 10, 2019… five years ago. A long time. Or not.
It was that day I left Los Angeles. My home of 36 years. Before Covid. I had sold everything and was ready for anything. A big world ahead. And I really had no idea how long I’d be gone.
Five years later, I still can’t answer that question.
And now? Thailand has replaced LA. Travel still fills up my calendar. But no longer do I hop incessantly between countries. I like having a home base — returning to the land of spicy food, smiling people, Muay Thai and a bed to call my own. Not to mention Phatzy, my Thai girlfriend. She, as my guide, has brought me into her world, her culture. Without her, I would be hovering ourside it all, scratching my head. Though I do that anyway. :)
Certainly I’m a different person in 2024. I’m 70 years old. I know age is but a number, but there are certain changes you can’t ignore. I love travel, but maybe not as much. So many tourists now. Instagram is everywhere. So annoying. Cities are overflowing. Maybe I miss traveling during Covid? It was quiet then. I do my best to find quiet places. I don’t feel the need to see every temple, church or ruin. They all start blending together, if you know what I mean.
But I am grateful (the key to happiness?). And humbled by the world I find myself in. I pinch myself often — while somewhere in the back of my head I still wonder who and where I am going to be when I grow up.
It can be a lonely path. Many have taken it before, but I wouldn’t mind finding one of these seekers from time to time and have a long chat with them and compare notes.
Every day is an open book. So it’s good to have a routine…
In the morning I like catching up with friends — texting, sometimes calls. Then onto breathwork and meditation. Muay Thai. Massages are always good. Reading. Writing. Of course, planning for my next adventure takes a lot of work.
And I love making time for nothing.
This was a good travel year. I liked the balance. I got my long term visa and stayed in Thailand for nine months. Spring sucks here. So hot. Fall is wet. Good times to escape, with a short trip in the spring and a longer one in the fall. A good plan. This year I explored the south island of New Zealand, Bhutan and Nepal. (blogs hopefully soon).
But there is also without a doubt, the incessant pull of the world I haven’t discovered. My list is long. Staying close to home, exploring Thailand has been a treat. It’s a large and varied country. So much to see.
Right now I am in Chiang Mai in the north. Fall/Winter is a perfect time to be here. Samui, in the south, is lovely but limited (and this time of year very wet!). Chiang Mai is like a little Bangkok (with its share of traffic). Full of excitement —people, restaurants and bars, mountains, hiking and biking. I can see it eventually taking a place in my life.
Then a few weeks ago, I rented a motorcycle and drove in a loop around Northern Thailand for two weeks. I was fascinated with the little towns along the way where English is rarely spoken. I plan to repeat the trip next fall.
Next Spring it’s Japan and South Korea. In the Fall — a trip back to the US. I doubt I’ll be moving back anytime soon, so I love to go back and see family and friends. And maybe what I left behind.
Then off to Portugal (my close friends Mitchell and Laura just settled there), then Crete (for my 50th anniversary of my first visit). Then maybe add a surprise visit somewhere — something new and fun.
2026? What about Sri Lanka? Or Malaysia (it’s so close!)?. Australia (of course since Summer just moved there)? I’ve never been to Spain. And I only got part way though South America when Covid hit — so much more to see there. Eastern Europe? Why not? I’d love to sneak into Iran, but the Middle East? Maybe not now. But the time will come. And what about the places worthy of a return? India comes to mind. Africa (the Great Migration and seeing the Silverbacks top the list). It’s a big world and I don’t plan on seeing everything, but it’s fun to imagine.
I feel I have a good five more years at this pace.
Then what? I ask myself the same question. But I’m not sure there is an answer. Not right now. I guess when it comes, I’ll know.
Today I just want to acknowledge what I’ve accomplished. Give thanks. I’m happy I have my health. My humor. My family and friends (new and old from around the world).
I’m grateful for this blog — sharing my reflections and experiences. I know I’m just scratching the surface. Writing challenges me and connects me with you. I love your feedback and encouragement. It means more than you realize. So thank you.
Here’s to the next five years. How cool is that?
