It’s really happening. I spent $1388 on vaccinations and health-related items today during my appointment with Nurse Donna at Passport Health. After 4 shots, my left arm is undoubtedly a little sore. It’s a bit surreal, this whole world travel thing. I find myself doing things to make it really real. Such as, my announcement on Facebook. I wasn’t looking for attention, or pats on the back, I was putting it out to the world so that the idea of it wasn’t just in my head. By telling the world, albeit MY world, I made it bigger than me. I’m now accountable to my hundreds of “friends”. I made a statement and I have to follow through. Or….not. I guess I could bag it. I would come up with an acceptable reason (to me) why I couldn’t/shouldn’t go, and that would be that. People would move on. But what would I do? Where would that leave me? Homeless, for one. I’ve already told my landlord I’m leaving and promised my home to a friend of a friend. I would surely be left Jobless and slightly Poorer too. I’ve shut down my interior design business, burnt out from 20 years and a panoply of indecisive clients. My bank account is definitely feeling the punch from the vaccines and that’s only the first of many hits to be had. Maggie is gone, my two delicious kids are grown and on their own. I am completely untethered. Quite honestly, I am admittedly more afraid of NOT going on this world tour and watching another year of my life drift by on autopilot, unchanged. I NEED change. I want it, and I’m doing everything I can to make it happen. Planning this trip has become a full time job that I absolutely LOVE!! I am finally fueled with excitement and exploration, the possibilities and opportunities that await me, the unknown!! THIS is what life is about!! Carpe Diem!! The research, the stories, the people who have written them, the necessity of talking with people from all over, friends, strangers, strangers who have now become friends…it’s eye opening and spirit-lifting and smile-evoking….and so much more. I hate cliches, but every one I hear applies!! I find lyrics in every song that make a new kind of sense! So I’ve deduced I would be crazy NOT to take this journey! Can you hear how my voice has risen a dozen octaves as I’m writing this??? I’m ALIVE!!!!
And so it begins….
Toured Home 
Carpe Diem, Carpe Noctem!… You are such an inspiration Mer and I wish you nothing but the best! Lots of love and I can’t wait to follow your adventure and journey:)
Thanks Becca! Love and hugs coming back at ya!
Mazel Tov. May you enjoy every moment, even when it gets hard, even when shit happens, because, you know, shit will happen. Eat well, be safe, experience peace, go dancing in every country and drink from the nectar of the gods as much as you can. Love surrounds you, from me to you. xo
Wishing you all the best on this great adventure. Last month Barbara and I met a young man (35 years old) in Camden Maine. He offered to take a picture of us both on our camera and we began to talk. He recently divorced, after a 6 year marriage. He lives in California and decided to take 18 months off to travel the country taking pictures. He gave up his job and started a website called 10Kmiles. He was filled with so many stories of people he met along the way. I am sure that you too will have great adventures, meeting interesting people and visiting wonderful places. It will clear your head and bring focus to what are the important things in life. When you return from your journey, I hope we can get together and hear of your adventure. Who knows, maybe it will motivate this old couple to “seize the day”.
Alan, I know you get it. And I am so thrilled to have decided to take this journey, and that you are coming along for the ride. It really has already begun!
I’m so excited for you Meryl!! You’re doing something that most people wouldn’t even dare dream. I wish you all good things on this amazing journey and I’m so anxious to read and follow. ❌⭕️❌⭕️
SEE YOU IN AUSTRALIA!!!!!!!! Watch out Sydney…..we’e celebrating New Year’s with ya!!!!!
This is OUR YEAR Laurie! Couldn’t be happier to ring it in with you!!
Hey Meryl, well you know how much I want to go to Australia so I guess this is the next best thing !! Can wait to see and hear all about it . Take it all in. Carpe Diem !!
Meryl, I’m so excitied for you !!!! What an incredible adventure, and of course I wish I could do the same. I hope, you find the things your looking for as well as the unexpected. Keep writing so I could live through your experences!!
Love you my darling! Somewhat afraid and apprehensive, but very excited for you as well. Very proud of all that you have done and will continue to accomplish. Maybe your next career will be that of a travel or travel/food writer? Who knows? My hugs,thought and prayers will always be with you forever……..
Love, Mom
Can not stop reading! You rock, be safe! I can’t wait to follow your journey….