with gratitude +
our top 5 moments of 2017
Did this year fly by or what? We turned around and now, it's time to flip the calendar (those of you who still do that sort of thing know how satisfying and defining that can be). Len and I are discovering that as we get older, calendar flipping materializes much too often. However, we savor in the fact that as those pages flip, so do some extraordinary moments. Unforgettable people. Life-changing stories.
According to our trusty Tripit.com app (if you don't have it, get it - go pro - worth every dime), we've traveled in excess of 39K miles, visited six countries and been on the road 62 days. I'd say that was rather spiffy!
There are days when when we long to nestle together on the sofa,
wrap up in the many (now) ratty blankets that are tossed on furniture backs that we have acquired during travels,
(physically) switch on our TV that refuses to respond to the remote anymore,
brew a pot of coffee and binge on Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead.
We don't answer the phone, respond to texts or check emails.
About an hour in, we begin to get restless, knowing there's something going on that we must attend. I wiggle. Then Len wiggles. Inevitably, the conversation moves from John Snow or Rick Grimes to "Where did you say you want to go next?"
We blame travel. We blame the world. We blame the feeling that overcomes us when we see the Belfast City Hall blazing in electric blue Christmas lights, the sip of Nero D'Avola that delights our palates and takes us to the most idyllic sea-side town, the exhaustion I (definitely Judy) sense as I soar up five flights of stairs and land at the heels of my Roman Adonis, the melody and cadence of "A pint" as it slips between our lips, and the warmth of burning coal and the company of strangers on a cold afternoon.
We know why we get restless.
We will continue our quest to be restless the rest of our days.
Won't you be restless with us?
As you know, we're no list makers - except this time of year! Our five most extraordinary moments of 2017!
According to our trusty Tripit.com app (if you don't have it, get it - go pro - worth every dime), we've traveled in excess of 39K miles, visited six countries and been on the road 62 days. I'd say that was rather spiffy!
There are days when when we long to nestle together on the sofa,
wrap up in the many (now) ratty blankets that are tossed on furniture backs that we have acquired during travels,
(physically) switch on our TV that refuses to respond to the remote anymore,
brew a pot of coffee and binge on Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead.
We don't answer the phone, respond to texts or check emails.
About an hour in, we begin to get restless, knowing there's something going on that we must attend. I wiggle. Then Len wiggles. Inevitably, the conversation moves from John Snow or Rick Grimes to "Where did you say you want to go next?"
We blame travel. We blame the world. We blame the feeling that overcomes us when we see the Belfast City Hall blazing in electric blue Christmas lights, the sip of Nero D'Avola that delights our palates and takes us to the most idyllic sea-side town, the exhaustion I (definitely Judy) sense as I soar up five flights of stairs and land at the heels of my Roman Adonis, the melody and cadence of "A pint" as it slips between our lips, and the warmth of burning coal and the company of strangers on a cold afternoon.
We know why we get restless.
We will continue our quest to be restless the rest of our days.
Won't you be restless with us?
As you know, we're no list makers - except this time of year! Our five most extraordinary moments of 2017!
#5: A total eclipse of the sun
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It was August 21, 2017. Len had planned for months. The perfect spot. The perfect lens. The perfect everything. He had crafted home-made doo-dads for his lens, testing it out on the moon and sun, ordering this-and-that that might allow him to get certain effects, of which I can remember no names. He was obsessed but he was ready. Eclipse fever, and everyone had it.
In order to beat the crowds, we left our little cabin around 6 a.m. that morning, drove to Field of the Woods in Murphy, North Carolina. Our minds scrambled like Ralphie's in A Christmas Story, fearing the world would have discovered our little mountain top and would have beat us to OUR spot and there would be no room left for the three of us. |
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Along with our photographer buddy Mark Peavy, the three of us turned into the parking lot expecting hundreds of cars and pitched tents already set up, waiting for the 2 p.m. moment. Instead, crickets. We were the first. We exhaled and thought maybe we were there on the wrong day. Could it be? How could anyone miss this place? About three hours later, a few cars began taking up parking spaces and we were meeting new friends. Oddly enough, it was a family affair; generations all came together to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event.
It turned out to be a wonderful day, all we had wanted, and it when the skies went dark mid-afternoon, it felt as though God literally reached down and gave us a hug. An afternoon for the history books, and Len captured it.
It turned out to be a wonderful day, all we had wanted, and it when the skies went dark mid-afternoon, it felt as though God literally reached down and gave us a hug. An afternoon for the history books, and Len captured it.
#4: mardi gras in mobile, alabama
We had always heard about Mardi Gras in New Orleans. We had never heard about Mardi Gras in Mobile.
Now, we have lived it.
The masses of people lining the streets were only one-uped by the cleaners who descended upon the downtown immediately following the daily parade, blowing, scooping and washing away remnants of beads and confetti. And in minutes, it appeared as though it had been a normal day. As a matter of safety, avoid the street cleaning machines.
And the food! Mobile, you are a master at Po-boys, beignets and Bloody Marys. And Spot of Tea, don't even get me started about Banana's Foster French Toast and that moon pie banana pudding concoction that screamed at me to jump in. It simply isn't just for dessert anymore! And Wintzell's Oyster House and Pinkie, you're my kind of place and lady. Bloody Mary's that make me forget my agenda for the rest of the day. After 75 years of practice, you've figured the mystic of dining out. We need to talk about the oysters: "fried, stewed and nude."
With Mobile's affinity for Moon Pies and beads, we ate them and wore them each day. Parades daily - fire breathing dragons, ornate floats, marching bands, elaborate tunes, little brass bands. Our highlight, walking in the Joe Cain Parade, considered to be the founder of Mardi Gras in Mobile. It is considered the people's parade. Equally as incredible was working behind the scenes at the Mystic Hangout, an enormous warehouse lodging all the floats just waiting to be filled to the brim with beads and Moon Pies to toss. And the balls. We were honored to be in attendance with thousands of revelers at the Mystics of Time Ball, complete in white tie and tails and gown.
Mobile, you are definitely a gem on the Gulf Coast. Those heading to New Orleans might reconsider their route in 2018. Remember, Mobile was the first to celebrate Mardi Gras in America in 1703, so they've had a long time to get it right.
Now, we have lived it.
The masses of people lining the streets were only one-uped by the cleaners who descended upon the downtown immediately following the daily parade, blowing, scooping and washing away remnants of beads and confetti. And in minutes, it appeared as though it had been a normal day. As a matter of safety, avoid the street cleaning machines.
And the food! Mobile, you are a master at Po-boys, beignets and Bloody Marys. And Spot of Tea, don't even get me started about Banana's Foster French Toast and that moon pie banana pudding concoction that screamed at me to jump in. It simply isn't just for dessert anymore! And Wintzell's Oyster House and Pinkie, you're my kind of place and lady. Bloody Mary's that make me forget my agenda for the rest of the day. After 75 years of practice, you've figured the mystic of dining out. We need to talk about the oysters: "fried, stewed and nude."
With Mobile's affinity for Moon Pies and beads, we ate them and wore them each day. Parades daily - fire breathing dragons, ornate floats, marching bands, elaborate tunes, little brass bands. Our highlight, walking in the Joe Cain Parade, considered to be the founder of Mardi Gras in Mobile. It is considered the people's parade. Equally as incredible was working behind the scenes at the Mystic Hangout, an enormous warehouse lodging all the floats just waiting to be filled to the brim with beads and Moon Pies to toss. And the balls. We were honored to be in attendance with thousands of revelers at the Mystics of Time Ball, complete in white tie and tails and gown.
Mobile, you are definitely a gem on the Gulf Coast. Those heading to New Orleans might reconsider their route in 2018. Remember, Mobile was the first to celebrate Mardi Gras in America in 1703, so they've had a long time to get it right.
#3: Taking a leap of Faith
It had been an ongoing discussion for years, whether or not to seek medical treatment outside of the country or stay at home and deal with the massive cost of extensive dental care, a cost that would no doubt rise as the years went by. As if it were a sign from the heavens, I lost one tooth, then another. Len just looked at me and sighed. "It's time. No discussion."
We had found ourselves close to the this decision in 2016, so the research was complete; the clinic, named. The question was simply whether or not I would chicken-out! I couldn't this time, and as we found our way on a long flight to Costa Rica, we realized how lucky we were to have each other, good credit, and Meza Dental Clinic. This was our turning point.
Although we did not explore the country as we much as we would have liked, our next visit in March of 2018 will provide some healing time, some down time. I can almost guarantee you'll find Costa Rica and Dr. Meza on the 2018 list, for you can't have a life-changing event and not give credit where credit is due. And, I'm hoping that instead of photos of Dr. Meza and Len, you'll see my (Judy's) smile, stretching across the page, blinding you with joy!
We take away two important concepts: research and faith. Wherever you go, for whatever reason, do your homework. Learn about the country, the community, the city block. What is available to you, what do you seek, how will it change you. Then, have the faith to step out of your comfort zone and simply go. Believe in the power and opportunity and beauty of the wonderful world.
We had found ourselves close to the this decision in 2016, so the research was complete; the clinic, named. The question was simply whether or not I would chicken-out! I couldn't this time, and as we found our way on a long flight to Costa Rica, we realized how lucky we were to have each other, good credit, and Meza Dental Clinic. This was our turning point.
Although we did not explore the country as we much as we would have liked, our next visit in March of 2018 will provide some healing time, some down time. I can almost guarantee you'll find Costa Rica and Dr. Meza on the 2018 list, for you can't have a life-changing event and not give credit where credit is due. And, I'm hoping that instead of photos of Dr. Meza and Len, you'll see my (Judy's) smile, stretching across the page, blinding you with joy!
We take away two important concepts: research and faith. Wherever you go, for whatever reason, do your homework. Learn about the country, the community, the city block. What is available to you, what do you seek, how will it change you. Then, have the faith to step out of your comfort zone and simply go. Believe in the power and opportunity and beauty of the wonderful world.
#2: Meeting the causeway storyteller
We have long had a love affair with Ireland. Now, we have a love affair with Northern Ireland. And its people are the main reason.
We meet many people during our journeys; many, as time passes, fade into our memory, but their destination often leaves a lasting impression. For it wasn't their words that moved us as much as it was the place.
This time was different. When passion is involved, you can't help but share a beating heart with, in this case, a stranger from another country whose devotion for his homeland shapes everything he says and does. Mark Rodgers has lived his life on the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland; as a third generation guide to visitors to his country, Mark breathes life into these rocks and passageways. It's not simply legends or myths, but family stories of a people who have survived thousands of years, now living on land guided by the National Trust as a World Heritage site. It's tangible history, he says.
His son Jamie (last photo) is now the fourth generation Rodgers storyteller. A source of pride for Mark and an assurance that this history will not die. His company Dalriada Kingdom Tours is named for the old kingdom of Dalriada, recognizing that "our future is anchored in our past."
If travel takes you to Northern Ireland (and it should), reach out to a local and feel the earth move beneath your feet, experience a community of families that once walked these paths, sense the majesty of the rock formations and understand the sovereignty of the mighty sea. Listen to the voice of the Causeway Storyteller and you'll understand where you are.
I'm glad to say this man is no longer a stranger but family.
We meet many people during our journeys; many, as time passes, fade into our memory, but their destination often leaves a lasting impression. For it wasn't their words that moved us as much as it was the place.
This time was different. When passion is involved, you can't help but share a beating heart with, in this case, a stranger from another country whose devotion for his homeland shapes everything he says and does. Mark Rodgers has lived his life on the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland; as a third generation guide to visitors to his country, Mark breathes life into these rocks and passageways. It's not simply legends or myths, but family stories of a people who have survived thousands of years, now living on land guided by the National Trust as a World Heritage site. It's tangible history, he says.
His son Jamie (last photo) is now the fourth generation Rodgers storyteller. A source of pride for Mark and an assurance that this history will not die. His company Dalriada Kingdom Tours is named for the old kingdom of Dalriada, recognizing that "our future is anchored in our past."
If travel takes you to Northern Ireland (and it should), reach out to a local and feel the earth move beneath your feet, experience a community of families that once walked these paths, sense the majesty of the rock formations and understand the sovereignty of the mighty sea. Listen to the voice of the Causeway Storyteller and you'll understand where you are.
I'm glad to say this man is no longer a stranger but family.
#1: Retracing Len's Roots
One of the last things that Len's cousin Sal said to him before Sal died, "Go to Sicily. Meet your relatives."
We decided that waiting until the time was right or until we could afford it would never come. Sal died unexpectedly. No warning. The same could be said of us. So, andiamo (we go)!
From Rome to Salerno to the Amalfi Coast to Taormina to Castellammare del Golfo, we inhaled the Italian lifestyle. We savored our cappuccino and espresso, grabbed a pastry whenever we could, chose chocolate and antipasto over chips, delighted in our discovery of arancini. We were ecstatic we didn't rent a car in Rome, but when we picked our car up in Taormina for our Sicily adventure, we both eyed each other with an "oops." However, without that car, we would never have driven down cow paths and stopped at the roadside markets admiring French truckers ordering espressos from coffee bars in gas stations, tackled the unwieldy traffic in Catania just to catch a glimpse of a 12th century church, never have understood exactly how Sicilians tow cars and the process it takes to retrieve one from an impound lot unless we went through it, gotten lost in the sea-side town of Agrigento only to discover Hera's temple, and arrive at Len's grandparent's hometown of Castellemmare del Golfo, confuse the heck out of our GPS and almost drive into the sea. All in a day's work, we say. All for adventure and substance.
We did find Len's cousins - Cesare and Lucia - in their beautiful little party shop only about 100 yards from our lovely Airbnb. Although time was short, we hugged and kissed and promised it would not be our last visit. Len connected with a generation that he had only known through conversations and stories; now, there is a connection. A face-to-face connection as well as a physical connection to the land from where he came.
To Angelina and Salvatore who gave to us a marvelous legacy - we made it and it won't be the last time.
We decided that waiting until the time was right or until we could afford it would never come. Sal died unexpectedly. No warning. The same could be said of us. So, andiamo (we go)!
From Rome to Salerno to the Amalfi Coast to Taormina to Castellammare del Golfo, we inhaled the Italian lifestyle. We savored our cappuccino and espresso, grabbed a pastry whenever we could, chose chocolate and antipasto over chips, delighted in our discovery of arancini. We were ecstatic we didn't rent a car in Rome, but when we picked our car up in Taormina for our Sicily adventure, we both eyed each other with an "oops." However, without that car, we would never have driven down cow paths and stopped at the roadside markets admiring French truckers ordering espressos from coffee bars in gas stations, tackled the unwieldy traffic in Catania just to catch a glimpse of a 12th century church, never have understood exactly how Sicilians tow cars and the process it takes to retrieve one from an impound lot unless we went through it, gotten lost in the sea-side town of Agrigento only to discover Hera's temple, and arrive at Len's grandparent's hometown of Castellemmare del Golfo, confuse the heck out of our GPS and almost drive into the sea. All in a day's work, we say. All for adventure and substance.
We did find Len's cousins - Cesare and Lucia - in their beautiful little party shop only about 100 yards from our lovely Airbnb. Although time was short, we hugged and kissed and promised it would not be our last visit. Len connected with a generation that he had only known through conversations and stories; now, there is a connection. A face-to-face connection as well as a physical connection to the land from where he came.
To Angelina and Salvatore who gave to us a marvelous legacy - we made it and it won't be the last time.
When we return home, we revel in what we have seen and almost immediately Len asks (and if he doesn't, I do), "Where to next?"
Thank you for coming along on so many of these journeys. We appreciate your support more than you'll ever know. Join us in 2018 as we return to a few loved places and carve out some new ones as well: Costa Rica, North and South Carolina,
and hopefully, Ireland once more.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We're a hoot!
With gratitude . . . L + J
Thank you for coming along on so many of these journeys. We appreciate your support more than you'll ever know. Join us in 2018 as we return to a few loved places and carve out some new ones as well: Costa Rica, North and South Carolina,
and hopefully, Ireland once more.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We're a hoot!
With gratitude . . . L + J
