tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57940152133968712102024-03-29T04:03:24.666-07:00Cruising Past Seventy: The Inner JourneysIt's not only about the outer journeys. It's also about the inner ones. Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.comBlogger571125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-29633326286164628152024-03-26T08:52:00.000-07:002024-03-26T08:52:51.657-07:00Choosing between a Brand New Destination or an Old Familiar Favorite<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Travel has
been all about learning something new, doing something different, and seeing an
entirely new vista. As I ticked off my
bucket list these past 15 years, the addiction took root. Now that we have been
to so many destinations, is it becoming better to return to an old-time
favorite? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Going Back to an Old-Time
Favorite<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">At 75, I can now see what
my husband has been wanting to do for some time. “I love Mazatlán and I could
live there. It brings back beautiful
memories.” The Shrimp Capital of the World was where he took his late wife and
family for vacation during the time he was steeped into a busy corporate life.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When Bill first
brought me there, he also invited my family to be with us. We got together for
our first-ever reunion in 2009, after having all left our home in the
Philippines five years prior. They all consider that the best reunion they have
ever had. For five years, Mazatlán was our winter home until we decided to try
Cancun.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A trip down
memory lane to a familiar destination spells comfort and convenience. You don’t
have to deal with unfamiliar things. Instead, you are there to relive their
goodness. You lean back, confident that everything will be all right, and that
nothing will go wrong. In addition, there are lasting friendships to be had
when you go back to a place, something we prize more and more as we advance in the
years. In the end, it’s the memories that count. So, when you’ve made such
great memories, why not go back? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Choosing a Brand-New
Destination<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes I
ask myself, however, if I am limiting myself, ending up not being able to see
more of this beautiful world, given the little time we may have left. Honestly,
the feeling of “been there, done that” visits our doorsteps more frequently now.
How many aquariums, zoos, art museums, shopping malls, etc. do we have to see,
anyway, to say “enough is enough?” Besides, even if it is kind of special, it
may be too far, too difficult to get to, or too expensive to pull off.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sticking
to a Practical Bucket List<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now that we
have taken a more pragmatic approach to travel, are there other destinations still
worth considering? I can think of an African safari, an Antarctic cruise, and
an Amazonian excursion, to name a few. But, come to think of it, those may have
already passed us. Bill has just turned 80 and I am already 75. Going to these
places will be difficult, expensive, and require the pink of health. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our top
priority now is for connectedness. We value family reunions more and plan them
around places central to all of us and that we had not seen during our eight
years of RVing. We just came from a five-day getaway to Temecula, San Diego to
celebrate Bill’s 80<sup>th</sup> and Trisha’s (my eldest daughter) 50<sup>th</sup>
birthdays.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, one
activity stands out that we still seek to do: pilgrimages. We are not deeply
religious but, as we advance in years, the search for spirituality heightens. It
will be about learning something new, becoming uplifted, and looking both
inward and outward beyond our mortal selves. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Fatima,
Lourdes, Jerusalem, one of them is doable in the next few years. But we have
just left Mexico and already we are thinking about when we will be back. In
other words, I now choose both a brand-new destination and an old-time favorite.
It’s not mutually exclusive. It’s not “OR”. It’s “AND.”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">
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Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com97tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-47216648871187368872024-03-19T13:41:00.000-07:002024-03-19T13:41:42.943-07:00Traveling with Girlfriends vs. Traveling with Your Partner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7RfHcOUT67_c2ttnZT_xrtvfw_q1kgrrL1x-3UOV82tikRH2H4SN2bhzugOTGIirrIktm0oXJXXass7xRTyRlWHZfSmkVTYwNmCVHwn-mhxnG55s29NCOhZ_kdgmz58Zx_Bm_GdTJ0OvHKKxBrA1yEbM6Uvg84ld2tEVyGWT8tusH6YTK9qwDv6CiLs/s2966/laos%20temple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2311" data-original-width="2966" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7RfHcOUT67_c2ttnZT_xrtvfw_q1kgrrL1x-3UOV82tikRH2H4SN2bhzugOTGIirrIktm0oXJXXass7xRTyRlWHZfSmkVTYwNmCVHwn-mhxnG55s29NCOhZ_kdgmz58Zx_Bm_GdTJ0OvHKKxBrA1yEbM6Uvg84ld2tEVyGWT8tusH6YTK9qwDv6CiLs/w640-h498/laos%20temple1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Southeast
Asia is the part of the world my husband wants to visit most, but he could not join
me on a tour of Malaysia, Laos, Thailand, and Brunei. Fortunately, my
girlfriends were ready to go. During this trip, I realized that traveling with your
girlfriends (or sisters or daughters) is different from traveling with your partner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Difference
#1: Fast vs. Slow Travel</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fast travel squeezes
many stops into one trip, planning to return to the place you could not get
enough of later. Slow travel means taking the time to experience the local
culture. Bill thinks it’s just insane to do the former. But not me and my
girlfriends. We can get our photos taken at a famous landmark. Then, next! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We started
with an overnight layover at the Kuala Lumpur Airport Hotel for a much-missed
authentic Hainanese chicken dinner. The following day, we arrived in Vientiane,
the Laotian capital. A day and a half got us to the </span><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2017/11/6-gems-in-old-fashioned-euro-asian-city.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">top six attractions</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> We even had time for a Laotian Catholic
mass. Then, off to Brunei!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We also had
an overnight layover at the Dom Mueang International Airport. Even if there was
a Wat just around the corner, we hired a car to see downtown Bangkok. We got
awesome night views of the Grand Palace, the iconic Wats, and the home of the
father of the King. The next day we were ready for </span><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2017/11/8-reasons-rich-brunei-should-not.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">our day and a half in Brunei</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> where we visited eight top
attractions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Difference #2:
Fast vs. Slow Shopping</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Women take
their time before buying (huge understatement). We scour a shopping area to survey
what things are available for women. When we find something we just must have, we
bargain for the best value. Men don’t have the patience to do this; they would
rather read a newspaper with a favorite cup at a cafe. They go to the specific
store where they always like to get an item. Full stop.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At the
Malaysian airport, we shopped for souvenir items. In Laos, we squeezed in a
trip to a Night Market near our Ibis Vientiane Hotel. We even made it to Chatuchak,
the biggest Night Market in downtown Bangkok, to buy $1 scarves. Never mind how
much the car ride to get there cost us! In Brunei we got stuck in the mall asrain
poured. We were able to get lovely scarves (again) for a “steal.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Girlfriends invariably
find something; then the rest of us would say, “Me, too!” Or there is a real
answer when I ask, “Does this look good on me?” Shopping with them is quite synergistic.
The only drawback is, Bill’s not there to pay for the item(s). The solution: have
an extension of his credit card! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But there
are similarities, too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Similarity
#1: Culture, History,, and Landmarks</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Both love
culture, history, and landmarks. Bill would also have gone to the same attractions
with a big difference: it would have taken a couple more days. He would also add
a visit to war memorials or play in bodies…of water. He would also not spend any
time taking photos except to humor his wife. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Similarity
#2: Local Food</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We loved the
most popular Malaysian Hainanese Chicken Rice chain in the KL International
Airport food court. In Laos, we spent big bucks to savor a Laotian meal at a
5-star hotel. In Bangkok, we had a sumptuous seafood dinner at the popular
Kuang Seafood Center. Finally, in Brunei, we splurged on a full-course meal at
the 6-star Empire Resort. Bill would have loved and paid for them!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">You are
lucky if you can have both!</span></div>
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Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-75858906800518618702024-03-12T10:08:00.000-07:002024-03-12T10:08:17.662-07:00 Beyond Being Tourists <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zSxqpgK5il9_cjh1pr6JHt-hvX_05hSBZLHsv4TMjma9mzcRP7xZ3dl10DhVTgSioFUffFhwKr1s1UQahfrh3fPXoFxp6X3aWe7AcMEih2cPO1Afw8Cfff33OGHvbyCLzOpO71s96Fc/s1600/helicopter+ridec.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="448" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zSxqpgK5il9_cjh1pr6JHt-hvX_05hSBZLHsv4TMjma9mzcRP7xZ3dl10DhVTgSioFUffFhwKr1s1UQahfrh3fPXoFxp6X3aWe7AcMEih2cPO1Afw8Cfff33OGHvbyCLzOpO71s96Fc/s640/helicopter+ridec.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">My husband
and I have traveled together since the time we met in July 2007. We began as
tourists, traveling for pleasure, visiting places out of curiosity. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We became more serious travelers when we bought
an RV, rented out our condos, and cruised through forty-nine American states,
nine Canadian provinces, and six Mexican states. It’s all chronicled in the
book </span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">Carolina: Cruising to an American
Dream. </i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The RV gave us the wherewithal to become more than tourists. We became
explorers, adventurers, and even pilgrims.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Explorer</b>
is defined as a person who combs an area for discovery. When we became Elite
Members of Thousand Trails (a nationwide network of campgrounds) and upgraded
our RV to a 37.5-foot motorhome towing a dinghy, we stayed three to four weeks
at a place. This gave us the chance to explore an area more completely. I would
research the places nearby and schedule daily explorations of the areas within
three hours of our base camp. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In Ontario, Canada,
for example, we saw all </span><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/08/ola-discovering-four-faces-of-ontario.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">four different faces</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> of the province: a government hub in
Ottawa, a bustling metropolitan center in Toronto, a famous tourist spot (Niagara),
and the rural town where we were camped. In Europe, we got to go to three
countries from </span><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/03/travel-awaits-why-this-quaint-german.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">our base in the small town of Oberstaufen</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> in Germany. The trains allowed us to
visit Switzerland (St. Gallen), Lichtenstein (Vaduz), and Innsbruck (Austria).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An Adventurer</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, on the other hand, is a person who
has, or seeks, activities or places for excitement or an unusual experience,
despite the risks they may entail. I must admit that Bill is more of an
adventurer than I am. He used to scuba dive, ski, fly a plane, etc. I just play
with my smartphone or laptop, an armchair sort of a girl. I’ve tried playing tennis and pickleball, but
they didn’t like me. Does riding the helicopter in Kauai or taking our RV to
the Arctic Circle in the Yukon count?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When we
stumbled upon the Worthington Glacier </span><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/04/spending-summer-in-alaska-part-1-valdez.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">on the road to Valdez, Alaska</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, Bill went up to climb it while I
stayed behind, scared I might hurt myself or be frozen. When we went with his
high school friends for </span><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/07/visiting-family-and-friends-in-colorado.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">a reunion in Crested Butte, Colorado</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, he went wild river rafting with his
friends while I stayed behind to write about the reunion instead. At </span><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2021/08/travel-awaits-perfect-5-day-itinerary.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandfather’s Mountain near the Blue
Ridge Parkway,</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Bill negotiated
the Mile-High Swinging Bridge while I took his photo.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A Pilgrim</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> is another kind of traveler. This is
a person who journeys, especially a long distance, to some sacred place as an
act of devotion or even as an original settler. Once, being both Catholics, we
diverted from our planned itinerary to Minnesota and turned west instead of
north to visit the </span><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/07/wow-becoming-more-than-tourists.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Grotto of the Redemption in the
northeastern corner of Iowa</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. It was off the beaten path, but we wanted to see the complex of nine
grottos made from forty-three different kinds of gems individually gathered and
built entirely by the hands of three men.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A friend and
I became </span><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2017/01/accidental-pilgrims-in-balkans.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">accidental pilgrims in Eastern Europe</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. We were in Razlog, Bulgaria visiting
a beautiful Eastern Orthodox Church in nearby Bansko when she suddenly had a
yearning to find a Catholic Church. The nearest one was in Skopje, Macedonia,
three and a half hours away, where Mother Teresa was born. We hired a taxi, prayed
at the Chapel attached to her house, and visited the Church of the Black
Madonna where she heard her calling at 18 in Letnice, Kosovo, an hour and a
half away. The way home was through Nis, Serbia, birthplace of the first
Christian Roman Emperor and Saint, Constantine the Great. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Indeed, we both had become explorers but I will not be the adventurer that Bill is. But we hope to be more of pilgrims. It is time for deepening our faith in this phase
of our lives. Which of the three kinds of traveler do you want to be?</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-79235039274253213432024-03-05T08:25:00.000-07:002024-03-05T08:25:35.101-07:00 How to Stay Young as Long as Possible: The Longevity Diet Part 2 <p><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1KPTkCjs2sf9qTZlkXAGIt3_eilMd8NwSth9t_LJtL10GCeXmDU4tV2KSomzNs24UMrRJCSsj3I0Tw7d0uzLDJ0SwQGg5c8cTXtOvwdXFHempf94jo2HnxarpfsPv9YXPRCsmlE7UEwMc7x41gnavV4xzIHjkIqpr34A4W1ehbEKYTBMHpxKdM9ewVE/s345/20230705_110240c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="345" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1KPTkCjs2sf9qTZlkXAGIt3_eilMd8NwSth9t_LJtL10GCeXmDU4tV2KSomzNs24UMrRJCSsj3I0Tw7d0uzLDJ0SwQGg5c8cTXtOvwdXFHempf94jo2HnxarpfsPv9YXPRCsmlE7UEwMc7x41gnavV4xzIHjkIqpr34A4W1ehbEKYTBMHpxKdM9ewVE/w640-h640/20230705_110240c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Last week we
hopefully established the <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2024/02/how-to-stay-young-as-long-as-possible.html">scientific case for adopting the Longevity Diet </a>by
referencing the “Live to be 100” Netflix documentary and the books, </span><i style="font-size: 16pt;">Nine
Hallmarks of Aging</i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> and </span><i style="font-size: 16pt;">The Longevity Diet</i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">. This part discusses its ten principles (divided into three sections, what, how much, and when to eat)
and how we implemented them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">What to Eat<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">We know the
first two principles well: 1.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> maximize vitamins and minerals (or eat lots of
fruits and vegetables) and 2. minimize salt, sugar, and bad fats (or stay away
from processed foods).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN19lTL-y-bk2NHfGmCwH3v0DtD2Z_sBf1xuAB1t6O1PHHJ_xFygrf5Qw15p0wod5OKD9_qJWPK-hwj5WgX_eeugjN5lIVLHBVo5YbYR-NrQzJ0q6HWugRh28NbPsHMkk9vjUCzE_j6c74rlV0XbQaCeyzLjOh8Kv1bRHMZVfM9Pr00jnoUXnoBPBC14/s1711/20230910_085503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1413" data-original-width="1711" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN19lTL-y-bk2NHfGmCwH3v0DtD2Z_sBf1xuAB1t6O1PHHJ_xFygrf5Qw15p0wod5OKD9_qJWPK-hwj5WgX_eeugjN5lIVLHBVo5YbYR-NrQzJ0q6HWugRh28NbPsHMkk9vjUCzE_j6c74rlV0XbQaCeyzLjOh8Kv1bRHMZVfM9Pr00jnoUXnoBPBC14/w400-h330/20230910_085503.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />However, I
was surprised by the third principle: </span><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">3. minimize proteins before the age of 65
(white meat, but especially). </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">This is based on a large
study of 50–65-year-olds that shows moderate and high-protein diets are
directly linked to significantly higher mortality rates, especially from cancer.
<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">As far as
carbohydrates and fats are concerned, it is recommended that we </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">4. eat complex
carbs (not flour/sugar but whole grains/beans/legumes) and 5. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">use olive oil generously. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Finally, it is recommended that we </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">6. introduce variety to what
we eat, especially those foods from our ancestry. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Longo says
that the diet that comes closest to it is the Mediterranean plus the pescatarian diet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">How Much to
Eat<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sp3R-11AAUrWcTD5Iqz53L_gX9wb0__V747A0JTXCbhdVsD8QV_iI-TZYMplvcAgPTdlYHDFBuJxrzzbgYd_B786zKAzpZd8zlM7NFiLtQENRUFTxnqdky0piPtQew8fwVZEuKh6oe6SPOSuXpJKjoeN9bfFIj_SOowiYJUYAaFmprH6wHxGPf34gDw/s1493/20230910_085656%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="1157" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sp3R-11AAUrWcTD5Iqz53L_gX9wb0__V747A0JTXCbhdVsD8QV_iI-TZYMplvcAgPTdlYHDFBuJxrzzbgYd_B786zKAzpZd8zlM7NFiLtQENRUFTxnqdky0piPtQew8fwVZEuKh6oe6SPOSuXpJKjoeN9bfFIj_SOowiYJUYAaFmprH6wHxGPf34gDw/w310-h400/20230910_085656%20(1).jpg" width="310" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />Another large
study showed that the high-calorie American diet vs. the medium-calorie Japanese
diet vs. the low-calorie Okinawan (Japanese Blue Zone) diet showed a direct relationship
between high-calorie consumption to diseases, especially cardiovascular
diseases. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Therefore, we must </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">7. restrict calories to just what we need. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Multiply your weight by 15 and subtract 500 to maintain weight, and 1000 to
lose weight. Recalculate as you lose weight, ensuring a slow but steady weight
loss vs. the drastic results of other flash diets. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">We can help
ourselves do this. We must </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">8. regulate the number of times we eat. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Eat It Three meals and
one snack of 100 calories daily are recommended for those over 65 or two meals and one snack
for those below 65. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Finally, we should </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">9. practice the Blue Zone rule to stop eating
when you are 80% full. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Drinking water before meals also helps.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">When to Eat<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQr4DCxykNt8A1EY_1oyqW7gUZFf8_FHaopcWtxHu33c3VYfblb3LBf8yM_wiTOdEKDEmWoO8RcbEOXeyWOMKdP4b7gU0hHwOfjD157dhkC46s-mJt9n9SKskOOGvWzke16uLwHlHYJSJk__SwPuZjSTm3q07PESciP4rQwFbcnokoQIpmrP0cvi3Igk/s564/1bc14c54b4e7aa060c06c0c0f855fa5b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="564" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQr4DCxykNt8A1EY_1oyqW7gUZFf8_FHaopcWtxHu33c3VYfblb3LBf8yM_wiTOdEKDEmWoO8RcbEOXeyWOMKdP4b7gU0hHwOfjD157dhkC46s-mJt9n9SKskOOGvWzke16uLwHlHYJSJk__SwPuZjSTm3q07PESciP4rQwFbcnokoQIpmrP0cvi3Igk/w400-h300/1bc14c54b4e7aa060c06c0c0f855fa5b.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />There are
many benefits to fasting. The reason people fast is usually for religious or weight
loss purposes. But the best reason for fasting is to reboot our cells and allow
for repair and recycle times. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Therefore, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">10) fasting is highly recommended. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Every
day, we should follow an eating window (8-12 hours) and a fasting window (16-12
hours), more popularly known as intermittent fasting. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">In addition, twice a year
a longer fast of three to five days is recommended. To help with longer fasts, we can supplement
with a fast-mimicking diet (FMD) of very very low protein, very very low sugar, very
high good fats).<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">How We Implemented
the Principles at Home<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">This is how we
have implemented these ten principles at home. First, I have stopped or minimized the
following (except on my rare cheat days):<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Drinks: soda, coffee, alcohol, milk,
and sweetened drinks<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Sweets: candy, cake, chocolate
(except dark), ice cream<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Carbs: white rice, white pasta, white
bread, potato<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Proteins: red meat<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The only oil
I use is olive oil, and I even deep-fry with it occasionally. I modify recipes
that I love, reducing meats by half and doubling vegetables. Often humming
“Bahay Kubo,” a favorite Filipino song celebrating rural life and Philippine
vegetables, I have brought back to our table a lot of Philippine dishes I love and which Bill has grown to love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">For my
special needs to control my blood glucose and acidity levels, I researched both
the glycemic load and PH level of my favorite foods and listed down those that
satisfy my requirement of low GI (low carbohydrate and sugar load) and high PH
(alkaline). With the resulting list of
proteins, carbs, fruits, and vegetables that I can have, I made another list of
dishes that I can prepare. I came up with 28 different dishes from Philippine
cuisine, American cuisine (Bill’s favorites), and international cuisine (our mutual
favorites) for lunch and dinner. That means we don’t have to repeat a dish in a
month, meeting the requirement of variety and preference for ancestral foods.
We did the same thing for breakfast and snack items. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Lastly, we
eat breakfast at around 7:30 am, lunch at around 11:30 am, snack at around 2:30
pm, and dinner at around 5:30 pm. We don’t eat anything else after 5:30 pm,
giving us a fasting window of 14 hours and an eating window of ten. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I lost three
pounds in August 2023 the first month I implemented the principles, two in September,
and a pound a month since, for a total of ten pounds. My daily calorie requirement
has been reduced to 1,240 calories. My a1c dropped from 6.6 in May to 6.4 in November.
Since this is still at a prediabetic level, I will continue this plan and hope
that it is even lower in time for my May bloodwork. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p></div>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-17407982397699194162024-02-27T12:27:00.000-07:002024-02-27T12:27:02.187-07:00How to Stay Young As Long As Possible: The Longevity Diet Part 1<p><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vEyeMSLOPhKKD1haL-GtOePj0HoFu5CnD8HnEGi2f-RLWouZLBy4zCDnJcZ-IslNlrIgwzwJbtoNktcksWyJom2lqLFMAqmBDzOOdg8lpgO3yzUC6TFtiniZD8ZVGGW6H4z1mNMxQ4ys40sEPq7621m9m0k_Tdz1HMj-uR0ASubw1OKoTJGzsJ3nOXE/s300/Facebook%20Post%20bookscc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vEyeMSLOPhKKD1haL-GtOePj0HoFu5CnD8HnEGi2f-RLWouZLBy4zCDnJcZ-IslNlrIgwzwJbtoNktcksWyJom2lqLFMAqmBDzOOdg8lpgO3yzUC6TFtiniZD8ZVGGW6H4z1mNMxQ4ys40sEPq7621m9m0k_Tdz1HMj-uR0ASubw1OKoTJGzsJ3nOXE/w400-h400/Facebook%20Post%20bookscc.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">There are currently
several billionaires bent on reversing their age. But we ordinary folks don’t
have to have big money to do it. This first part will </span><a name="_Hlk159667144" style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">try
to establish the case for adopting the longevity diet </a><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">so that we
can approximae our body’s potential of 120 years. Part 2 will describe its ten
principles and how we implemented them at home.</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiiZ9WpzzlwHQrjir4t8NKoaCuc3sDwK7J91Cgv6BBLDdvrN_UzLjRqdvD3qredaCkaVXeimMikskLxzI600gU1__egkOv0C2WwV0fWC0MvQXG-h3KfddM7Y2RULUvK0KvkPrht-QSlONg2gb7QdwS7fGWRLnJthAWUNUFo69SPsIL7WSQU14uesYVpM/s634/41536_2021_169_Fig2_HTML.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="634" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiiZ9WpzzlwHQrjir4t8NKoaCuc3sDwK7J91Cgv6BBLDdvrN_UzLjRqdvD3qredaCkaVXeimMikskLxzI600gU1__egkOv0C2WwV0fWC0MvQXG-h3KfddM7Y2RULUvK0KvkPrht-QSlONg2gb7QdwS7fGWRLnJthAWUNUFo69SPsIL7WSQU14uesYVpM/w400-h196/41536_2021_169_Fig2_HTML.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />It isn’t a
diet <i>per se</i>. It’s a paradigm of nourishment so that we can stay young as
long as possible. In other words, we should not only seek to increase our life
span but also our health span. Studies have shown that, on average, in the last
nine or so years of our lives we get an increasing host of health issues. We
shouldn’t suffer in those years.</span><div><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Why am I so into this? I retired at 55 when I was diagnosed with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). At 60 came mild hypertension and at 65 came mild hypothyroidism. Last year, when I was about to turn 75, my a1c registered 6.6. Whoa, I had crossed the diabetes Rubicon of 6.5! I had to do something.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Theories of Aging</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H_RG3i-cepFu0oha5Nkn1854YLBllQu3odKAPOZW0T7Fkp9MMSmb-tMh8NlpiIsN88telzQmRhCfGrqDeKpzbTayliTstlH15HjGPMXrsgtor4TvyH6Yi1CdTf6_o1SGC_Ml-H3w-VSPzM3OrsrHH60lvpXB_ahKu32TPOTpxFE7-PZy3vB4aIpzuo4/s854/blue-zones.png" style="font-size: 16pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="854" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H_RG3i-cepFu0oha5Nkn1854YLBllQu3odKAPOZW0T7Fkp9MMSmb-tMh8NlpiIsN88telzQmRhCfGrqDeKpzbTayliTstlH15HjGPMXrsgtor4TvyH6Yi1CdTf6_o1SGC_Ml-H3w-VSPzM3OrsrHH60lvpXB_ahKu32TPOTpxFE7-PZy3vB4aIpzuo4/w640-h412/blue-zones.png" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Dan
Buettner’s “Live to 100,” the hit Netflix documentary, has shown us what people
do in Blue Zones, where centenarians make up a big percent of the population. It urges us to follow four principles: <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 <span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Living with purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Connecting with others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Moving naturally.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Eating a modified plant-based diet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">So I
wanted to understand the aging process. The book <i>Harnessing the Nine Hallmarks of Aging </i>by
Greg Macpherson<i> </i>helped me do that. A discussion of the nine hallmarks
may be too densely scientific but let me share what I took away from the book.
There are two views of aging. The first is that aging is built into our DNA: evolutionary
or programmed aging. The evolutionary view says that our bodies are built to
procreate and when we are done with our basic function, we die to give way to the
next generation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnzxg3BqJHrr83I46opvC-qiDCFf9RgGalB-d-XFMwCdgDrPtsWAwzgf3TrwxgTJU_O5R-R1MpSHFNZNk092wM-5HBmX9E9faqHE0SssSxwp2Qxax8Gi9wrD5KxC2xfSfSZm6ndo-ARBEMAdyZX4BoDsMsO2eOg-grVCZGoL-Wj9J-gjQDr_Xx2S6Hgc/s1200/telomere-shortening-each-round-cell-division-conceptual-d-illustration-telomeres-shorten-age-different-99170411.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnzxg3BqJHrr83I46opvC-qiDCFf9RgGalB-d-XFMwCdgDrPtsWAwzgf3TrwxgTJU_O5R-R1MpSHFNZNk092wM-5HBmX9E9faqHE0SssSxwp2Qxax8Gi9wrD5KxC2xfSfSZm6ndo-ARBEMAdyZX4BoDsMsO2eOg-grVCZGoL-Wj9J-gjQDr_Xx2S6Hgc/w400-h200/telomere-shortening-each-round-cell-division-conceptual-d-illustration-telomeres-shorten-age-different-99170411.webp" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />Programmed
aging refers to the fact that certain things in our bodies are limited in
quantity. Telomeres, which protect the ends of our chromosomes become shorter
and shorter, as cells divide. They become senescent when they reach the Hay
Flick Limit of 40-60. In addition, stem cells are already drastically reduced
by the time we are toddlers. They are just meant to bolster our growth as babies.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYW0qRdYaumM-gtGrUrBxH8z4iggpcfwAtKjVV5QJmAXCJo46ScE3yIsg9YyKGmOT41AYbNvlveNReQRDJJ4YOi-pXx8mxmm_np61SM-hlpHyB39gUGEf2ha_O3bDo63iEihVnZCwukGnBCMBqrWElmkufNg0SzkYPDSlDOJOnHutVrLJ8X6Ig_1o8rY/s600/chart-mesenchymal-stem-cells-human-aging-decline-as-we-age-stem-cell-clinic-holistic-bio-spa.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYW0qRdYaumM-gtGrUrBxH8z4iggpcfwAtKjVV5QJmAXCJo46ScE3yIsg9YyKGmOT41AYbNvlveNReQRDJJ4YOi-pXx8mxmm_np61SM-hlpHyB39gUGEf2ha_O3bDo63iEihVnZCwukGnBCMBqrWElmkufNg0SzkYPDSlDOJOnHutVrLJ8X6Ig_1o8rY/w400-h266/chart-mesenchymal-stem-cells-human-aging-decline-as-we-age-stem-cell-clinic-holistic-bio-spa.gif" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />There is also
the theory that aging occurs due to damage to our cells, as in the case of
misfolded proteins and mitochondrial decline. Proteins are our body’s building
blocks. There are 20,000 types in the body, and each type is built from 20
different amino acids. There can be many random errors in this highly complex
process.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />The
mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy for cell health
and survival. However, as they do this, they also produce free radicals that damage
cells. As we age, the rate at which they produce free radicals increases. We must remember that these free radicals are
also introduced to our bodies by chemicals in the environment.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />With these
complex processes, damaged and dead cells accumulate in our bodies; even DNA
can be damaged. And when there are enough cells damaged, the immune system is
weakened which can lead to more damage. The processes meant for the repair
(cell repair pathways) and recycling (autophagy) of such cells must be
supported. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Why Diet
Matters<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Healthy fats
and proteins bolster our cellular walls and membranes. Vitamins and minerals
help protect our cells from, and repair, damage. Carbohydrates give us energy. <b>The food we eat
matters in nurturing, protecting, and repairing cells. And how and when we eat also influences how
our damaged and dead cells are repaired and/or recycled. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Longevity Diet<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">It was the book <i>Harnessing the Nine Hallmarks of Aging </i>that led<i> </i>me to<i> </i>the ground-breaking book, <i>The
Longevity Diet </i>by Dr. Volter Longo, Director of the Longevity Institute
of the University of Southern California. He studied the centenarians of his roots in Italy and together with the five pillars
of juventology (youth and longevity) research, epidemiological, clinical,
centenarian, and complex systems studies, he developed the ten principles of the Longevity Diet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Next Week: <a name="_Hlk159148966">The Longevity Diet Part 2 </a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-18145053004461910202024-02-20T07:47:00.003-07:002024-02-22T09:19:15.423-07:00Inner Journey #1: Becoming a Wife Without Losing Your Identity <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYnkJX6siGpxjf2U581CxNCxTo8CR5D90cnaGv75QzUOr9rlleBTkmWYuwoTdbJpWJhbXbbf75BjzJ1xJMZLXNttbtpvEPP6NZthPmo9tZDULX7rLjvSofUG1eywXkUc9O7lK2ER95DjU0Me3_5YQKbSD5W3aQb-HK1JGwRRVgHJO7yt-7_qb5TRMu5A/s437/1ceremony18c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="437" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYnkJX6siGpxjf2U581CxNCxTo8CR5D90cnaGv75QzUOr9rlleBTkmWYuwoTdbJpWJhbXbbf75BjzJ1xJMZLXNttbtpvEPP6NZthPmo9tZDULX7rLjvSofUG1eywXkUc9O7lK2ER95DjU0Me3_5YQKbSD5W3aQb-HK1JGwRRVgHJO7yt-7_qb5TRMu5A/w640-h604/1ceremony18c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Right before I met Bill, I was again
caught in the web of a driven life in America. Aside from babysitting a grandson,
I was teaching in three schools of higher learning and volunteering to counsel
small businesses for the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). I felt doomed;
I was truly not wife-material!<span> </span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Enter a knight in shining armor. Bill
was almost as driven as I was. He had been<span style="color: red;"> </span>President/CEO
of a national printing solutions company, board director for the Document
Management Industry Association, active in church and politics, and owner of a
printing franchise. Early in 2007 we “fashionably” met on the Net and at 8 pm
on 08/08/08, we married on Champagne Lady, a private cruise ship, on
Washington’s Lake Union. We cruised together to a life of cruising in an RV.</span><span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">We crossed the continent in a
whirlwind, from Canada to Mexico and all over the US. It became an extended
honeymoon. But in the mainly white RV communities of campgrounds, I met only
one Asian, a Hispanic couple, and a few African Americans in almost five years.
So different from my homeland, the lifestyle was fatal for the Filipina in me. I
longed for a familiar social support system. At first, each scenic sight became
a coping mechanism. But soon I wanted to throw out the pillow we bought at the
Palm Springs Villagefest. It said, “We get along in our RV ‘cuz we have no room
to disagree!”</span><span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">All couples disagree. John Gottman's bestseller <i><a href="https://a.co/d/8tOKnHv">The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work</a></i> says that 69% of a couple’s problems will never go away because most
disagreements are rooted in fundamental differences. Dan Wile said it another way in
his book <i><a href="https://a.co/d/9aEB8gX">After the Honeymoon</a></i>: “When
choosing a long-term partner… you will inevitably be selecting a particular set
of unsolvable problems that you’ll be grappling with for the next ten, twenty,
or fifty years.” </span><span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">For us, that 69% statistic may as
well be 96%! We met with values and habits very set and with personal, gender,
and cultural differences to boot. I found out that I was way more driven than
he was. He had patience, I didn’t. We increasingly had fights and we weren’t doing
it right. Another best seller by John Gottman (with wife Julie <i><a href="https://a.co/d/5NbsvZG">Fight Right</a></i> was published in
Nov. 2023. It could have helped us turn conflict into connection.</span><span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">On January 2013 after New Year’s Day, </span><span>Bill left me in Seattle with my daughter and h</span><span style="line-height: 150%;">e went to his son in Boise. During
tough times, I usually bury my attention on something else. That was when my first
book, <i><a href="https://a.co/d/5lB9Ba1">Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream</a>,</i> was born. It reaffirmed who I was as a person. When Bill came back on
Valentine’s Day, we were able to see that neither had to change himself/herself. We found out that we still shared our passion for
travel (<a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2021/02/finding-lifetime-travel-partner-10.html">Lesson #5</a>). We just had to change our circumstances (<a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2021/03/finding-lifetime-travel-partner-10.html">Lesson #9</a>) and go on to a new phase of discovering the world.</span><span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">After a survey of the Southwest, in
October of the same year, we settled on Viewpoint Golf Resort in Mesa, Arizona as a base. I have been to thirty-five countries from that base, he was with me in
twenty-five. Four years later, our base was no longer a parked RV. He carried me over the
threshold. It was a thrilling first experience, at 69! </span><span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">We were assured that we had a good
level of compatibility with 7 Qs (<a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2021/03/finding-lifetime-travel-partner-10.html">Lesson #8</a>): intelligence, morals, finance, religion, politics, and desirability. My tremendous luck is that he is a man with a
high emotional quotient. He had a twenty-nine-year marriage that ended only
because she passed on due to cancer. My first lasted ten; the second, two.</span><span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 150%;">Bill’s consistent request was for me
to view the totality of the relationship, not any specific situation, certainly
not the moment, and not to withdraw every time there was a difficulty (<a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2021/02/finding-lifetime-travel-partner-10.html">Lesson#3</a>). I learned how to stay, without losing my identity. It was the deep respect
we had for each other, being similarly accomplished, that made us stay and remain
committed (<a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2021/03/finding-lifetime-travel-partner-10.html">Lesson #10</a>).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 150%;"><span>Last August, we renewed our vows on our
fifteenth anniversary (headline photo) on the island of Oahu in the presence of our families. My
inner journey to becoming a wife is complete. </span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Next Week: How to Stay Young as Late as Possible: The Longevity Diet Part 1</span></p>
</div>
</div>
Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-88036424843547856132024-02-13T11:06:00.003-07:002024-02-13T11:48:27.240-07:00FINDING A LIFETIME PARTNER: IN 10 LESSONS: USING THE NET AND THE 7Qs<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2021/02/finding-lifetime-travel-partner-10.html"></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZYBmP4B_e1aJtwR7w3eXbJaWFwBWbD7leg7zNk3YRzpfTg1jdnETKkNXcS5PYSosvgvl-iw6gFaFDjoxFYF5_BOkN1hldlg18Y6p3M62rnZQDw0WJUqv3lDd10pNe79xYvIx3L-XapvosJWaT_alpABbjnSXgUL5kGTpMqaDqIoB2yWUvLJe3Asiq_c/s437/carol5c.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="437" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZYBmP4B_e1aJtwR7w3eXbJaWFwBWbD7leg7zNk3YRzpfTg1jdnETKkNXcS5PYSosvgvl-iw6gFaFDjoxFYF5_BOkN1hldlg18Y6p3M62rnZQDw0WJUqv3lDd10pNe79xYvIx3L-XapvosJWaT_alpABbjnSXgUL5kGTpMqaDqIoB2yWUvLJe3Asiq_c/w640-h492/carol5c.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />Part 1 was about Lessons #1-5; and <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2021/03/finding-lifetime-travel-partner-10.html">Part 2</a>, #6-10. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Here is a more detailed discussion of Lesson
#6, “Using the Net,” and Lesson #8, “Using the 7Qs.” </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Using the Net
to Find Him<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span face="TwitterChirp, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419; font-size: 17px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">More and more relationships now start on the Net (dating sites or social media platforms). But m</span></span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">any are still afraid because of the high-profile horror stories on true crime shows. If</span><span face="TwitterChirp, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419; font-size: 17px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> done right, however, you can really find him there. </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">I found two and it wasn't a</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">bout luck. How you conduct yourself determines who you attract, whether
on the Net or not. Here were the steps I followed:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1. Put up a
profile that is compatible with the kind of person you want. I had pictured my
husband to be a college-educated professional. So, my profile photo was the
professional Carol, not the sexy Carol. The likes, hobbies, etc. reflected the
same aura: reading, writing, cooking, and travel. But don’t make stuff up. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">2. Set
initial parameters and weed out those who do not meet them from just the
profile and the initial correspondence. For me, they had to be no more than 65
years old, not taller than 5”10, not heavy-set, and not just high school
graduates. I also looked for someone who loves travel. Finally, I did not
continue to correspond if they did not have the same facility for English. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">3. Choose
the few you could invest some time in getting to know. Aside from looking for a
shared passion, start using the 7 Qs (especially PQ and SQ, if they matter to
you). Learn to spot inconsistencies in what they say in the letters compared
with shat they wrote in their profiles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">4. Do not meet
in person until you have some assurance about #3. It took me eight weeks of correspondence
before I agreed to meet Bill.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">5. Meet at a
public place or at an activity where there are people who know you. I first met Bill at my Toastmasters Club meeting.
Aside from my fellow club members, my sister was there as our guest speaker. I
wanted THEM to meet so he could donate free brochures (he owned a printing
business) to our school for the deaf. I was pleasantly surprised. He looked good and helped distribute meeting materials to the
attendees. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">6. Become activity
partners first. We tried many things: going hiking in Mt. Rainier with my
granddaughters, hearing Catholic Masses with friends, and having dinners either
with his or my family. This is when you can find out about the other Qs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">7. If he
measures up with the Qs and he is a potential life partner, start to date
exclusively. It was after a few months of doing activities together that we
went out to a concert by Michel Le Grand at a jazz place. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Use the 7 Qs
to Choose Him<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are the
7 Qs and their meanings in the order of how easy it is to judge them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">IQ: Intelligence
Quotient. This is the easiest to determine. You can take an IQ test together. It
can also be seen in how smooth your conversations go. If he or she can follow
your thoughts, you can follow his, and you have stimulating and satisfying discussions,
you are probably on the same level.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">FQ:
Financial Quotient. This is not about how much money a person has or how
lavishly he courts you. It’s about how he actually makes money and how judiciously
he spends it. Be with someone who shares the same FQ as you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PQ:
Political Quotient. There is a huge divide in America. It should be easy enough
to know if you are on the same side. I would not add political differences to
the basket of things you have to deal with. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">SQ:
Spiritual Quotient. As with PQ, I would rather not have to deal with spiritual differences.
It is so much better if you both believe in a God and conduct your lives under
His guidance. If you belong to the same religion, it is a bonus that you can
attend services together. Bill is a Catholic and I consider this one of the
strengths of our relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">MQ: Moral
Quotient. This is a little bit more difficult to see right away. It is his view
of what is right and wrong. There are many situations you must be in to
determine this. That is why it is important to be activity partners for a time.
In a courtship, you can also see if the person proceeds faster than your moral
dictates allow. If he leads you into something you are not prepared for, that’s
a red flag.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">EQ: Emotional
Quotient. This is the most difficult to ascertain because, in courtship, the
other person is usually working hard to put his best foot forward. That is why being activity partners first will
allow other people, family, and friends, to help you with additional feedback. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The two men
I was considering had equal IQs. I saw how they spent, how they earned their
money and the homes they kept. So FQ was the same. PQ was also the same. Bill
was a Catholic, however, and edged the other in SQ. He also conducted himself much
better during the courtship. But it was EQ where he was miles ahead. My
nine-year-old granddaughter gave me the biggest hint about this. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Desirability
Quotient. But this should be the least important of the Qs. When we are young, it
is Numero Uno. Look around you and you will see that, after 20-30 years, most
people become ghosts of their young selves. A partnership based on desirability
or physical attraction will not last. I was lucky that Bill was taller and more
distinguished-looking. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Next Week:
Becoming a Wife without Losing My Identity<o:p></o:p></span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-21467853278225806822024-02-06T08:13:00.001-07:002024-02-06T08:13:56.377-07:00FINDING A LIFETIME PARTNER IN 10 LESSONS: Part 2<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l2T-3-CxIf_ABzOf4tmkbfIuDhKKocoEcA4ryfUrQkS2bnTaDdwms6mxcp0xdz6ogi_HPygb5b4SfAspyGrKsBfAjvOG2YhwRsgJAOLbcUdrv5xXMjhtDDGnuQ0IhFuZuUc74_7HCTtr71X5I0LoXXDOStixMiCIeyfXjKj8sIYwH8qvzyyyoa-9A68/s836/facebook%20post2cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="836" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l2T-3-CxIf_ABzOf4tmkbfIuDhKKocoEcA4ryfUrQkS2bnTaDdwms6mxcp0xdz6ogi_HPygb5b4SfAspyGrKsBfAjvOG2YhwRsgJAOLbcUdrv5xXMjhtDDGnuQ0IhFuZuUc74_7HCTtr71X5I0LoXXDOStixMiCIeyfXjKj8sIYwH8qvzyyyoa-9A68/w640-h446/facebook%20post2cc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><i>This is Part 2 with Lessons #6-10. <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2021/02/finding-lifetime-travel-partner-10.html">Last week's post</a> featured Lessons #1-5.</i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The turning
point happened when my sister passed on from cancer in 2003. She had been
estranged from her husband for years and her only daughter had died the year
before, also of cancer. I didn’t want to die the same way, alone and lonely. Besides,
at the time my three children already had careers of their own. It was my time!
I wanted to cook, teach, travel, write, and, yes, love a little.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The last one
would have been impossible in Manila. When I became a high-ranking government
official, the annulment of my marriage became easier to obtain, a usually long
and expensive process. Even then, I found out that all the good ones were
already taken. Since two of my children had left the nest to emigrate to North
America, I followed them and learned these five lessons. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lesson
Number 6: “Projectize” what you want to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Finding Him”
was to be the most important project in my life. First, I clarified my goal and
drew a description of the kind of person I wanted to marry. He must be college-educated,
five years older, and five inches taller. Learning from Lesson Number 1, I cast
my net wide. I thought there must be someone meant for me from the seven billion
people in the whole world! The task was to find him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It may not
have been that popular then but today most relationships fashionably start
online. My sister who had already been “shopping,” put me on Match.com. Voila! The
letters came and cheapskate me didn’t have to pay a single cent. From the “candidates,”
I zeroed in on a naturopath from Texas. We shared one passion (Lesson Number 5):
helping my sister beat the dreaded C. Good looks, good profession, and a voice
like Frank Sinatra’s drew me to long chats with him. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lesson
Number 7: Go for more than long-distance relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I got
to Seattle, he came to visit me and immediately popped the question. Having waited
for 20 years to be asked again, I readily said yes. After the wedding, he
nursed me back to health (I was a mere 101 pounds, utterly burned out when I
entered America) and soon I bounced back with energy. But after a long road
trip to Virginia and another to California, he dropped a bomb: he was tired of
travel. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
unwelcome truth that he lied to me before came just as a life-altering event
happened. After 4 sisters, 3 daughters, and 2 granddaughters, I wanted to go to
Calgary to take care of a grandson about to be born in Calgary. My ex-husband did
not understand a grandmother’s heart; worse, not a <i>Filipino</i> heart!
Against his vehement objections, I puffed my last cigarette, threw the
unfinished pack away, flew to Canada, and filed for divorce. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, long-distance
relationships can hide parts of a person. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lesson
Number 8: Consider all 7 Qs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I may have
been an experienced project manager, but I clearly had no clue about how to get
to know a person enough to marry him. When another grandson was born in
Seattle, I went back to the US to take care of him. I told myself I could try
again but I had to choose better this third time. Perhaps it would be a charm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While volunteering
for SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), I was invited to teach at
three institutions of higher learning. Babysitting during the day, my nights
and weekends were spent teaching. It was another burn-out waiting to happen. My
concerned sister “advertised” me on Match.com again. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Soon I had
many dates. When I had narrowed down the search to two, one for a Friday evening
date and the other for Saturday evening, my then nine-year-old granddaughter
cried foul and said, “Mama, if you don’t choose Bill, I will never speak to you
again.” My family had recognized he had the superior EQ (emotional quotient),
the most important of the 7Qs. It is a framework a late psychiatrist-friend suggested
to me. I put it to good use. Please see Part 3 for the details.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lesson
Number 9: Change the circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding him
is only half the story. Keeping him is the other half. Bill and I met late in
life with deep-set habits and cultural, gender, and individual differences. In
2013, after a series of conflicts, we decided to give space to each other. Bill
left me in Seattle after New Year’s Day and proceeded to his son in Boise. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When he came
back on Valentine’s Day, we realized that we had to change our circumstances. After
RVing for eight years in North America, he had gotten tired of all the driving
(I don’t). We needed to reboot. We still shared a passion for travel (Lesson
Number 5),</span> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the first
secret to a lasting marriage. We bought a home, sold our RV, and bought four
months of timeshare to travel the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lesson
Number 10: Stay with commitment and respect. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bill had a
twenty-nine-year marriage that ended only because his wife passed on due to
cancer. My first marriage ended after nine years; my second, only two. His
constant plea was for me to view the totality of the relationship and its
long-term nature, not any specific situation and certainly not just the moment.
He showed me how the commitment to stay together is the second secret.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I discovered
that this is easier (unlike with my first husband) when there is a deep respect
for the other. We came to accept that we would probably never have worked out
as a couple at the height of our careers when we were very competitive. But at
the age we met, our past accomplishments were the source of that deep respect
for each other. This is the third secret.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next week: Using
the Net and the 7Qs<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /></span>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p><br /></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com80tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-90167441317905487892024-01-30T12:06:00.002-07:002024-02-06T08:14:37.508-07:00FINDING A LIFETIME PARTNER: 10 LESSONS Part 1<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2h4mvsx20jnCW18RgVjlg9ljf6ODOBbvr0KJk3i_DYIwqBbXzpLgVUEoADddd1gv7x7Hqn71WbYX5m2lU1JRus0p-JCP9J-RSe4laMEdk6RIAbAfH-RKd0NoE8uPq9BCVhcKCsj0Dag/s448/dinner3c.JPG" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="448" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2h4mvsx20jnCW18RgVjlg9ljf6ODOBbvr0KJk3i_DYIwqBbXzpLgVUEoADddd1gv7x7Hqn71WbYX5m2lU1JRus0p-JCP9J-RSe4laMEdk6RIAbAfH-RKd0NoE8uPq9BCVhcKCsj0Dag/w640-h352/dinner3c.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>This was first published in this blog last Feb. 26, 2021. I have updated it here.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Valentine’s is
just a couple of weeks from now. I remember the many years I suffered without a
Valentine. And then there were also the years when I technically had one but didn’t
feel special at all. In 2004, I gave up my career to be close to my children
who had migrated to North America. I also had another hidden goal: Find a
lifetime partner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">At the young
age of 60, I finally did! It was better late than never, and I realized there
were significant lessons I learned along the way. This Part 1 is for the five
things we generally know but fail to execute well. Part 2 will be about five new
ways that I stumbled upon. Part 3 will be a more detailed discussion of “How to
Look For and Choose Him.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Number 1:
Give yourself the time to make a proper choice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I began life
as a nerd. My IQ (intelligence quotient) developed but my EQ (emotional
quotient) didn’t. I had a good rationalization: I was focused on getting out of
the slums of Manila through good education and hard work. Besides I thought I
was ugly. Then, out of nowhere, a smart engineering UP student took notice of me.
He drove a car on campus, his family owned a taxi fleet, and I could flag one
anytime, anywhere. Getting out of poverty seemed almost at hand! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He took me to
places I never thought I could be. Every day he picked me up and brought me
home, took me to lunch, and walked me from class to class. My schoolmates said his
degree was a BS in Mathematics major in Carol Esguerra. When I began to work, he
continued the practice. My officemates called him Jaworski, a legendary guard in
Philippine basketball. No other guy had a chance. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Number 2:
Don’t Marry for the Wrong Reason<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A year after
I graduated, he proposed with a dazzling one-carat diamond ring and matching
half-carat earrings. My father was beaming with pride that his second daughter was
marrying up. We had a lavish reception at a well-known restaurant, unlike my
older sister whose celebration was held at her groom’s house. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It was only
after the second of our three children that he finally graduated from UP, after
fifteen years. I was too smitten to notice that his family may have had the
money, but he didn’t have the kind of drive that I had. I began to worry about our
future and worked harder while he turned to Roses, Lilies, and Daisies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After almost
ten years, I decided that the life of a stressed single parent would be better.
I focused on my career, getting more degrees, acquiring more assets, and collecting
more accolades, leaving my children in the care of nannies, cooks, and drivers.
It was a frenzied search for financial security. But it was a very lonely life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Number 3: Stay
committed to a lasting marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This lesson
I did not learn until much later. My instinct had been for flight, instead of
fight. It would be on my third chance that I learned to calm down and compromise.
I finally realized that there was no need to withdraw every time one encounters
a difficulty because staying offered much bigger rewards. One of the biggest of
them is to have a complete family. Christmas, after I left my marriage, was never
again as happy until very much later. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Perhaps I
should have worked with my ex-husband more. I tried but he did not come to the counseling
sessions I arranged. I should have tried harder. I stopped working for two
years and took up an MBA with him. But when I got better grades submitting
almost the same work, that fell apart, too. But still, “What if?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Number 4: Recapture
what attracted you to each other in the first place.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Children change
our perspective about life. I became focused on income generation and forgot
about union preservation. He often said I may be studious, but he had native
intelligence. True. I should have returned to the basic reason I was attracted
to him in the first place, and I don’t mean the money; it was the long talks
under the moonlit sky. But I no longer had time for that.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Number 5:
Find one passion you can share.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the
one thing that made my third try successful and my first one doomed. My husband and I have one thing that we
solidly share. Underneath we had the same travelers’ souls. RVing became an
extended honeymoon when every scenic sight became not just a marvel but also,
at times, a coping mechanism. And it continued as we conquered city after city,
continent after continent. Travel nurtured both of us and gave us the spices to
fuse the disparate flavors. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe I
should have spent the time in coffee talks and mahjong tables with the father
of my children. His passion was the easy life. Unfortunately, it wasn’t mine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Next week: 5
New Lessons I Stumbled Upon</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">PREVIOUS POST</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2024/01/4-prerequisites-and-4-parts-of-happy.html">4 Prerequisites and 4 Parts of a Happy Retirement</a><br /></span></span></p><p><br /></p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><p style="font-size: medium;"></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div></span><br /><p></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-78391415952673746182024-01-23T12:56:00.000-07:002024-01-23T12:56:30.107-07:00 4 Prerequisites and 4 Parts of a Happy Retirement<p><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiyndEPvC-NHd6Qho91c7Kdrrdm3cbiDJwcOmJzJbq5JH45MaXIJ_bQ5pJgXSz5E9wEmxjMJlrcRwUvtgwuloSDpre9eMPi3j_ccAK6sNAt3clTrZbMGUbjq6gbeKd4eyd-9IOlSlJYdPnmYY1RhvSgcc-xs06ATc82GS_PbIApwKSxk8CPJzyks4Uas/s420/stone14c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="420" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiyndEPvC-NHd6Qho91c7Kdrrdm3cbiDJwcOmJzJbq5JH45MaXIJ_bQ5pJgXSz5E9wEmxjMJlrcRwUvtgwuloSDpre9eMPi3j_ccAK6sNAt3clTrZbMGUbjq6gbeKd4eyd-9IOlSlJYdPnmYY1RhvSgcc-xs06ATc82GS_PbIApwKSxk8CPJzyks4Uas/w640-h512/stone14c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2785350/things-i-did-to-prepare-for-a-happy-retirement/">This article</a> was originally published in Travel Awaits on July 27, 2022. I have restructured and updated it for my blog. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt;">When I review the retirement goals I set, I realize I have achieved them. Maybe that is why I am happy. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Burned out by a
hectic (but fulfilling) computer career, I retired early, way ahead of today's trends </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">great resignation or
quiet quitting. These were my five goals: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Teach a
little, paint a little, travel a little, write a little, and love a little.” </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt;">That last one was a must. I was teaching at a university and two colleges. It ballooned into another full-time
career (huge check) that my groom (big check) had to take me RVing full-time to re-retire. We travel a lot and I write
about those journeys (two significant checks). But I still only
have two paintings to my name so the check beside that is still pretty small. I don't know if photography can replace the original goal.</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The big question is how did I get to such a happy retirement? For me, there are eight reasons. The first four
are prerequisites but the last four are parts of what seals it. They are not guaranteed; they must be planned for and sought.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">THE FOUR
PREREQUISITES FOR A HAPPY RETIREMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Setting Aside Adequate Retirement
Funds<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">If we do not
have enough retirement funds, we may not be able to retire at all, or at the
time we want. Businesses prosper when they increase income while controlling expenses,
thereby maximizing profits. The same thing applies to our personal lives. I
focused on increasing personal profits (savings) for retirement. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When my
marriage broke down, I had to work doubly hard to provide for my family as well
as prepare for our future. My children and I lived so simply that when I got
major advances in job or salary, whether in the same or a new company, I did
not commensurately increase spending. Our expenses when I was a junior manager hardly
changed by the time I became a CEO. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">One focus I
had was to save enough for a down payment to buy a new house near each new
company that hired me. Besides not having the stress of the infamous Manila
traffic, this strategy helped me own four homes by the time I retired. Their
rentals became one source of retirement income,
albeit in pesos. When I moved to the US and long-distance property management
became difficult, I sold them, bought two homes in the US, rented them out, for
a retirement income stream in dollars. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Maintaining Optimal Health<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">A more
important kind of wealth is health. Wherever we may end up being and whatever
the status of the healthcare system in that place, optimal health is the goal. It’s
the best gift we can give ourselves. I entered the US down to 101 pounds at
5’2”, tired and burned out. But the American healthcare system brought me physically
back into the game. I have learned to eat my fruits and veggies, exercise, and
sleep well <i>every day</i>. There is simply
no substitute.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Changing Your Perspective <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When my
three daughters began successful careers of their own, and I reached C-level in
management, I became accustomed to seeing the big picture. It led me to see the
world no longer in terms of dollars and cents. My mind strayed from having to
earn money to achieving life balance, quality of life, a higher purpose, and connectedness.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Luckily, I
came across the </span><a href="https://philosophyworks.org/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">School of Practical Philosophy</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> that married the teachings of East
and West. It pushed me onto a new course of self-discovery. I wanted to be a
better person, citizen, mother, and grandmother. Most of all I wanted another
chance at being a wife. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding Life Companions<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Being alone
in retirement was not part of that worldview. I had been single and alone for twenty
years, far too long, with no one to share my hardships and successes. To be
closer to my children who had settled in North America (the youngest settled in
Australia later), I migrated to the US. Having missed out a lot on parenting, I
became a nanny to two new grandsons, three months to one and two years to the
other. Those were some of the happiest times of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">But, just
like children, grandchildren grow up to have lives of their own. The older ones
accompanied me on a few trips, but a life partner was the companion I needed
most. It was so important that I did not want to leave it to chance. I
“projectized” it, set a goal, established a timeline, and plotted the steps. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">And I found
him. We had many things in common. A former CEO like me, he also hungered for travel,
had homes that gave him rental income (plus more from investment funds), and was
as temperamentally frugal. Together, we enjoy a very comfortable retirement. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">These first
four—saving, staying healthy, changing perspective, and finding life companions—are
prerequisites to a happy retirement. If you have them, the next four—traveling,
hobbies, some work, and giving back</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> will follow. It will not be
automatic, however. We have to plan and prepare for each one.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">THE FOUR PARTS OF </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">A HAPPY RETIREMENT</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Enjoying Travel without Depleting Your
Nest Egg<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Retirement
gives us a lot of free time. What better way to spend it than to experience new
things, places, and people? Following some rules (like a second-hand RV and a
membership in </span><a href="https://thousandtrails.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Thousand Trails</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">), renting out our condos and RVing full-time
to cover North America became a financially rewarding way for us. When we
looked to travel more of the world, we used those savings to buy timeshares
that enabled us to reach many countries and enjoy three months every winter at
an all-inclusive resort in Mexico at reasonable prices. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Settling In a Place That Caters to Our
Interests<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Apart from
the timeshares, we also bought a simple travel base in </span><a href="https://mymhcommunity.com/Communities/Arizona/ViewPointGolfResort/?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=directory&utm_campaign=Yext%20Directory%20Listing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Viewpoint</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">, a resort-lifestyle community in the
Phoenix area. It has two golf courses, ten tennis and ten pickleball courts, a softball
park, four swimming pools, five hot tubs, two saunas, four ballrooms, a
restaurant, a library, billiards, card, craft, other rooms, and about 50 clubs.
I joined the writing/editing, photography, computer, poker, Karaoke, and mahjong
groups. My husband went into tennis and golf. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">All those
things I was interested in but didn’t have time for when I was so career-driven,
suddenly became doable. I won photography awards, maintained a blog, and published
travel books. Give me more time and I think
I might still become a real painter! And I would love to return to ballroom
dancing, too. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding Something to Do to Earn Some, Ease
Boredom, or Find Fulfillment<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We think we have
enough funds not to have to work. But, with surging inflation, there may come a
time when we will need to supplement what we have set aside. But retirement is
not the time to engage in stressful work. It’s important to find something enjoyable
that lets us earn some, ease boredom, and/or give fulfillment. Thankfully, I
have found a voice at </span><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Travel Awaits</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding Ways to Give Back<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">And when retirement
is going well, we will have the time and inclination to share our good fortune
and give back. My husband became a </span><a href="https://nationalcasagal.org/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">CASA</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">, a court-appointed special advocate,
helping youth born into dysfunctional families who have broken laws, to find
their way out of the legal and social quagmire. I co-founded the </span><a href="https://upaaarizona.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">UP
Alumni Association of Arizona</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> which became a chapter of the </span><a href="https://www.upaainamerica.org/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">UP Alumni Association in America</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">. Both organizations raise funds for deserving disadvantaged students
back home. In Mexico where we spend three winter months each year, we join a
feeding program for the poor. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Your
retirement goals may be different from mine. The details of your prerequisites may not be the same. You may use other specifics to complete the parts. But the eight reasons for a happy
retirement are the same. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PREVIOUS POST</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2024/01/5-things-my-husband-and-i-practice-in.html">5 Things My Husband and I Practice in Retirement to Keep Us Young</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p></div>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-14154921571405561632024-01-16T07:01:00.001-07:002024-01-16T07:01:12.217-07:005 Things My Husband and I Practice in Retirement to Keep Us Young<p><i> </i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGn1RIeKixkjWdRcsnCLUg_QFI3LZOpEmkshWm7Yvffob7dKBEwLdBB5-NlPpLzquaE-XOVnOTkyBmKc228FBrPeiD7FAHeOvVJe9t6zILrAHMOcSkFwzjL42GxeqZyI_Ix_qKysNVPZLGjVr2204fUH4GsHIZT4MklzgP9KEgeP0yI96yD9hoPG5KzU/s766/20240115_102506~2.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="628" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGn1RIeKixkjWdRcsnCLUg_QFI3LZOpEmkshWm7Yvffob7dKBEwLdBB5-NlPpLzquaE-XOVnOTkyBmKc228FBrPeiD7FAHeOvVJe9t6zILrAHMOcSkFwzjL42GxeqZyI_Ix_qKysNVPZLGjVr2204fUH4GsHIZT4MklzgP9KEgeP0yI96yD9hoPG5KzU/w524-h640/20240115_102506~2.jpg" width="524" /></a><i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 20pt;">This article was first published in Travel Awaits. I have updated it here.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">A 2017
article from AARP says that people over 65 think that “old” means being closer
to 74. Well, my husband is turning 80 in two months, and I turned 75 two months
ago! Luckily, people tell us we look young! I am Asian so that may be a reason,
but my husband is Caucasian. The secret must be something we are doing
together. Here are some possible explanations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">1. Keeping An 8-Hour Day<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">After we
married, he sold his business, I retired from teaching at the university, and
we went on an 8-year honeymoon running around North America in an RV. In other
words, we postponed “settling down.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Every day
became an adventure. For me, it consisted of an hour at the fitness center (we
always selected campgrounds with one), an hour of cooking, 4 to 6 hours of
visiting one or two landmarks in the area, and an hour of journaling about them.
He took care of maintaining the RV and made time for sports.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">When we
finally settled down, we chose ViewPoint Golf Resort, a 55+ active community.
My day changed to 2 hours of social media and writing, an hour at the fitness
center (including hot tub and sauna), an hour of cooking, 2 hours at clubs (computer,
photography, karaoke, writing/editing, dancing, and poker clubs), an hour at
the library, and an hour of arts. He continued in sports and joined me at the
gym and library.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">In both
phases, weekends were devoted to preparing for the coming week, planning meals,
shopping for groceries, doing other errands, and going to church. It was a
smooth transition from working to “retiring.” Our weekdays remained as full
8-hour days, and our weekends stayed the same. The only difference is that we
do what we want to do, not things we have to do. So if we even get stressed, it's the good kind...the one that comes with great satisfaction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">2. Creating More Special Days <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">To disrupt
this routine, we created special days. And they didn’t have to be on the
weekends. Weekdays are usually better because there are no crowds at movies,
malls, or travel destinations. There are movies we must see in theaters, not
just for theater popcorn but for the grand experience, especially during Oscar
season. Classics at the Hale Theater have become part of our to-dos. To give my
husband a break from my “excellent” cooking, we carefully research and pick
exceptional places for both ambiance and cuisine to celebrate special occasions
like birthdays, Easter, Mother/Father’s Days, anniversaries, Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and New Year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">And travel days
are always special days. They sneak in throughout the year. Day trips to parks
are rites of renewal, especially during blooming spring days. Summer sees us
road-tripping to the homes of our children and grandchildren. Fall is the time
for attending conferences or visiting new places to write about. And then we
spend 3 months of winter in Mexico when Phoenix gets "too cold."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">3. Living with
Lots of Fun and Laughter<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Socializing
is a key part of corporate life, and it does not have to stop in retirement. At
ViewPoint, we not only join clubs, but we also love hosting dinners,
get-togethers, and parties. We added a large sunroom so we can have a better
entertainment area.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">During
COVID, I switched to the Pro version of Zoom so I could host more and longer
sessions. Now that we can again meet in person, my mahjong sessions with
friends have resumed. So have the Friday dinners at home. And on our birthdays
and Christmas/New Year, we host bigger parties. These socials are venues for a
lot of fun and laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">And there
are other ways to feel giddy and laugh. Although the urban myth that children
laugh more than adults has been debunked, I still love being around children.
It’s an absolute thrill to be with our grandkids. We seek younger (than us)
souls to experience diverse interests and senses of humor. Finally, we have
turned more and more to comedies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">4. Taking
Care Of Health<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">I cannot
emphasize this enough. In the first place, poor health will do the opposite of
what we want: cut short our retirement days and make us look older than our biological
age. There are several parts to this: exercise, nutrition, sleep, hydration,
and grooming.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">ViewPoint
has three fitness centers, one of which is just six houses away from us. At
times my husband succeeds in making me walk or hike with him. At other times, I
succeed in making him walk the mall with me (with some shopping benefits).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">But what we
put inside our tummies makes the most difference. Since I am in control of the
kitchen, my husband has gone with my flow. Our nutrition plan is based on three
principles: portion management (don’t cook huge batches), diversity (don’t
repeat anything in a month), and availability (don’t have in the house what you
should not consume). And I have since joined the Longevity movement (more on
this in a later article).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">And then, of
course, there is sleep and hydration. My Fitbit tells me my sleep score when I
wake up, and I deliberately slow my day on a low score. I also try to drink a
lot of water and cap my day with a large cup of chamomile tea with honey and
vanilla.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">We can also enhance
our look by good grooming well. Wear colors that suit your complexion, cuts
that complement your body, hairstyles that go well with your face, accessories
that finish a look, and make-up that highlights or hides.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">5. Living
With a Purpose<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">But it’s
something much deeper than the physical that will truly make the difference.
Mental and spiritual health is sustained by living a life of purpose. I have
found that helping others and not getting paid for it is far more fulfilling
than just being useful. There are so many who need help, who cannot provide for
themselves, or who need just a little push to make their lives better.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">My first
volunteer activity was at the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) to
help small businesses that were just starting and did not yet have the means to
pay for advice. The right tips can put them over the hump. My husband
volunteered as a CASA, a court-appointed special advocate, who tries to save
children from the grip of highly dysfunctional families and the trap of easy
money, crime, and incarceration. Some focused attention is all they need.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">My desire to
meet Filipinos in America led me to fellow alumni of the University of the
Philippines. We founded the UP Alumni Association in Arizona, and today we are
supporting at least two scholars in the Philippines to graduate and help the
country. The UP Alumni Association in America to which we are affiliated supports
even more students.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">In other
words, looking and feeling young comes from a full life borne out of an
openness to diverse experiences. Have full days, create special days, and fill
them with fun and laughter. And don’t forget to take care of your health and
live a life of purpose</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">PREVIOUS POST</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2013/01/wow-following-10-commandments-of-full.html">We RVed Full-Time for 8 Years: Here are 10 Lessons We Learned</a><br /></span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-22598217010482035942024-01-07T08:28:00.001-07:002024-01-09T13:41:49.069-07:00We RVed Full-time for 8 Years; Here Are 10 Things We Learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLnvtUBZyMxofXsjnOO0girp1hbjz5nGvPW1cDZOGIaZWccdRjubQokr1VWjsCqQHZi4XGl9wDbGz97maNbltEv8B4PjW9GjFoV_HBvyBlJMxWQq0GRpGO0FX_tMa4qR2tfV87kMthyXLtFCzlVVTNKLmZ4R5F-0u4dDri88m83bqKjDqxR_AwpgghI8/s448/rv2c.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="448" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLnvtUBZyMxofXsjnOO0girp1hbjz5nGvPW1cDZOGIaZWccdRjubQokr1VWjsCqQHZi4XGl9wDbGz97maNbltEv8B4PjW9GjFoV_HBvyBlJMxWQq0GRpGO0FX_tMa4qR2tfV87kMthyXLtFCzlVVTNKLmZ4R5F-0u4dDri88m83bqKjDqxR_AwpgghI8/w640-h434/rv2c.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">This article
was first published in this blog in January 2013. Then I developed it for Travel Awaits last
</span><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2880533/tips-for-rving-full-time/"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">May 2023</span></a> . <span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"> I used that article to update this blog today.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">At 60 I met
an American businessman who took me RVing right after our wedding. Crossing North
America six times reaching 49 American states, nine Canadian provinces, and six
Mexican states, we lived in it full-time for eight years. Here are the top ten
lessons we learned. I have added three notes at the end.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Follow the sun; maximize the fun.</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s a moving
home; no need to shiver in the cold or sizzle in the sun. Some say with full-time RVing, you can readily
change your neighbors in case an issue comes up! True, but the real benefit is when
it’s the weather that you can’t stand. Spend summers up north and winters down
south! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Once I had
to go back to Seattle in November for the US Commission on Immigration Services.
Their letter scheduling an appointment reached our previous campground after we
had already left so it didn’t get to me in time. Unfortunately, the new date
they gave us came with a white Thanksgiving. Our RV got buried in snow, our
water system almost froze, and we almost ran out of electricity. No, we didn’t
do that again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">2. <b>Triple
the fun: plan and document.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Aside from
enjoying the destination, planning the exploration with anticipation doubles
the fun. And documenting to relive it later triples it! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">I get
pushback about planning from those who espouse spontaneity. But you see, I
don’t mean planning to the smallest detail. Plan just enough to implement Lesson
#1. Besides, not planning may result in inefficient routes. With the high price
of gasoline (and electric charging stations still sparse for eventual eRVs), thoughtful
planning is essential.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Documenting,
on the other hand, allows you to enjoy the memories more completely and to
share them with others. I started a blog the year after we began RVing. I
didn’t know the blog would be my jumping point for my first travel book. Now to
start each day in our seventies, we read one of 600+ blogposts or the chapters
of my travel books. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">3. <b>Explore
an area thoroughly</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Don’t leave
an area before you get to know it. You wouldn’t want to have to come back and spend
more on fuel. Lesson #2 will help do this. In the beginning, we stayed in a
place for three or four days. It was at a frantic pace to cover as many new
places as we could. Then we would find out that we missed this or that
landmark. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">We upgraded
from a 24-ft. Class B to a 37.5 ft Class A RV (please see this for the
different types of RVing, RVs, and campgrounds) bought into a nationwide
network of campgrounds, and stayed in an area for two to three weeks. It was enough
time to immerse ourselves in the local life. Slow travel set in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">4. <b>Choose
an RV for basic needs</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Your RV must
meet the same basic needs you require from a home. It must not have “wants” that
make your RV unnecessarily bigger, heavier, and more costly to run. That
eliminates a bathtub, outright! But I also decided I did not need a dresser or
desk. Our unit came with a microwave/convection oven combo, a compact dishwasher,
and a mini stack-up washer/dryer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">5.
Include Healthcare in Your Plan.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">This was the
biggest lesson we learned. If we were given the chance to do it all over again,
we would make sure to spend a couple of months a year at a central location to
see regular doctors and do annual consultations and tests. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">My husband’s
sister still lives in their hometown, Pittsburg, Kansas. It could have been an
ideal location, and their doctors would have been great for us, too. When our
health issues compounded, we were compelled to do that and got a lot done,
including cataract surgery. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">But
preventive medicine is much better.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">6. Always
travel light.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Travel light
in an RV? How is that possible, you ask? The RV is already very heavy, even
when it is empty! To me that meant traveling light is even more important. Because
you are always moving, travel with the barest minimum. To achieve this, I developed
a few rules: storing only a week’s worth of food, throwing away a piece of
clothing whenever we bought a new one, keeping service for only four, and using
disposable sets for bigger groups, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">7. Become
a member of a network</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">We soon
found out that camping fees, after fuel, are a big part of total expenses. If
you camp for a major part of the year, become a member of a good campground
network (we chose </span><a href="https://thousandtrails.com/"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Thousand Trails</span></a><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">) to get the best rates. Over the
eight years, ours came to about $10 a day. What is more, the task of looking for suitable
campgrounds is eliminated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">8. Take
advantage of work and payback opportunities</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">With plenty
of time on our hands, we look for ways to make good use of our extra hours. Many
of those we met on the road took advantage of seasonal job opportunities, like
at </span><a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/facilities"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Amazon’s fulfillment centers</span></a><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">, those listed on </span><a href="https://www.workamper.com/"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">workamper.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">,
or those odd jobs at the campground. For payback opportunities, I liked </span><a href="https://www.habitat.org/"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Habitat
for Humanity</span></a><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"> whose </span><a href="https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/travel-and-build/rv-care-a-vanners"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Care-a-Vanners</span></a><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"> program provides a campsite while you
volunteer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">9.</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"> <b>Use nationwide services but buy locally</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">For larger
maintenance jobs and higher-priced durable goods, it is best to use nationwide
chains that guarantee the quality of their service or product anywhere in the
country. When we had a roof leak repaired in Spokane, Washington, we didn’t
have enough time for the work to dry (had to leave for a family reunion at Glacier
National Park). When the roof still leaked a little in Illinois, the local </span><a href="https://www.campingworld.com/"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Camping World</span></a><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">
fixed the issue.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">For simpler
jobs and consumable goods, it is good to contribute to the local economy.
Besides, farmers’ markets sell the season’s best produce and the community’s
best crafts. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">10<b>. Stay
connected.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Perhaps the
hardest part of full-time RVing is being far from your loved ones. Technology
helps to bridge the gap. But one reason
we upgraded to bigger unit is so they could visit us. They did and occasionally,
we even became neighbors. Camping in their driveways is the trick! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Here are three
other tips that didn’t make it to my top ten, but we found important for our
circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">1. <b>Don’t
trade your home for a vehicle</b>, in case you need to stay put again. Choose
an RV that you can afford to pay for in cash, so you don’t have to sell your
home or incur new debt. If you can, rent out your home(s) to finance your RVing
(like we did). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">2. <b>Buy a
used RV</b>; just make sure it’s a good reliable brand (we got a </span><a href="https://www.newmarcorp.com/"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Newmar</span></a><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">). Let
others take that first-year depreciation hit. This made our cost of RVing even
lower (together with Note #1 and lesson #7) than staying in a rented apartment.
The savings helped us buy a new home and timeshares for a new traveling
lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">3. <b>Use mail
forwarding services</b> in low-tax states such as South and North Dakota or
Montana, etc. Initially, we used a family member’s address because we were told
mailed-in voting was limited to those with actual homes. But after a letter got
to us late (see lesson #1), we shifted to a mail forwarder.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">If you are
serious about full-time living in an RV, these 10 lessons (and three notes) will
help you. These and more are in my book </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carolina-Cruising-American-Esguerra-Colborn/dp/1491763000"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Carolina: Cruising to an American
Dream</span></a><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">, a travel book
of our RVing years. It will give you a feel for this cruising lifestyle. You
may also get a good late-in-life immigration and love story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>
</div>
Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com321tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-51818133258067549282024-01-02T13:40:00.001-07:002024-01-02T13:40:49.785-07:00Lessons from the Road: It’s All About Attitude<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xLmHKyjQzhvxBU7L2hteaRvacnEbcp8_XSgx9u7TKesfvA9u6uWqK3WVOWWThc635jECCQdcoy1iRrBcfff8fUTVsK9r7yXKrhLS5gme7CL9NR2fg6pKn7G_xsN4ZMBO8kyQed9-1qDej28JWbNd0wSczkLhM5Gl7NagjX5GB4OVs_FTLcZSBQJ0my4/s448/headline%20photo9c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xLmHKyjQzhvxBU7L2hteaRvacnEbcp8_XSgx9u7TKesfvA9u6uWqK3WVOWWThc635jECCQdcoy1iRrBcfff8fUTVsK9r7yXKrhLS5gme7CL9NR2fg6pKn7G_xsN4ZMBO8kyQed9-1qDej28JWbNd0wSczkLhM5Gl7NagjX5GB4OVs_FTLcZSBQJ0my4/w640-h480/headline%20photo9c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>This article was <a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2482023/lessons-from-the-road/">published first in Travel Awaits</a> on Oct. 13, 2019. <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2021/03/travel-awaits-articles-lessons-from.html">It was republished in this blog </a>on March 26, 2021. I have updated it today. </i></span></p><p> <br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Franklin D.
Roosevelt once said: “I think we consider too much the good luck of the early
bird and not enough the bad luck of the early worm.” Yes, unfortunately, luck
has two sides to it. For travelers who put themselves in foreign or new lands and
in the middle of many unfamiliar activities, luck comes into play many more
times than normal. Sometimes a travel day turns out good. Sometimes it turns
out bad. How do we navigate such differing situations?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">You Can’t Control Everything <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the
worst days of our life happened in 2018. My husband and I were at Washington
Dulles International Airport in Washington DC to board a flight bound for London
where we were to catch a connecting flight to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Our tickets had
been bought at the unbelievably discounted price of US$250 per person but we ended
up paying more than ten times that, even after the refund.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">While we
were en route from Phoenix, our airline Primera declared bankruptcy. All its
flights were immediately canceled. Understandably, I was terribly upset. And
you don’t want to be near me when I am! But my husband said, “It’s just money.”
When we arrived in London, he immediately looked for an English pub at the
airport. The Scottish/Irish fellow delighted in a classic English breakfast he
had been missing. Clearly, he had already put everything behind him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Don’t Be Stymied. Go Ahead with Your
Travel Plans <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Without
hesitation, we went ahead with our travel plans because the Slovenia trip could
not be postponed. It was dependent on the schedule of our two hosts whom we met
on the road in the Philippines a few years earlier. In fact, we hosted them in
the US two years later. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The apartments
they had reserved for us were fully booked before and after our visit. Our room
at her B&B was at the foot of the Ljubljana Castle, in front of the huge
daily farmer’s market in Old Ljubljana. In Bled, his apartment was right on the
famous lake with postcard scenes from the balcony. We couldn’t have asked for
more. And it was a reunion of great friends. <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/11/10-gems-of-largely-undiscovered.html">Our
week in Slovenia was priceless</a>, even if it cost us $3,000. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Be Easy on Yourself: You Are Allowed
to Make Mistakes <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">From our
base in Innsbruck the following week, we wanted to explore more of Austria. We
decided to take the four-hour train ride to Vienna, stay overnight, then stop
at Salzburg, midway on the way back, the next day. At the Hauptbahnhof, I got a
brochure from the ticket counters while Bill bought a bottle of water at the
store. Mixed signals gave us almost zero time left when we finally found each
other again. That’s how we got on the wrong train, the one going in the other
direction. Instead of Vienna, we found ourselves in Munich. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In short, <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/11/are-few-hours-enough-to-enjoy-city.html">we
got to Vienna</a> mid-afternoon instead of before lunch as we had planned. I was so stressed. And you don’t want to be
near me when I am! Dear husband said, “Charge it to experience; we’re allowed
to make mistakes.” We made it to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Mozart House, the
Opera House, Karlskirche, the Hofburg Palace, and the Museum Quartier, missing only
Schonbrunn Palace from our Vienna bucket list. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But we had
to “run” from place to place. It was great that they were so close to each
other. We even ended the day with dinner complete with sacher torte at a
Viennese Coffee House. We preferred to go to the Hotel Sacher for the original
but, as luck would have it, they have an outlet in Innsbruck, Café Sacher. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There Are Many Good People on the
Road<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our next
base was Oberstaufen, Germany. This is where bad luck started to turn into good
luck. After one of our long day trips, we missed the shuttle bus back to our
resort. Tired and hungry, I must have looked so desperate when I found out the
next one was an hour away. And you should not be near me when my tummy grumbles!
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Without
being asked, a German couple, who were also waiting at the station, rounded
each of the stops, reading each poster (all of them were in German), and looking
for an available alternative for us. They didn’t find any, but it didn’t
matter. With the gesture, I totally forgot I was hungry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
following day, we decided to look at Hotel Ludwig with its two rows of unique
windows in Steibus, a village close to Oberstaufen. It turned out that the couple we met were staying
at their vacation condo right in front of the RV campground we found next to
the Hotel. They invited us in for drinks. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
interesting thing was the man spoke very little English and my husband spoke
very little German, so the wives were gesticulating a lot. Before we parted, they
extended us an invitation to visit them at their home in Uberlinger, Germany. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The day
before we left for France, we found the chance. At their deck overlooking the
legendary Bodensee Lake, we enjoyed a typical German lunch. Then we toured the
resort city which was hardly touched during WWII because of treaties. An hour
of hunger was such a small price to pay for this <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/12/4-small-towns-in-germany-switzerland.html">GOOD
LUCK in capital letters</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Let</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b><i>the Good Times Roll<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“When it
rains, it pours” had turned into “Let the good times roll.” Bad luck turns into good luck, sometimes as
quickly as it comes. And when our hearts fill with gratitude for the good luck,
more of it happens!<b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/12/paris-lovelier-with-someone-you-love.html">Paris,
France</a> we were even gifted with a fabulous upgrade from a studio to a
one-bedroom apartment. For one romantic week, this elegant Parisian home was
the base for many of our day trips to the highlights of Paris. <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/12/6-things-you-wont-forget-about-brussels.html">In
Brussels the following week</a>, we didn’t expect to add another level to our
travel experiences. I was always just for sightseeing. But in this Belgian capital,
I turned into a food tripper: beef carbonnade, moules frites, fondues, waffles,
chocolates, and beer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">What matters
most, and what we can control, is how we react to others, things, and
situations. When bad luck strikes, we should
quickly pick up the lesson and move on. And when good luck happens, we should give
free rein to express our gratitude. It also helps to travel with people who remain
positive. As you can see, I am blessed to have the best traveling companion...and
husband.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PREVIOUS POST</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/12/5-things-i-lost-and-5-i-gained-when-i.html"><span style="font-size: large;">5 Things I Lost and 5 I Gained When I Retired</span></a><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-89700920226476743982023-12-19T12:06:00.000-07:002023-12-19T12:06:43.193-07:005 THINGS I LOST AND 5 I GAINED WHEN I RETIRED<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOsfqzuCve5PNAzDKrNDszPDWGW4wBlf6UizKvtD-RX4DvfI-28ilTS3wkzkHpt_NIuqzB5eSKB6_l1ywRV-ln-CRmC_imsukPmoI1QyD7mhHTFcULzPCk0OxUa7o9czIQ5JkmYEhWECEQ8oQHpRc8Ey2qlHoUhZoI_-QktnyKF-vYfnTcbvMuGPmrIA/s1925/rocking%20chairs%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="1925" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOsfqzuCve5PNAzDKrNDszPDWGW4wBlf6UizKvtD-RX4DvfI-28ilTS3wkzkHpt_NIuqzB5eSKB6_l1ywRV-ln-CRmC_imsukPmoI1QyD7mhHTFcULzPCk0OxUa7o9czIQ5JkmYEhWECEQ8oQHpRc8Ey2qlHoUhZoI_-QktnyKF-vYfnTcbvMuGPmrIA/w640-h500/rocking%20chairs%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">When should
one retire? This is one question that is truly difficult to answer. And that is because there are major losses, and they are easy to identify. However, as I look
at my life now, I realize that all those losses were nothing compared to what I
gained when I finally did. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">5 THINGS
I LOST<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">In 2004, I
retired early and migrated from the Philippines to the US. I was then CEO of </span><a href="https://sourcing-and-procurement.com/will-you-bayantrade/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">BayanTrade</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, an e-procurement solutions provider
and lost many things to which I had been accustomed. They had provided me with a
comfortable life. Here are five of them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Money,
Money, Money<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">First, I
lost my income, huge even in pesos. Given the low cost of living in the
Philippines, it was so much more than what I needed because my children were
already working at the time and no longer needed support. Except that we all lived
in the same house. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I had so
much discretionary income and it was pure manna from heaven! At only 54, I could expect ten
more years of the same by continuing to work. That decade would have guaranteed
a golden retirement. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">But I said goodbye to the black Volvo sedan, together with allowances for fuel and a full-time
driver. I gave up all the paid-for trips, domestic and international, that came
with the job. And what about all those free lunches and dinners at business
meetings? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Money-wise, I
surely lost a lot!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Status
and More Status<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Secondly, I
lost the status associated with my position. Having been lucky enough to break the
glass ceiling, I had earned the right to sit in organizations like the </span><a href="https://map.org.ph/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Management
Association of the Philippines</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, the country’s prestigious club of CEOs. I was even invited
to sit as a <i>pro bono</i> <i>en banc</i> consultant to the </span><a href="https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0003729/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Commission on Elections</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> while they were automating the country’s electoral
processes. I loved it when I was doing important work for the country and the
Filipino people.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">A Way of
Being Useful<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Getting off
the career train (a risk even if for just a short break) would make me lose my credentials
built through many years. The information technology industry is a fast-paced
one, and I would immediately lose my brand of being able to launch innovations
in the country, like the banking ATM network </span><a href="https://dbpedia.org/page/MegaLink"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">MegaLink</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> and the automation of the </span><a href="https://www.bir.gov.ph/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Bureau of Internal Revenue</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">My Community
and My Country</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">And because I
moved to the US, I lost the comforts of living in my own home, community, and country.
This was a big loss, bigger than the previous three. I was born in the
Philippines, was raised, and flourished there. It was good that the US has a
dual citizenship program or I probably would not have recovered from the utter sense
of betrayal I felt at the beginning. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The Company
of Loved Ones<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">And my best
friends (elementary school, high school, and college mates) and colleagues in
the industry are still there. And, though I had lost my parents earlier, I
still have two sisters there, all my aunts and uncles, cousins, and nieces and
nephews. It is good that technology somehow bridges the gap. I was able to
visit every two years in the beginning, but now that I do not enjoy long-haul
flights anymore, I haven’t been able to visit for the past five years. Let me
tell you: the ache and longing have only grown.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">5 THINGS
I GAINED<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The gains were
not as readily apparent. Those that I wanted were not even guaranteed to
happen. You have to first imagine all the possibilities that are opened and
move to make those you value most happen. I did, and here are the five that
have materialized. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">More Time with Family and at Home<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">This was the
main reason I migrated to North America at the age of 54. My daughters married
American and Canadian citizens and moved to Seattle, Washington, and Calgary in
Alberta, Canada. My house became an “empty nest.” My solution was to live with
one and visit the other often. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Some of the
happiest times of my life were when I took care of my newest grandsons (after
four sisters, three daughters, and two granddaughters, this was The Prize)! One
was born in Calgary (I took care of him for three months) and another in Seattle
(I ended up takng care of him for two years) seven months later. I showered
them with the love and care I could not offer my daughters when I was too busy
with my career. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">When I was
not traveling, I loved prettifying our small Arizona home and tending a small garden,
keeping both the flowering shrubs and fruit-bearing dwarfs alive and well. I have
learned to cook in 13 cuisines from my travels. It was a far cry from the
Philippines, where I left the household to cooks, nannies, and drivers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">A Travel
and Life Partner<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">There was a
second motivation for me to retire in the US. Since there is no divorce in the Philippines,
my Boss, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, intervened to get
my annulment, a costly and long process. But even after the annulment was
finally granted, there were no available partners. At my age, they were either confirmed
bachelors or plain adulterers. The good ones were all taken. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">It was the
best of luck when I married someone I fashionably met on the Net. Had I been in
the Philippines, I would not have had the chance to meet him. One of his
requirements was that the lady be no more than 25 miles from him so that
substantial dating could happen. He had gone through a divorce and was living alone
in Puyallup, Washington while I was with my daughter in Renton (a Seattle
suburb), just 24 miles away. I barely qualified!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">A New Way
to Be Useful<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">While I was
taking care of my grandson in Seattle, I volunteered for the </span><a href="https://www.score.org/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Service
Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. They assigned me to conduct Marketing Seminars for Small Businesses.
Word got around and I was invited to teach at three institutions of higher
learning. I thought that could be my new career; but after just one year of
teaching, my groom took me away in an RV to explore North America. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">That got me
blogging about our travels which led me to write two travel books on Amazon: </span><a href="https://a.co/d/1RcBYOj"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Carolina:
Cruising to an American Dream</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> and </span><a href="https://a.co/d/dv7pOYa"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Cruising Past Seventy It's Not Only
about Outer Journeys. It's Also about Inner Ones.</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> Afterward, I landed a freelance
contract as an expert/contributor at the online magazine </span><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Travel Awaits</span></a><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. </span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> I found a new way to be useful as a travel
writer and photographer! Because I enjoyed
it, it was not like working at all. And it was part time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Extensive
Travel<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The kind of
travel we had was much better than I ever had with my jobs in the Philippines. We
RVed full-time for eight years. Now that we have a home in Phoenix, Arizona, we
travel six months a year, still a lot for two septuagenarians. Together we have
visited all 50 states, ten Canadian provinces, and seven Mexican states, plus
28 countries around the world. Extensive travel gave me all the fresh material I
needed for my writing and photography.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">A New Ministry<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">My hunger to
mingle with fellow Filipinos led me to meet two other alumni of the University
of the Philippines in Phoenix. Together we co-founded the </span><a href="https://upaaarizona.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">UP
Alumni Association in Arizona</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. We applied to be the first chapter of the </span><a href="https://www.upaainamerica.org/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">UP Alumni Association in America</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, a nationwide organization. Both gave me the fire to help
the disadvantaged in the Philippines through scholarships we award. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">It's a full
retirement life I found. It may not give me back the five things I lost but it has
substantially given me five significant things in return. How do you think your
list will stack up? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">PREVIOUS POST</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/12/great-lifestyles-perfect-for-those-who.html">Great Lifestyles for Those Who Love to Travel</a><br /></span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-39043173261156254702023-12-11T09:05:00.000-07:002023-12-11T09:05:08.728-07:00Great Lifestyles Perfect for Those Who Love Traveling<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzMhH0byI654_y7risAReT2QqJDYm2mDlt-WJgfZ3vWBnll3cdsDF_85UEFsPRmZjrVPJXnR3KvDBgwZNJq9MftlikRR0VLZ8GAu74vA8SAQH84rjzfJ-E_xxnv_WL6fJ10SRM3JTGbBtHZXqXVx0kfskOY1a6O78Hnc3egB3vRBCTzNHqF8HnyyXIwA/s1849/pinnable13.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1849" data-original-width="1505" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzMhH0byI654_y7risAReT2QqJDYm2mDlt-WJgfZ3vWBnll3cdsDF_85UEFsPRmZjrVPJXnR3KvDBgwZNJq9MftlikRR0VLZ8GAu74vA8SAQH84rjzfJ-E_xxnv_WL6fJ10SRM3JTGbBtHZXqXVx0kfskOY1a6O78Hnc3egB3vRBCTzNHqF8HnyyXIwA/w520-h640/pinnable13.JPG" width="520" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It’s almost the
beginning of another year, the time we think about priorities and how we want
to move on. You may be preparing for retirement or want to make a change in how
you work from home, especially since there are many portable careers available now. It’s
time to make another pause.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">My husband
and I have used such pauses well over the years. In 2007 we met and married more
than a year later. We retired embracing one retirement lifestyle; in 2013, made
a change; and in 2017, went through another. Now it’s time to do it all over again.</span>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are the lifestyles we
tried and what we dream of doing next.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Full-time RVing <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">About six
months after we married, we decided to live in an RV full-time. We rented out
our homes, sold some of our belongings, gave away others to family, and stored
the rest in the garage of my daughter’s house and the shed of my condo in
Seattle. We set out to conquer North America. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For the
first three months, we simply tried it out and bought a small used 24-ft. Class
B motorhome. When we were convinced it was the lifestyle we wanted, we bought a
membership at a national campground network and upgraded our “home” to a 37.5-ft
Class A. The network enabled us to stay at a campground (one of almost 200) for
three weeks at a time (daily camping cost turned out to be less than ten
dollars). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Fulltime
RVing is perfect for the avid travelers that we are. We cris-crossed the
continent six times in five years, staying in all 49 American states, ten
Canadian provinces, and six Mexican states. We visited 35 national parks, 34
national monuments, and hundreds of other national, regional, and state
landmarks. It was even more perfect for me: I had just retired and migrated to
the US. I felt I truly deserved the citizenship I was granted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We also found
out that it was a very economical way to live as long as you invested in a good
brand second-hand RV from a national chain, joined a reputable campground
network spread out over the continent, mostly dined in with the majestic
backdrops you found, and loved the outdoors and its bounty. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Snowbirding and World
Travel<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In 2013, when
we discovered some health issues, we had to tweak our retirement lifestyle. We
shifted to snowbirding</span><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2716227/why-we-decided-to-retire-in-phoenix-after-rving-for-5-years/"></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, staying put for a few months, and having
annual check-ups with a team of doctors. Starting that Christmas season, we
parked our RV at the Viewpoint RV and Golf Resort and wintered in the Phoenix
area. The rest of the year, we stored the RV and visited family, held family
reunions, and took off to explore the rest of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">To do this,
we invested in two timeshare memberships: one that gave us many resort options
around the world and another that had extensive properties all over the US. As
a result, traveled Europe extensively, spending a week in different towns, making
them bases for wandering around and touring nearby countries. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The other allowed
us to host week-long family reunions for each of our families in many scenic states.
And, since our children’s homes are spread out over three countries and four
states, we have gotten to know those locations and their adjoining areas well. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Resort Living <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We loved
this snowbirding phase so much that we decided to </span><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2707552/why-we-decided-to-sell-our-rv-and-buy-a-house/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">stay permanently in Viewpoint and
sold our RV</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">. In Christmas
2017, we gifted each other a brand new three-bedroom unit. Three months later, we
moved into our new home, getting “lost” in the 1,200 sq. ft of space, having lived
in a cozy 350-sq. ft. RV for eight years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Viewpoint
has everything you need for an active 55+ lifestyle. I choose from two fitness
centers every day; after which I go to the pool, hot tub (there are four
available), and sauna. We tried our hands at the tennis courts (there are ten)
and when we did not do well, contemplated a shift to pickleball (also ten courts).
Bill settled on golf and I, writing. We take
walks around the park in the evening. There are movies, bingo, concerts,
dinners, games, parties, and about 50 clubs to choose from. I chose the Photography,
Writing, Painting, Texas Hold’Em, and the Computer Clubs. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">With a big
kitchen, I have enjoyed cooking more; tending to my plants has been a new
pastime; and I have enjoyed time with valued friends. Staying home has allowed
me to get renewed for the demanding and exciting world travel and family visits
ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Making Another Country
a Second Home<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In 2017, one
timeshare reminded us that we still had three weeks that we would lose if we
didn’t use the points by the end of the year. We quickly decided to </span><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2555944/a-cozumel-christmas-where-to-eat-stay-and-play/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">spend that Christmas season in
Cozumel</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">. On that
Caribbean island, we got a chance to change our retirement lifestyle yet again.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The truth is Bill would love to retire full-time in Mexico. It was where he had enjoyed
months with his family before his first wife passed on. As a compromise, we gifted
ourselves with an all-inclusive three-month leased timeshare we could use in
any of the seven resorts in Mazatlan, Puerto Morelos, or Cozumel. This has
turned out to be more practical than maintaining a house in a foreign land. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In 2018 and
2019 (impossible in 2020), and 2021 we went to Mazatlan where we never had to cook
or clean, with ten restaurants available, a country club, and a short drive to
downtown Mazatlan. In 2022 we shifted to
a resort on the Riviera Maya in Puerto Morelos with nine restaurants and many
new landmarks to explore. We are returning there this December.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Long-Term Cruising for
Life-Long Learning<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1926 its
first ship sailed from New Jersey for a voyage of seven and a half months to 90
ports. It was called the University of Seven Seas; later it came to be called
the World Campus Afloat. Then the Institute of Shipboard Education shifted to
its successor program, </span><a href="https://www.semesteratsea.org/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Semester at Sea</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">. We had a taste of this when we sailed
the Baltic countries, Iceland, and the UK in 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The program was
made available for non-students, as Enrichment Voyages first and then the
Lifelong Learning Program. For a minimum of 30 days, visits to ports are
complemented by seminars or workshops: political, economic, historical,
geographical, and art and architectural discussions of the ports/regions, while
at sea. The same professors with PhDs in their fields who teach the students
are the seminar leaders. Some workshops include arts and crafts, writing and
book clubs, dance, yoga, tai chi sessions, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The ship’s
facilities may not be as luxurious as regular cruise ships but adequate for the
700: 10 classrooms, 1 large seminar/showroom, another large seminar/ballroom, a
piano bar, two dining rooms (buffet and waiter service), a pool and poolside
bar, three viewing decks, a gym, spa, sauna, and massage wellness center, a
library, a computer lab, a cruise ship store, and a medical clinic. Wifi
facilities were formerly very limited but now that problem has been solved.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Other cruise lines have followed suit and
offer living options on cruise ships. This new lifestyle has attracted some.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Making Another Country A
First Home<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This is what
we have not yet tried. There are places where the cost of living is such that you
can pretty much live at the same cost as home but be at the backdoor of other dream
destinations. You can stay at a Spanish “castle,” a French chateau, an Italian
vineyard, a South American pueblo, or “own” an island in the Philippines! But, at
75 and 80, Bill and I may have run out of time for this last lifestyle. What we can do is still dream!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PREVIOUS POST</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/12/we-sold-our-rv-and-bought-new-traveling.html">We Sold Our RV and Bought a New Traveling Lifestyle</a><br /></span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-8112734427891948372023-12-05T08:17:00.000-07:002023-12-05T08:17:09.902-07:00We Sold Our RV and Bought a New Traveling Lifestyle<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqekhjoF4DpUSFZgyCfP0GRVngbyFlYA5sHIi3wd6VqmKqnZfPIpwzWJ98qKyOGsIJ2nCkQIbTo9iRiRUoQFMeK0__q5_oQcgcX3EwMzhHk6MERB_XGm3ZGmFBAkGAGItK5ou4DVLQEjqG8MOrfsUpfbxvpNEQFc5hfOAwTa-4PsozUGBadt6J1GqPCz8/s808/DJI_0228_1000x750.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="808" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqekhjoF4DpUSFZgyCfP0GRVngbyFlYA5sHIi3wd6VqmKqnZfPIpwzWJ98qKyOGsIJ2nCkQIbTo9iRiRUoQFMeK0__q5_oQcgcX3EwMzhHk6MERB_XGm3ZGmFBAkGAGItK5ou4DVLQEjqG8MOrfsUpfbxvpNEQFc5hfOAwTa-4PsozUGBadt6J1GqPCz8/w640-h498/DJI_0228_1000x750.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7135668301933789184/">Last
week</a> I told you about how and why we chose to settle in Phoeni</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">,
first every winter and then three years later permanently, after eight years of
RVing. The winters of the last three years were spent at </span><a href="https://mymhcommunity.com/Communities/Arizona/ViewPointGolfResort/?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=directory&utm_campaign=Yext%20Directory%20Listing" style="font-size: 16pt;">Viewpoint</a><span style="font-size: 16pt;">,
a large RV and golf resort in the city.</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In the
third year, at about this time around Christmas, we decided to gift ourselves a
change in traveling lifestyle. We bought a small, simple house and sold our RV.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">WHAT LED TO OUR DECISION<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Completed Goal: North America<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">By that time,
we had visited seven Mexican states, ten Canadian provinces, and 49 American
states</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—had </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">also gone to Hawaii although the RV could not take us
there! We realized that we had essentially covered our North American bucket
list, chronicled in my first travel book published in 2015: <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carolina-Cruising-American-Esguerra-Colborn-ebook/dp/B0794BMZPS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=142AP7SNRLKAK&keywords=carolina+cruising+to+an+american+dream&qid=1701464704&sprefix=Carolina%3A+Cruising+%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1">Carolina:
Cruising to an American Dream.</a></i> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">New Goal: The World<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Meanwhile, our
travels abroad have mainly been trips back to the Philippines and to my daughters’
homes</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">they live in three separate countries: the US, Canada, and
Australia. As we toured all the areas
around where they lived, a thirst for the rest of this wonderful world set in. But
going home after each trip had become increasingly difficult. Enduring jet lag,
we still had to haul our RV from storage, drive it back to Viewpoint, and refit
it into the hook-ups. We couldn’t just
turn a key, drop our luggage, and plop into a nice comfy bed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Lasting Friendships<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">In addition,
even if we met interesting people in the many campgrounds where we had stayed, we often lost contact with them afterward. It’s a not-so-happy consequence of
regularly changing our neighborhoods and one of the cons of the full-time RV
cruising lifestyle. Meanwhile, in Viewpoint, we were adopted by kindred campers.
They included us in their tennis teams, golfing groups, and social events. Four decided to buy homes in the new golf resort phase featuring great-looking,
good-sized brand-new manufactured homes. We followed the lead of our new lifelong
friends.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Good Healthcare<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It was healthcare
that led us to stay put at a central location every winter for our medical
needs. Fortunately, we found Dr. Rustin Crawford of <a href="https://www.cornerstonefamilymed.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiApaarBhB7EiwAYiMwqtaRPiBNiHSzEkqsrbVYM6tiiiLDHcaJ2OX0S0mc2myJL3wXRqEw_RoCq1gQAvD_BwE">Cornerstone
Family Medicin</a>e who diagnosed my two nascent issues and prescribed half of
the smallest dose of medications for maintenance. They were quickly arrested. He
referred my husband to an excellent cardiologist who fitted him with a
pacemaker and a great dermatologist who is controlling skin cancer issues. We
wanted Rustin to take care of us until the end. His small clinic has grown to
three branches in the East Valley Phoenix Area. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It all made
so much sense. We had to have a permanent home here.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">WHAT WE
ENDED UP DOING<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Buying a House<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We chose one
of the model units close to the newest clubhouse complex (photo), giving us thousands
of dollars of upgrades<span style="color: red;">. </span>The 1,200-square-foot
three-bedroom home was more than three times the space we had in the RV. When
we moved three months later, I almost got lost! But the biggest thrill was that
I had a bride’s dream of being carried over the threshold</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">at the young age of 70</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">after a never-ending honeymoon. Imagine furnishing and decorating our little
home</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> with tastes that are cultures apart and attitudes so
stubborn!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Selling Out RV<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Selling our
RV proved to be a cinch, too. We bought our moving home that took us all over North
America for $40,000. It was an 11-year-old <a href="https://www.newmarcorp.com/">Newmar</a>
Mountain Aire, one of the best brands and models in the market. On the day we
listed it on <a href="https://www.craigslist.org/about/sites">Craigslist</a>,
it sold<span style="color: red;"> </span>before noon! With the $10,000 in hand,
the math meant that our first home had cost us just $312.50 per month over the
previous eight years. It was the best travel investment we could ever have made
because we even found the lifestyle more economical than living in an
apartment. On top of that, we had rental income from our properties, giving us hefty
savings! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">WHAT WE GOT WITH THE CHANGE<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">World Travel<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We had
wanted to explore more of the other continents. After the house, we invested the
balance of our savings in timeshares for our new “traveling lifestyle with a
base.” So far, we have made trips to 28 countries, have annual reunions with
both of our families in resort destinations around the US and enjoyed an awesome
all-inclusive winter vacation for three months each year in Mexico.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Resort
Lifestyle<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Between
trips, we had a resort lifestyle community in Viewpoint. Amenities include three
clubhouses, two golf courses, an onsite restaurant and pro shop, four heated
swimming pools, five hot tubs, two fitness centers, ten tennis courts, nine
pickle ball courts, a shuffleboard court, a ball field, multi-purpose rooms,
ballrooms, craft rooms, fifty clubs, and weekly dinners, concerts, and dances. The
golf courses are right after the clubhouse near our house. It was a great place
to relax and be with friends.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Visits from
Family and Friends<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The pleasant
surprise was that, with more space in our home, lots of resort amenities in
Viewpoint, and Arizona endowed with great landmarks such as the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm">Grand Canyon National Park</a> or
lovely <a href="https://visitsedona.com/">Sedona</a></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> many of our favorite people have come to visit and stay with
us for vacations. This has been the additional blessing of owning a home.
Family and friends now have a place to stay to be with us. Consider yourself
invited!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">A Covid-19
Sanctuary<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">And when the
pandemic upended our lives, our home became a great sanctuary for the tiny
bubble I shared with my husband. We have added a 200-square-foot Arizona room
for my writing area and our playroom that converts into a guest room. Yes, that’s
where you’ll stay!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I must admit
that I miss RVing, every time I see one going down a freeway or parked at
Walmart, especially when it became the safest way to travel during COVID-19
days. But not my husband</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> neither the driving nor the hooking
or unhooking. I guess we can’t have it all; not forever. Anyway, a change always
settles on being good again. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">PREVIOUS POST</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/11/how-we-chose-to-settle-in-phoenix-after.html">How We Chose to Settle in Phoenix After RVing for 8 Years</a><br /></span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-4603834640903661452023-11-28T09:36:00.003-07:002023-11-28T09:36:57.624-07:00How We Chose to Settle in Phoenix After RVing For 8 Years<p><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2716227/why-we-decided-to-retire-in-phoenix-after-rving-for-5-years/"></a></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQykw2V6wZrebN4Pvpm1lNSEuCPyaky6QhD8EQ1DulACm420pOuJORRVKOV0JJFPRmIt1pTZfLOpV5-zijD4UQcW23WvYiz2hKr4ZXof8YTBj6vRCHGH4lE7gS_PPAeMkBGGyNwcB3PiyrOGFSUNrABErxBaWwvYXNOTkSGDpzTJYxeDIDtxC_hjVydGI/s1200/sedona-chapel-carol-colborn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQykw2V6wZrebN4Pvpm1lNSEuCPyaky6QhD8EQ1DulACm420pOuJORRVKOV0JJFPRmIt1pTZfLOpV5-zijD4UQcW23WvYiz2hKr4ZXof8YTBj6vRCHGH4lE7gS_PPAeMkBGGyNwcB3PiyrOGFSUNrABErxBaWwvYXNOTkSGDpzTJYxeDIDtxC_hjVydGI/w640-h480/sedona-chapel-carol-colborn.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />This article was first published in TravelAwaits on Dec. 12, 2021.</span></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Almost
immediately after our wedding ceremony, we embarked on what we thought
would be a never-ending honeymoon. We had both led very career-driven lives and
our hunger for travel had reached its peak. But after crisscrossing the North
American continent for five years full-time in an RV, we decided to settle
in one location every winter to begin what real retirement should be for us
“sexygenarians.” But many ask, "Why Phoenix?" Let me tell you how we reached the decision.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It started with our realization that we were not super-persons who did not need a team of physicians
who could take care of us on a regular basis.
After my husband suffered a heart attack in Florida</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">fortunately near a heart hospital</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> and my host of many smaller health issues, we decided to stay put in a place for a few months to do the rounds of doctors.
Besides, not getting any younger, we would have to wake up from the dream later, cut short our honeymoon, and really retire. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Before
making a firm decision, we took our RV and proceeded to stay in the most likely
areas where we could try semi-retirement to get a better feel of how it would
be to live there, which is vastly different from simply visiting. We were sure
it would be in the South because neither of us could handle the cold. My
husband’s fingers turned blue at the Grand Canyon National Park…in spring; and,
for 54 years, it was summer year-round for me. It would probably be somewhere
in Florida, southern California, or Arizona. We embarked on a serious search.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">SEEKING A BETTER
TAX STRUCTURE AND LOWER COST OF LIVING<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Even if San
Diego is touted to have the best weather in the country all year round, it was
easy to eliminate southern California; sad because that is where most Filipinos choose to live. Thus, there are Filipino
groceries like Seafood City, many Filipino organizations to join, and many
of my former classmates, co-workers, and other colleagues. However, the tax structure of the state and
the consequent high cost of living are not good for retirees on fixed incomes
like us. A case in point is the cost of gasoline. It is always highest in
“SOCAL.” Our dollars would buy so much less!<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">TO BE NEARER
OUR CHILDREN<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We turned
our attention to Florida where the tax structure is better.
And there are so many ready-made retirement havens for people like us. As a
matter of fact, we thought we would be buying a property at The Villages, often
cited as the best retirement “city” in the whole country. We loved the climate there, hot and humid like I was used to in the
Philippines. But, alas, Florida is so far from where our children live. Road
trips to visit any of them would never be practical, and plane flights would
all end up being more expensive in the long run. These may prevent us
from visiting them often; or, worse, discourage them from visiting us!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">So we zeroed
in on Arizona, where a road trip to San Francisco, California</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> where my eldest daughter lives</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">would take just 12 hours; to Denver,
Colorado</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> which my husband’s daughter calls home</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> would almost be the same; and to Boise, Idaho</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> where his eldest and only son lives</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> would be longer by just an hour and a half. So we took our RV to spend three weeks each
in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma, Arizona’s candidate cities. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">A WARMER
CLIMATE<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The Grand
Canyon National Park is only one and a half hours away from Flagstaff; only 45
minutes separates it from Sedona, that magical city of red rocks (photo). There are
<a href="https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/things-to-do/outdoors-nature/parks-monuments/">many
other national monuments and state parks around the city</a>: Walnut Canyon,
Wupatki, Sunset Crater, Tuzigoot, and Montezuma, to name a few. Yes, it’s Arizona’s prettiest corner. If we
lived there, we would be visited by a lot of friends and family. And yet, it proved
too cold for me and my husband since Flagstaff is in the northern part of the
state, at elevations of almost 7,000 ft.
After three pleasant summer weeks, this Arizona city was nonetheless
eliminated. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">A MORE COSMOPOLITAN
CHOICE<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Let me explain
here that I am a big-city girl, having lived in Metro Manila</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">a megacity with a current population of 14 million, one of the
densest cities in the world, much like Bangkok</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">until I retired. Given a choice, I
prefer to have a wide range of facilities for cultural events, many options for
shopping, extra choices for international culinary delights (</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">not a single El Pollo Loco), and </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">a full
complement of government and commercial services. So, even if Yuma has a
population of 200,000 and is just 25 minutes walking distance to </span><a href="https://www.losalgodones.com/" style="font-size: 16pt;">Los Algodones, Mexico</a><span style="font-size: 16pt;">, a mecca for
inexpensive dental and medical services and supplies, it was also eliminated
from the list. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">A BETTER GLOBAL
REACH<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">In the end,
it became a close contest between Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona’s biggest and
best metropolitan areas. At first, we found it difficult to decide between the
two.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The Tucson
metropolitan area, population of almost a million, was the early front-runner.
Temperatures are cooler by five degrees year-round because it is at a higher
elevation. It is also closer to Mexico which we were looking at as a second
home at best or a regular vacation spot at least. There are also many landmarks
in and around the city like the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm">Saguaro
National Park</a> and the Sabino Canyon National Recreation Area, aside from
cool day trips to places like the Tumacacori<a href="https://www.nps.gov/tuma/index.htm"> National Historical Park</a>, the site of the first-ever Spanish mission in the
US. Actually, another mission, Xavier San Juan del Bac, is right in the city
and is the best example of Spanish architecture in the US, still actively providing
enchanting services. Tucson is decidedly more Spanish in character. It is also
the site of the world-famous “International Gems and Jewelry Festival” in
winter. Great for aspirational women, like me!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">On the other hand, Phoenix is five times larger with a population of five million, the 11<sup>th</sup>
ranked in the nation. Although it does not have national parks or Mexico at its
backdoor, the Flagstaff area is just about three hours away, Yuma about the
same, and Tucson, two. It is also home
to more museums, entertainment options, venues for concerts and shows, and
city, state, and regional parks. The latter were very useful for communing with
nature when we were in forced lockdowns.
There will be no dearth of places to take our visitors and guests. The
megacity is made up of a cluster of cities and municipalities like Mesa, Scottsdale,
Glendale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, and 17 others. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We stayed at
the <a href="https://viewpointrv.com/">Viewpoint RV & Golf Resort</a> in
Mesa. With 1,900 sites, it is the biggest such resort of its kind in the Phoenix
area. There was a similar resort called <a href="https://voyagerrv.com/">Voyager
RV Resort and Hotel</a> in Tucson. Although a little smaller with 1,500 sites,
there was a hotel for guests attached to it. Both are part of Encore Resorts
which also owned the network of campgrounds where we were members. And both had
sections for homes when one finally decided to stay put. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We chose
Viewpoint. The deciding factor was simple: Sky Harbor International Airport is
a global hub, and therefore our travels around the world and visits to children
in Anchorage, Alaska, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Melbourne, Australia would not
only be less expensive but more convenient, with usually just one stop or even
nonstop stop flight options. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Three years
later, after we settled with a great family physician and a team of specialists
to whom he referred us, we finally fully retired, <a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2707552/why-we-decided-to-sell-our-rv-and-buy-a-house/">sold
our RV and bought a house</a> in Viewpoint. I have fallen in love with the
desert. Spring is a beautiful season to be here when the ubiquitous paloverdes,
aside from all the wildflowers, are in full bloom with their delicate yellow
flowers. Fall weather is also perfect. These
days, we stay home during these two seasons and travel when Phoenix sizzles in
summer or chills in winter. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It was a
blessing owning an RV. We were able to search the country thoroughly and when
we were ready, choose from candidate cities by staying in each one for three
weeks. And then we took all of three years wintering in Viewpoint before
deciding to make the arrangement permanent. It was a rigorous and highly enjoyable process. And in the end, we made the best
decision. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">PREVIOUS POST</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/11/how-to-choose-best-rv-and-campground.html ">How to Choose the Best RV and Campground for the Way You Want to RV</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-84266760057605538762023-11-21T09:18:00.000-07:002023-11-21T09:18:03.566-07:00How to Choose the Best RV and Campground for How You Want to RV<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTK8oDN6D6Xd81BW280N37vHTCQKRQp3GAciqfhHJvJCUjrNcdl7olmUuej6859YpBrYJH1htoBth6NGkpjHVy3YFU4xlOOvPmiK8V6B86csG-YNuUHQlxxASJLPl99Gs34BjZYYu06n5dZU9j9w5a0hgFxL0WX08eh0tlyAeYkI0NKJXhwF2Jnf_wIXA/s400/rv2%20(2)%20bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTK8oDN6D6Xd81BW280N37vHTCQKRQp3GAciqfhHJvJCUjrNcdl7olmUuej6859YpBrYJH1htoBth6NGkpjHVy3YFU4xlOOvPmiK8V6B86csG-YNuUHQlxxASJLPl99Gs34BjZYYu06n5dZU9j9w5a0hgFxL0WX08eh0tlyAeYkI0NKJXhwF2Jnf_wIXA/w640-h426/rv2%20(2)%20bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2493104/tips-for-picking-the-best-rv-and-campground-for-your-trip/">This article</a> was first published in TravelAwaits on March 25, 2020, and has been updated here.</i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We RVed
full-time for eight years and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. We
experienced three ways of RVing and I learned about two basic types of RVs you
can use, and four kinds of campgrounds where you can stay. This will introduce
you to all of them and help you match the best RV and campground for the way you want to RV.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">3 WAYS TO RV<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The first way
is what people tied to a home base need. You want to take a short trip to be
renewed and get the benefits of RVing: the open road, the outdoors, and no
unpacking. It’s <b><i>escaping</i></b> from everyday life. I was not able to do
this when I was younger for the obvious reason that there was no RVing
infrastructure in the Philippines. America, however, has the best RVing infrastructure,
and Bill, my husband, took weekend RV trips with his family regularly before we
met.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We RVed the
second way for the eight months right after our wedding. We tried it out for
our honeymoon. We wanted a longer trip, but we still thought of returning home
at the end of it. This is <b><i>snowbirding</i></b> — for three to six months —
to move away from the cold (or heat) of their home base. They seek a warmer (or
cooler) place and stay there until the weather back home eases. It is what
farmers (mostly from the northern U.S.) do when their farms are idle in the
winter. It’s what educators do during long summer breaks. Some people do this while working at seasonal jobs, using their RV as a temporary home
away from home. The goal is to be in the
north during summer and in the south during winter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The third
and final way is what Bill and I eventually chose to do. After our first eight
months on the road, we wanted to extend our honeymoon, so we bought a bigger RV
and became members of a nationwide campground network. We shifted into <b><i>full-time
RVing</i></b>. We made the RV our home and drove all over North America for
five years. Then we went back to the second way for three years. We stayed in
Arizona during the winters; the rest of the time we traveled the world and visited
our children. Now we are back to the first way <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">2 GENERAL RV TYPES<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">There are
two general classifications of recreational vehicles (RVs): motorized and
non-motorized. <b><i>Motorized RVs</i></b> combine the living area and the
engine and drivetrain in one vehicular unit. <b><i>Non-motorized RVs</i></b>
are complete housing units that can be pulled or towed by a motor vehicle (like
a truck) powerful enough to do just that. We chose a motorized RV because it
was easier to set up and we planned on staying weeks, not months in a given
place.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">There are
four kinds of motorized RVs, from the smallest camper vans to the biggest Class
As. Camper vans are vans retrofitted to create a small, walkable area in the
back that houses a sleeping area at a minimum, popular in Europe where the
roads are very narrow. Class B and C motor homes are bigger and can be up to
almost 30 feet in length. In Class C, the sleeping area is on top of the driver’s
compartment while for Class B, it is at the back. Both are typically complete
with a kitchen, a dinette, and a bathroom. We chose a 24-foot Class B for snowbirding.
When we went full-time RVing, we traded it in for a Class A. These are usually
upward of 30 feet long (ours was 37.5 feet long). They are also usually fitted
with slide-outs — as many as five, but we had only one — that make the living
areas much bigger when parked. They can tow a dinghy — ours was a Saturn
compact car. With our Class B, we were limited to a scooter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Then there
are two kinds of non-motorized RVs: travel trailers and fifth wheels. . They
must be towed by vehicles with enough power for their size. Travel trailers are
towable housing units of various sizes, from the lighter pop-ups and teardrop
campers to the bigger Airstreams and even larger units On the other hand, fifth
wheels are usually larger and feature big noses that house the bedroom. Those
noses are attached to the beds of pick-up trucks, making the attachment more
secure and stable. They are usually as big as Class A motor homes and can also have
slide-outs that expand the living areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Like camper
vans, small pop-ups or teardrop campers are ideal for shorter weekend escapes.
Like Class B and C motor homes, medium-size travel trailers are great for
longer seasonal stays. And like Class A motor homes, large travel trailers and
fifth wheels make the best full-time homes, especially if you’re planning to
stay in one place for several months or longer. You do not have to buy any of
these RVs. Many RV rental companies have all these types of RVs available at
reasonable prices. But it is best to buy your RV if you plan to use it as your
home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">4 KINDS OF CAMPGROUNDS</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">There are
four kinds of campgrounds. They can best be illustrated by imagining a grid divided
into four quadrants. As you go higher vertically, you go from urban to rural;
as you move from left to right, you go from absolutely no amenities/activities
to those with a ton of them. Those with many amenities/activities I call
resorts and those with few, parks. Those that are in rural areas I call nature
campgrounds and in urban areas, city campgrounds. Here’s more on each of the
kinds of RV campgrounds you’ll have to choose from.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We chose a <b>nature
RV resort</b> in North Carolina when we explored the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was
a great place to go home to each day. Each space had a sizable deck looking out
over a fresh spring, and we were surrounded by large trees. The campground had
hiking trails, a lake for fishing and boating, a clubhouse with billiards and
table tennis, and tennis, volleyball, and a golf course.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What
immediately comes to mind as a <b>city RV resort</b> is just six miles from
Disney World and within walking distance of a strip mall and a big grocery
chain. The large clubhouse was filled with game tables, billiards, table
tennis, a large TV room, a gift shop, and even a diner. Guests also had access
to a fitness center, hot tubs, pools, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, volleyball
courts, and a mini-golf course. The resort hosted dances with live bands,
concerts, and craft/hobby events.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">You’ll check
into a <b>city RV park</b> primarily to be near family or friends or as a base
from which to explore a city. We found one on the outskirts of Boston, which we
explored daily by taking the train and subway.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">My favorite
example of a <b>nature RV park</b> is the National Forest Service’s Kirk Creek
Campground on Highway 1 through Big Sur, considered to be one of the most
scenic driving routes in the U.S. It is in the sparsely populated area where
the Santa Lucia Mountains rise sharply out of the Pacific Ocean. We loved the
trail that led down to the largest sand beach in the area.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">To escape,
go to a nature resort or nature park. A city resort could also be good if you
want the RV experience and additional recreation options. For longer
vacations, you can go to faraway nature resorts or nature parks. City parks are
best for visiting family and friends or exploring an urban destination while
staying in your RV. For full-time RVers, nature or city resorts are best as
bases. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">PREVIOUS POST</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-best-gifts-of-travel-lessons.html">The Best Gifts of Travel: Lessons Learned, Changes Made, Insights Gained</a><br /></span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-61536049566466496042023-11-14T09:20:00.001-07:002023-11-14T09:26:15.875-07:00 The Best Gifts of Travel: Lessons Learned, Changes Made, and Insights Gained.<p><i style="font-size: 14pt;"></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrgmNnVHvWd8GdIOcNDWfMF27-HlPwx_yJ41i7GcgK-Z-PXgS3uXdUCkrckE1GnuudjLCNl7LyBXEW9oXtrfuVVA5aR3I4PieDnMg8-skXFI_aPzbDujweq-BLfUHf_ipd2l_Q5wDwStKu1GSicsCBouldjFH8dhtDcmWKm_Dt-IuYjg5aYv79nUoAIQ/s800/the-writer-and-her-husband-at2d4d95-800x800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrgmNnVHvWd8GdIOcNDWfMF27-HlPwx_yJ41i7GcgK-Z-PXgS3uXdUCkrckE1GnuudjLCNl7LyBXEW9oXtrfuVVA5aR3I4PieDnMg8-skXFI_aPzbDujweq-BLfUHf_ipd2l_Q5wDwStKu1GSicsCBouldjFH8dhtDcmWKm_Dt-IuYjg5aYv79nUoAIQ/w640-h640/the-writer-and-her-husband-at2d4d95-800x800.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></div><i style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />The <a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2558070/gifts-of-travel-lessons-learned-changes-made-and-insights-gained/">original article</a> was published in TravelAwaits on November 3, 2020. It has been updated here.</i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">According to
the UN, there are, as of today, a total of 195 sovereign states. I have been traveling a lot but have gone to barely a quarter of them. I
haven’t even completed exploring the state of Arizona where I have lived for ten years. The pandemic did not make it any easier for any of us. But that is
now over.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">However, there
is no need to go everywhere. I must say, zoos, aquariums, and theme parks increasingly look and feel alike. Instead, I have found the difference
between outer and inner journeys. A lot more attention is given to the former. Sixty-two of my 74 ar</span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">ticles in TravelAwaits</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> are about them, about a
destination or a mode of travel. The rest are inner journeys, the ones less obvious. They are what comes about as a result of all life journeys. Here are three kinds: lessons learned, changes made, and
insights gained.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Lessons
Learned</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is how a
lesson is defined: an amount of teaching given at one time. Sometimes it can be
as simple as operating a different kind of coin-operated shower at a campground.
In Chicken, Alaska on the road to the Arctic Circle. Had I learned the lesson faster, I would not have had to give
up and use the sink for a bath in the cold of fall way up there in the north.
Other times it can be as complex as learning to find your way when you are lost
where the language is as foreign as the land. I got by with a smattering of
words aided by a great deal of hand and body language in rural Mexico. How I wished I had taken lessons in conversational
Spanish.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In fact, RVing
in North America gave us one valuable life lesson. The RV which we used as our
home weighed all of ten tons. It was so expensive to carry that weight as we went
around the continent in the process of discovering different neighborhoods. The
cost of fuel is one of the largest expenses in a life on wheels so we learned
to stock up only a week’s supply of anything from groceries to other pantry
items, have only a service for four of everything from silverware to linens,
and not buy anything unless it replaces something else, and other smaller
teachings. Guess what was the great life lesson it taught us? Yes, we
discovered that <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-one-real-secret-to-traveling-light.html">the only way to travel light is to live light</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Changes Made</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Now there
are many definitions to the word change. Technically, it is the instance of
becoming different (and it is as certain as taxes and death) from before. We constantly
change as we go through life. But my hypothesis is that we change more when we
travel because we are exposed to a barrage of new things consistently and often.
For me, there were several life-altering changes I went through during my RVing days.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One of those
was to finally realize how to <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/08/inner-journey-1-becoming-wife-without.html">become
a wife</a>. Before I left to migrate to and retire in the US, my calling card
had these words printed on it: “President/CEO.” Now it reads “Wanderer, Writer,
Wife.” On my third try at marriage, one that was at the outset fraught with
gender, cultural, and individual differences, especially in our advanced years,
I succeeded. Travel gave me so many coping mechanisms and more things to pay
attention to, during our extended honeymoon years. In the end, the throw pillow
that read “We get along in our RV coz we don’t have room to disagree” became a treasure.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">And I not
only became a wife without losing my identity, but I also became an <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/10/becoming-american-without-losing-my.html">American
without losing my roots</a>. The RV Odyssey led me through three stages of an
American discovery. In the West, I was moved by the beauty of the land and
began humming “America, the Beautiful.” As we crossed the Midwest, a gradual
conversion to the American way of life happened, including cooking burgers and
dogs, wearing jeans and ball caps, and dancing two-step and rock and roll. The transformation became complete when we reached the East and found America’s historical roots. I began to hum the “Star-Spangled Banner.” At the swearing-in
ceremony, I did not receive just a piece of paper. I felt I deserved to be an American. But, I could not forget my home country, my fellow Filipinos, and my best friends and family. So I became a dual citizen!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Insights
Gained</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, travel
gives us the gift of insight, a deeper understanding of a person or thing. We
have so far traveled to 38 countries. In the process, I have developed better
perspectives of qualities that travelers must have in new and strange lands: flexibility,
curiosity, and courage. <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/07/you-must-get-used-to-change-and.html">Here's
an article I wrote about it.</a> I have also been able to deal with different
kinds of travel mishaps including <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/09/falling-ill-when-you-least-expect.html">falling
ill while on the go</a>. A good attitude is essential during such times (this
is my next post). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I have also better
understood that there is time and reason for <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/03/traveling-with-girlfriends-vs-traveling.html">traveling
with either BFFs or your spouse</a>, for going to <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2019/11/choosing-between-brand-new-destination.html">brand
new or old favorite destinations</a>, or when is the <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/10/which-season-do-you-like-to-travel-to.html">best
season to travel</a> and <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/11/are-few-hours-enough-to-enjoy-city.html">how
long to stay in a place</a>. Because of
travel, I have also repeatedly discovered that there are so <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/07/meeting-most-beautiful-people-in-world.html">many
beautiful people out there</a> and that <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2019/01/you-must-travel-to-discover-great-food.html">food
is always best at its place or origin</a>. Finally, I have come to really stick
to my routine for <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/05/3-ways-you-can-keep-fit-even-while.html">keeping
fit even while on the go</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Now that I
am no longer able to travel like before, I have discovered how to focus on inner journeys. My husband and I have this luxury at home where we stay most of the year. We were enriched by outer
journeys but now we relish the inner journeys that were born out of them. Whatever
age you start traveling, you must take note of ongoing inner journeys, too.
They are the best gifts of travel and become more precious over time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">All these three
gifts are told in my second travel book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LP437RC?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0uhsdLKDhovt1ZLGHqhEZ32AEzRC3QpayOybd7eWJ7CkolTzJlacP8iK4">Cruising
Past Seventy</a>. (Subtitle: It’s Not Only About Outer Journeys. It’s Also About
Inner Ones).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> PREVIOUS POST</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/11/an-unavoidable-turning-point-turning.html">An Unavoidable Turning Point: Turning Elderly</a><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-54218508948099772072023-11-07T09:41:00.000-07:002023-11-07T09:41:04.471-07:00An Unavoidable Turning Point: Turning "Elderly"<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbbe3xa4JQZ2CCxz5ARGfS2y-Eri-bbWbfK4rZNDFJhu78BszXqseDSRIiIvLnJ658pne_QlxyMqUt3XETX2yWS9orENoa3b4SL5BFXUZ0LqqWa8lt0DCm6c3KkIFGKEB6D3IxIMSiCE0ALY4A30w2Hj_SkiV98P8pXv2XEAIe2BlCbs76pqXAr7SqHk/s515/inflectionc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="510" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbbe3xa4JQZ2CCxz5ARGfS2y-Eri-bbWbfK4rZNDFJhu78BszXqseDSRIiIvLnJ658pne_QlxyMqUt3XETX2yWS9orENoa3b4SL5BFXUZ0LqqWa8lt0DCm6c3KkIFGKEB6D3IxIMSiCE0ALY4A30w2Hj_SkiV98P8pXv2XEAIe2BlCbs76pqXAr7SqHk/w634-h640/inflectionc.jpg" width="634" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in Hawaii, August this year</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Just like that, I am turning 75 this month and now have the dubious right to join that group of people called “elderly" </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">(my husband has been in it for five years). </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Having passed the life expectancy of females in the Philippines (71.5), I am now on the way to reaching the life expectancy of a 75-year-old American woman (87). I thought the next turning point in my life would be when I turned 80. But I have found that life after 60 goes at a faster pace.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Five years ago, we <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/02/shifting-gears-cruising-past-70.html">shifted
gears</a>. My husband and I changed the way we traveled, opting for comfort
above all else and slowing down in the process. I also began to write travel
essays. In fact, I published a second travel book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Cruising+Past+70.+It%E2%80%99s+Not+Only+About+Outer+Journeys%E2%80%A6It%E2%80%99s+Also+About+Inner+Ones&crid=319LGYH3629KX&sprefix=cruising+past+70.+it+s+not+only+about+outer+journeys+it+s+also+about+inner+ones%2Caps%2C189&ref=nb_sb_noss"><i>Cruising
Past 70.</i> <i>It’s Not Only About Outer Journeys…It’s Also About Inner Ones</i></a><i>,
</i>featuring my favorite pieces at the time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">This new turning point comes
with a more major set of changes. First, we will now hardly travel at all! Our annual
winter stay in Mexico, from Dec. 9, 2023, to March 9, 2024, will be our last.
We said goodbye to Mazatlán in 2022; we will bid Cancun goodbye in 2024. In
fact, we are selling our car, and when we return in April there will be no more
road trips. Life will be a far cry from RVing around the continent as we did
from 2008 to 2016. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Travel will consist of flying to join special family
events. We will celebrate Bill’s 80<sup>th</sup> birthday in March at his
daughter’s place in Denver, Colorado. We will also be in Honolulu in May 2024 when Bill’s first grandson marries his fiancée. It has become more normal for the family to visit us; the new sunroom/guest room we built has been put to good use. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">We also want to keep our tradition of celebrating each wedding anniversary at
a treasured place. For our 16<sup>th</sup> celebration, we will be in Leavenworth,
Washington not only to visit a beloved granddaughter but also to relive the
beginning of our love story with </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">mutual friends from our time in Seattle.</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Next, since
there will not be travel for travel’s sake, my writing will change. I will no
longer contribute to <i>TravelAwaits</i> regularly. It has been bought by new
owners and is changing its direction to publishing more travel news. I will still be on their roster, and I may write
when I have something to contribute. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">More
importantly, my blog will transition to “Cruising Past Seventy: The Inner Journeys.” I will focus my thought pieces along the lines of my favorite themes: love
and friendship, retirement and renewal, longevity and health, governance and management,
and of course, travel and leisure. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">In my second
book, I wrote more travel essays, not travel diaries or travel guides as in my
first, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carolina-Cruising-American-Esguerra-Colborn/dp/1491763000/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CUNZ9DNTOBA5&keywords=Carolina%3A+Cruising+to+an+American+Dream&qid=1696701268&sprefix=carolina+cruising+to+an+american+dream%2Caps%2C779&sr=8-1"><i>Carolina:
Cruising to an American Dream</i></a><i>.</i> In this second book, I introduced “inner journeys, those
that are not obvious.” But my new pieces</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> will not only come from thoughts gathered
from travels. This time I will write personal essays even from everyday
experiences at home.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">There was something
about <a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2018/11/turning-70-what-growing-old-means-to-me.html">turning
70</a> that heightened my introspection then. But at 75 I am deeply drawn to even more,
especially since changes are coming from conditions we can no longer ignore. These conditions were what prompted us to seize the opportunity to have our renewal of vows and
second honeymoon on our 15<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary, instead of the usual 25th. If we reach our 20<sup>th</sup>, we’ll do it
again. And, if still blessed, on the 25<sup>th </sup>too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I already
have a lot to write about. It's been a charmed life of three quarters. But I am also in the midst of some of the hardest life lessons, those that I so fiercely resisted learning before because I thought I could totally
escape them. Still, I can't help but think that learning them earlier might have drastically improved
how I lived my life. Pardon me, but they may increasingly become the focus of
my writings. I hope you will benefit from what I choose to share. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">But we will
begin slowly. For each of the next 12 weeks, I will feature an article from those travel essays (from
a total of 74) that <i>TravelAwaits</i> published in the past four
years. After I run through them,</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> exciting new ones will come with titles like “How to Die Young
as Late as Possible,” “Where, When, and How to Find Your Lifetime Partner,” or “Which Is More Important: Governance or Management?” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Come along on these inner journeys with
me. Let us continue this friendship we have just begun.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeddbb; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">FOR THOSE ON MOBILE, THE SHARE BUTTONS APPEAR WHEN YOU CLICK WEB VERSION AT THE VERY END AFTER COMMENTS.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 25.68px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 28.5333px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 34.24px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="font-size: large;">PREVIOUS POST</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/10/travel-awaits-my-8-favorite-chinatowns.html">My 8 Favorite Chinatowns in the World</a><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-89687154091975565442023-10-24T08:16:00.000-07:002023-10-24T08:16:02.335-07:00TRAVEL AWAITS: My 8 Favorite Chinatowns in the World<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sv5_hwV0VBrAqIbDx3lknB1prxpKxi7gZtnhVy76_W8aKFudlXTenWshTLBjq25SqV-3THZIhD53Qg-hAGLE8kIDfClJDqtU1AhzV6CsBNLkCOqevZ0gqF1IcYXnBS-y8GnsXYo80b0zcbLY5AOkSObOquHYGp3A4EACUUb1mfQj7oGmUIRCRYreaMs/s620/chinatownsfo0c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="620" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sv5_hwV0VBrAqIbDx3lknB1prxpKxi7gZtnhVy76_W8aKFudlXTenWshTLBjq25SqV-3THZIhD53Qg-hAGLE8kIDfClJDqtU1AhzV6CsBNLkCOqevZ0gqF1IcYXnBS-y8GnsXYo80b0zcbLY5AOkSObOquHYGp3A4EACUUb1mfQj7oGmUIRCRYreaMs/w640-h500/chinatownsfo0c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><p></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2931705/best-chinatowns-in-the-west-us-canada/">This article</a> was first published in Travel Awaits on Sept. 18, 2023.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Philippines was a Spanish colony for 333 years, but the Chinese also arrived in
droves. Thus, a Filipino is either a Pinoy (native), Tisoy (Spanish), or Tsinoy
(Chinese). I am a mix of the first two, but my family frequented Manila
Chinatown so it’s part of my heritage. I make it a point to visit these
neighborhoods where I visit. Fortunately, my children (and grandchildren)
settled in areas with Chinatowns.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">The Chinese
emigrated in waves when they felt pushed out of their homeland because of
economics or politics. Thousands also left when major happenings pulled them into
other countries. For these reasons, many Chinatowns were born. And they have
become tourist destinations. The following are my favorites.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Manila<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9HbCpUX4iAzk6_3iw2ASGKbGA36vDQ6W92QUlNK5kMocuJOB4gHPS1r-v1foaft078ruCr5IQf1u0pymfowT31CWZhns98QGitPg0LZwc1Kf2JMkJ9r0dJerRekytsh5WuaecRyEgSkgsGCatU7zXpJL1R1h_EEiTWGjvpFPkuDWNsHfkCjDFJBM_Dc/s584/chinatownmanila%20(2)c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="584" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9HbCpUX4iAzk6_3iw2ASGKbGA36vDQ6W92QUlNK5kMocuJOB4gHPS1r-v1foaft078ruCr5IQf1u0pymfowT31CWZhns98QGitPg0LZwc1Kf2JMkJ9r0dJerRekytsh5WuaecRyEgSkgsGCatU7zXpJL1R1h_EEiTWGjvpFPkuDWNsHfkCjDFJBM_Dc/w640-h370/chinatownmanila%20(2)c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">The Manila
Chinatown is not only in the <a href="https://www.insightguides.com/inspire-me/blog/10-of-the-best-chinatowns-around-the-world">World’s
Top 10</a>, it's also the oldest! It was created by Spanish missionaries circa
1594 for the Catholic Chinese in Binondo. Later, it expanded to five neighboring
districts. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">The place to
visit is </span><a href="https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/divisoria-market-28042.html#google_vignette"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Divisoria Market</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">, with building malls and street stalls.
It’s the Philippines’ bargain center, where you can find very low-priced goods,
great Chinese food, and knockoff products at unbelievable prices. After dusk, it
transforms into a vibrant night market.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: Be
sure to visit the historic </span><a href="https://rcam.org/minorbasilicaofsanlorenzoruiz/about-us/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Binondo Church</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">, and sample classic Chinese pastries
like “hopia” and “tikoy,” and </span><a href="https://www.chinasichuanfood.com/chinese-moon-cake-traditional-version/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">mooncakes</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> at </span><a href="https://www.engbeetin.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Eng Bee Tin</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">. When
I go back to visit, I shop at </span><a href="https://168shoppingmall.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Building 168.</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> For authentic Chinese cuisine, go to
</span><a href="https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/food-and-leisure/2022/03/29/2170737/toho-panciteria-antigua-taste-1800s-new-binondo"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Toho Panciteria Antigua</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">, the country’s oldest restaurant (since
1888).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> San Francisco <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYLzx3PAQ_pixGpFt57p4mfr-WCRUHmfTzULg-CkVxRFmJVqc33Vn6s0K597LUmQKy_t84nHTvYhf4hYppgVRX11DFfkIDjRG2VPwgAds8DDxlC80mpu-zJZtWYwnde2kR0f3ehtaTL72gd7mAUQ0WvA4Z_nHKgh_ewa7SF151bJRqSBN-AFvhWO5pJY/s354/chinatownsfo%20(2)c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="354" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYLzx3PAQ_pixGpFt57p4mfr-WCRUHmfTzULg-CkVxRFmJVqc33Vn6s0K597LUmQKy_t84nHTvYhf4hYppgVRX11DFfkIDjRG2VPwgAds8DDxlC80mpu-zJZtWYwnde2kR0f3ehtaTL72gd7mAUQ0WvA4Z_nHKgh_ewa7SF151bJRqSBN-AFvhWO5pJY/w640-h496/chinatownsfo%20(2)c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Also in the Top
10, the </span><a href="https://www.timeout.com/san-francisco/neighborhoods/chinatown-san-francisco"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">San Francisco Chinatown</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> is the oldest in the US (since 1848).
The lovely Dragon Gate ushers you into 30 blocks around Grant Avenue and
Stockton Streets. The neighborhood houses 10,000 people, stores, and eating, cocktails
and karaoke joints, etc. Streets are festooned with bright red round lanterns
and ornate temples complete the festive atmosphere. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">It was the </span><a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/goldrush-california/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Gold Rush</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> in the mid-1800s that attracted thousands
of Chinese males. They came again to help build the </span><a href="https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/transcontinental-railroad"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Transcontinental Railroad</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> from 1865-9. It’s interesting to
note that this neighborhood attracts more visitors than the </span><a href="https://www.goldengate.org/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Golden Gate Bridge</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: My
eldest daughter lives in the Bay Area and my foodie granddaughter introduced me
to </span><a href="https://www.goodmongkok.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Good Mong Kok Bakery</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> where the </span><a href="https://thewoksoflife.com/category/recipes/dim-sum/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">dim sum</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> is so good you are content to eat your
favorites standing on the sidewalk. Or bring them home! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Melbourne
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg5IKoG7tKU8J0mPfiWtSvvu-TOie8vH_eWTp8CMZjSN0OG48-qsSg3PZNMdUQK8pE3i52pPqYd-_NxgSCGWMZKjrYcFD9BpdH4wRhhXhvZhfiHVKTiqX83U8rvb1PC2G71QuHhrEbLDWN4qkEAaz-YJobTZK-juGElhvCCy2EL5F8LAJY0ZpBK5hbP8/s470/Chinatown%20Melbourne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="470" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg5IKoG7tKU8J0mPfiWtSvvu-TOie8vH_eWTp8CMZjSN0OG48-qsSg3PZNMdUQK8pE3i52pPqYd-_NxgSCGWMZKjrYcFD9BpdH4wRhhXhvZhfiHVKTiqX83U8rvb1PC2G71QuHhrEbLDWN4qkEAaz-YJobTZK-juGElhvCCy2EL5F8LAJY0ZpBK5hbP8/w640-h640/Chinatown%20Melbourne.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">My youngest
daughter chose to migrate to Melbourne. So I also got to know their Chinatown
which grew from Little Bourke St where the Chinese settled following the
discovery of </span><a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/australian-gold-rush-begins/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Australian gold in 1851</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">This Top 10 Chinatown
has predominantly become a food mecca, with an entire range of eating places. Besides
Chinese food, it’s a place to get other Asian favorites and even European and
Australian cuisines. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">All year, festivals
are celebrated around the historic streetscape which has been well preserved,
along with the five refurbished entrance arches. Discover </span><a href="https://citycollection.melbourne.vic.gov.au/tianjin-garden-chinese-lion-guardians/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Tianjin Gardens</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">, shop at Asian groceries, and visit a
couple of plazas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: My foodie
daughter loves </span><a href="https://whateverfloatsyourbloat.com/2016/08/14/juicy-bao-melbourne/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Juicy Bao</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> for its dumplings, </span><a href="https://woodo-korean-bbq.business.site/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Woodoo</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> for Korean barbeque, and lots of hotpot places. For fine dining, </span><a href="https://flowerdrum.melbourne/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Flower Drum</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">
brings back dynastic luxury food. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Vancouver
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42f6a1lfrW7XkH3IvySPjE7rFT8ZfOh8LHft8h88qfzftvRhqjwwvHliBo8D5OWRcKyi88dkXFM2JqLfAMnN_fRJTOzZ3LBRVCuSwipSFDCZd7YSb9jf_v6WaXPzhbxLZQajQzm1LPF74q6q3fG43U-JpohBf6sQwpJ-ymJHAnmzhhQu4MQUv14Pw7Ns/s362/chinatown%20vancouver27c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="362" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42f6a1lfrW7XkH3IvySPjE7rFT8ZfOh8LHft8h88qfzftvRhqjwwvHliBo8D5OWRcKyi88dkXFM2JqLfAMnN_fRJTOzZ3LBRVCuSwipSFDCZd7YSb9jf_v6WaXPzhbxLZQajQzm1LPF74q6q3fG43U-JpohBf6sQwpJ-ymJHAnmzhhQu4MQUv14Pw7Ns/w640-h510/chinatown%20vancouver27c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">My eldest
daughter lived in Seattle before the Bay Area, so I settled there when I
migrated. We would take the less than three-hour trip to Vancouver to get much-missed
Chinese and Filipino food at the </span><a href="https://www.vancouver-chinatown.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Vancouver Chinatown</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">. This community, next to the touristy </span><a href="https://www.destinationvancouver.com/vancouver/neighbourhoods/gastown/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Gastown</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">, is traced to the Chinese recruited to build
the difficult section of the Canadian Pacific Railway through the Canadian
Rockies (Vancouver to Calgary).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">This Top 10
Chinatown is the third largest in North America behind New York City and San
Francisco. It also has that special serene </span><a href="https://vancouverchinesegarden.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Sun Yat Sen Garden</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> in the middle of skyscrapers. An annual </span><a href="https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-report/chinese-new-year/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Chinese New Ye</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">ar</span></span><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> Parade is also well-attended. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: We bought
Chinese “siopao” and other goodies at </span><a href="https://www.newtownbakery.ca/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Newtown Bakery</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">.
And the iconic Filipino chain restaurant </span><a href="https://www.goldilocks-can.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Goldilocks</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> has all the Filipino comfort food I like.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Seattle
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7nRJjgYQ6ivHfKMnLuN7tMc4EaUU3Y3UYKz2DowPQgAjWPnKLxsh4DCeJ4dwUJx2hHwhqYEGxgaWg4YHd7Sm-uHAKOwdSHPF2pP07oUsuXlVDMYvAMhPzt9XpEda3yVnWeqM52zM4WU1DAG87jcAP3UxLfZWWT9y3CrW8CKB_uXumhs3qOB6l4nNEIA/s238/seattlechinatownc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="238" height="637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7nRJjgYQ6ivHfKMnLuN7tMc4EaUU3Y3UYKz2DowPQgAjWPnKLxsh4DCeJ4dwUJx2hHwhqYEGxgaWg4YHd7Sm-uHAKOwdSHPF2pP07oUsuXlVDMYvAMhPzt9XpEda3yVnWeqM52zM4WU1DAG87jcAP3UxLfZWWT9y3CrW8CKB_uXumhs3qOB6l4nNEIA/w640-h637/seattlechinatownc.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">This brings
me to Chinatown in Seattle where the same foodie granddaughter now lives. The
area near Pioneer Square was the first stop for virtually all Asian immigrants.
The Chinese came first in the 19<sup>th</sup> century but now it is called the </span><a href="https://visitseattle.org/neighborhoods/international-district/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Chinatown-International District</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> with two additions: Japantown and
Little Saigon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Enter the historic
Chinatown Gate, get the story of the neighborhood at the </span><a href="https://www.wingluke.org/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Wing Luke Museum</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">; and visit the restaurants, galleries, and supermarkets. Take time to
stop at </span><a href="https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/hing-hay-park"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Hing Hay Park</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> where you can find locals playing </span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/sports/table-tennis"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">ping-pong</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: </span><a href="https://www.honeycourtseafood.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Honey Court Seafood</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> is the go-to place for family-style Chinese food and dim
sum. Or visit </span><a href="https://www.taitungrestaurant.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Tai Tung</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">, Seattle’s oldest Chinese restaurant,
where Bruce Lee was a regular! And get a good dose of Asian goods at </span><a href="https://www.uwajimaya.com/visit/seattle/?utm_source=localprofiles&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=seattle&utm_campaign=fm"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Uwajimaya</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Las
Vegas<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcKBAj-3PJyXxGygWL02SGACgzcxv2NAcGQ2AGZKnn38iSScB_sWGuRPKY9OE-ZzjKqAjams9goI3uqBz4A1AnZOfBjTULlqjT5dDkblL9PvNDjh6GDnc0r9cK8Omy3_oERJvNm3uXjuYLt1K8zg1Zx-wfVF93p4llrnQ31zpDoO5M-M64z6Kj3RNa7s/s1570/Chinatown%20Vegas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="1256" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcKBAj-3PJyXxGygWL02SGACgzcxv2NAcGQ2AGZKnn38iSScB_sWGuRPKY9OE-ZzjKqAjams9goI3uqBz4A1AnZOfBjTULlqjT5dDkblL9PvNDjh6GDnc0r9cK8Omy3_oERJvNm3uXjuYLt1K8zg1Zx-wfVF93p4llrnQ31zpDoO5M-M64z6Kj3RNa7s/w512-h640/Chinatown%20Vegas.jpg" width="512" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Las Vegas is
just five hours from Phoenix where we are now based so the three-mile </span><a href="https://chinatownvegas.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Chinatown Vegas</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">
around Spring Mountain Road has become “the other strip” for us. A huge Chinese
Pagoda marks its entrance but the </span><a href="https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/69273#:~:text=Asian%20retail%20strip%20mall%20opened,on%20a%20classic%20Chinese%20novel.&text=Directions%3A,for%20the%20Chinese%20Gate%20entrance."><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Journey to the West Monument</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> is the attraction. It’s a gold
statue in the parking lot that showcases the Buddhist monk </span><a href="http://en.chinaculture.org/gb/en_aboutchina/2003-09/24/content_22634.htm"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Tan San Zhang</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">, his white horse, and his three
protectors from the classic Chinese novel Xi You Ji (Pilgrimage to the West). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s as busy
and exciting as The Strip with two CBD dispensaries, 40 massage spas, several shooting
ranges, and martial arts schools. Its Eastern character spawned 20 strip
malls, 150 restaurants, six Asian supermarkets, dozens of Asian churches, and
the </span><a href="https://www.lvlt.org/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Little Vegas Theater</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: </span><a href="https://www.seafoodcity.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Seafood City</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">
is the largest Filipino supermarket chain in the US and Canada. There is one in
Chinatown Vegas and it’s where we go.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Calgary
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_-07MaBVGSEsEJXFowVTKUnNjc5LgyUVKeDZp5JFas3_YoRbZzPqNzI_jK3xgsuwFakQCxB4bWeMCjtkuSbZEu7JaJqHNNrIjBirjlkTAmzk2c6MTarP0kePa3vmlVwZ8NoAl_pe6gtmBmSvst7tezWjUj7SKVa4Xd6Ky9BpahcHHTvXSoQCcZaf_00/s506/chinatowncalgaryc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="506" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_-07MaBVGSEsEJXFowVTKUnNjc5LgyUVKeDZp5JFas3_YoRbZzPqNzI_jK3xgsuwFakQCxB4bWeMCjtkuSbZEu7JaJqHNNrIjBirjlkTAmzk2c6MTarP0kePa3vmlVwZ8NoAl_pe6gtmBmSvst7tezWjUj7SKVa4Xd6Ky9BpahcHHTvXSoQCcZaf_00/w640-h412/chinatowncalgaryc.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">My third and
middle daughter chose to settle in Calgary, Alberta so we have also explored the
</span><a href="https://www.calgary.ca/major-projects/experience-chinatown.html"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Calgary Chinatown</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> on Center Street. In 1883, many of
the Chinese who worked on the Canada Pacific Railway settled in Calgary after
it was completed. The beautiful </span><a href="https://www.culturalcentre.ca/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Chinese Cultural Center</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">, the biggest such facility in North
America, is styled after the </span><a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/881/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Temple of Heaven</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> which is a World Heritage Site in Beijing. North of Center
Street, a “second” Chinatown has emerged out of Asian-inspired businesses. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: We
love to eat at </span><a href="https://www.silverdragoncalgary.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Silver Dragon Restaurant</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> where a long line of people usually waits
to get amazing dim sums. Be sure to stop at Rainbow Bakery inside the </span><a href="https://www.bestcalgaryhomes.com/calgary-landmarks-dragon-city-mall/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Dragon City Mall</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> to sample the divine Hong Kong</span><a href="https://thewoksoflife.com/hong-kong-egg-tarts/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> egg tarts</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> and other Chinese pastries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Victoria
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4zHXeXMHMLAq53eQ-zlvPVqmsugYTz9N5Jh9VLqHWxcH10IKOe4u1a0gV1q8pvCuEsRMiZ90MJlVWsedwtgZRT_mM8-_V-I90DhBMTM4uS80dET_oP2l_XQHKtUv9c4tsxAe634yZsEQxmkCYLvA0cXbCd7q_3TnohXDkxpqoBVfWpB87DuQyrJqmRA/s459/chinatown%20victoriac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="295" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4zHXeXMHMLAq53eQ-zlvPVqmsugYTz9N5Jh9VLqHWxcH10IKOe4u1a0gV1q8pvCuEsRMiZ90MJlVWsedwtgZRT_mM8-_V-I90DhBMTM4uS80dET_oP2l_XQHKtUv9c4tsxAe634yZsEQxmkCYLvA0cXbCd7q_3TnohXDkxpqoBVfWpB87DuQyrJqmRA/w412-h640/chinatown%20victoriac.jpg" width="412" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">It was the
beautiful </span><a href="https://www.butchartgardens.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Butchart Gardens</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> that drew us to Victoria on
Vancouver Island. But we considered ourselves lucky to also find there the
small and charming </span><a href="https://chinatown.library.uvic.ca/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Victoria Chinatown</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">. It’s the oldest in Canada, second
only to San Francisco in North America. Founded by Chinese merchants from San
Francisco during the Fraser River Gold Rush of 1858, it’s now a National
Historic Site.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">There are rows
of restaurants offering great Asian food around a couple of blocks. But it is
the tiny alleys that hold the heart of this Chinatown. We found so many
interesting little shops in the narrow but colorful </span><a href="https://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/residents/about/photo-gallery/downtown/fan_tan_alley.html"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Fan Tan Alley</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span></span><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: Be
sure to spend some time at the </span><a href="https://theumbrellatorium.com/"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Umbrellatorium and Canery</span></a><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">, a unique little store of different kinds
of umbrellas and canes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Do yourself
a favor. If the city you are visiting has a Chinatown, add it to your itinerary.
Sample authentic Chinese food, shop for unique souvenirs from the East, visit
temples and museums, and unravel the Chinese mystique. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeddbb; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">FOR THOSE ON MOBILE, THE SHARE BUTTONS APPEAR WHEN YOU CLICK WEB VERSION AT THE VERY END AFTER COMMENTS.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 25.68px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 28.5333px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="font-size: large;">PREVIOUS POST</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/10/travel-awaits-6-quaint-small-towns-to.html">6 Small Quaint Towns to Visit While Exploring the Kenai Peninsula</a><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-54816413614404856892023-10-10T08:23:00.000-07:002023-10-10T08:23:27.133-07:00TRAVEL AWAITS: 6 Quaint Small Towns To Visit While Exploring Kenai Peninsula in Alaska<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6_zNopQIH_qA9OLGx9ph7Ml8NMvqcJdyPZmxWMMncPufxEYlWBibWOJCCGGgwnElmQ3s1SrqUqL9BaU8me2lQZIDVa9LHfZpYFiSZ81UIyxrc8_or21AE1RPxsErcI0L-wHV60zUZ0P3ZYA_TR6zYN2vKOSBjODX1MUPQ2qzvg2gt-rg4pZsphgEqUo/s311/kenai8c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="311" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6_zNopQIH_qA9OLGx9ph7Ml8NMvqcJdyPZmxWMMncPufxEYlWBibWOJCCGGgwnElmQ3s1SrqUqL9BaU8me2lQZIDVa9LHfZpYFiSZ81UIyxrc8_or21AE1RPxsErcI0L-wHV60zUZ0P3ZYA_TR6zYN2vKOSBjODX1MUPQ2qzvg2gt-rg4pZsphgEqUo/w640-h428/kenai8c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><p><i style="font-size: 20pt;"><a href=" 6 Quaint Small Towns To Visit While Exploring Kenai Peninsula in Alaska">This article</a> was first published in Travel Awaits on Aug. 14, 2023.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">As America’s last frontier, Alaska is well-known for spectacularly wide-open spaces teeming with
amazing wildlife, ideal for both cool and cold outdoor fun. Half of Alaskans live in Anchorage but it’s
the quaint small towns that can give you the true Alaskan experience. North of
the city are interior towns born out of its mining history. To its south,
however, are communities rich in Russian cultural heritage with abundant
fishing waters, glacial fields, and beach ports for Inside Passage cruises. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">There are 36
such towns located on the </span><a href="https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Regions/Southcentral/Kenai-Peninsula"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Kenai Peninsula</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> in the south-central part of the
state. It has been called Alaska’s playground, “where mountains, ice, and ocean
meet.” Bounded to the west by the </span><a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareacookinlet.main"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Cook Inlet</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> and to the east by the </span><a href="https://www.worldfamousthings.com/gulf-of-alaska/"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Gulf of Alaska</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">, the </span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/kenai-mountains-turnagain-arm-national-heritage-area.htm"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Kenai Mountains</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> lie on its western side, creating
the natural bounty called the </span><a href="https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Parks-Public-Lands/Kenai-Fjords-National-Park?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkoOcxYjEgAMV9AGtBh1grQUIEAAYASAAEgJcu_D_BwE"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Kenai Fjords National Park</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">. The jewel of the park is the famous
Hardings Ice Fields. There are also six great rivers and over 50 lakes. At its
southern tip, </span><a href="https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/kenai/kachemakbaysp.htm"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Kachemak Bay State Park</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> was Alaska’s first legislated state park.
Together with the </span><a href="https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/kenai/kachemakbayswp.htm"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Kachemak Wilderness Park</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> , they comprise 400,000 acres around
the pristine waters of </span><a href="https://www.kachemakbaywatertrail.org/life-environment"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Kachemak Bay</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">My husband’s
daughter and my sister both lived in Anchorage, and visits to each of their
homes have blessed us with opportunities to explore this incredible state. Our
first visit to Kenai was so much fun that we went back for more the following
year. In the following paragraphs, we share Cooper Landing and Homer from the
first visit; then Kenai, Soldotna, and Seward from the second. But first, Whittier.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Whittier <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2IPgseD20aONggCEoknLddCWOqpvruhCaHvHIUdTYr87KplveX9fwEgb5jjFB72EAB6VmBdZpiYaMxF3H9ckBC9Zy38WQJC1C7s8SCl7lKR-ZBH3MhH61Ge4T_9IPWNzl1-_k0BlTAUcZ44y-D_2QYfXUyb6gZdkyw81XCBdZzJoO0RiOYoF1TuGrho/s390/kenai5c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="390" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2IPgseD20aONggCEoknLddCWOqpvruhCaHvHIUdTYr87KplveX9fwEgb5jjFB72EAB6VmBdZpiYaMxF3H9ckBC9Zy38WQJC1C7s8SCl7lKR-ZBH3MhH61Ge4T_9IPWNzl1-_k0BlTAUcZ44y-D_2QYfXUyb6gZdkyw81XCBdZzJoO0RiOYoF1TuGrho/w640-h468/kenai5c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">The 14-mile isthmus
that connects Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula is called Portage Valley. It is on
a waterway called Turnagain Arm. The </span><a href="https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Cities-Towns/Portage-Glacier-Area?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgYPynYvEgAMVuSWtBh0yIw1NEAAYASAAEgJQOPD_BwE"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Portage Glacier</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> once sat here and its remnants can still
be seen today. The ghost town of </span><a href="https://www.thealaskalife.com/blogs/news/portage-the-sunken-alaska-ghost-town-that-nature-is-reclaiming"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Portage</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">, about 47 miles south of Anchorage, is
what remained after the </span><a href="https://www.livescience.com/44432-facts-1964-alaska-earthquake.html"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">1964 Alaska earthquake</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">An
alternating railroad and road passageway was built here linking </span><a href="https://dot.alaska.gov/scenic/byways-seward.shtml"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Seward Highway</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> and </span><a href="https://www.alaskarailroad.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjc698IzEgAMVkxetBh1biwhSEAAYASAAEgJZz_D_BwE"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Alaska Railroad</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> to the Portage Glacier Park and the
town of Whittier. It was quite an experience to pass through this </span><a href="https://www.whittieralaska.gov/tunnel/"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Only about
60 miles southeast of Anchorage, the small town of </span><a href="https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Cities-Towns/Whittier?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj5nTwY3EgAMVAhqtBh3MrwwrEAAYASAAEgIO0vD_BwE"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Whittier</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> is technically not part of the Kenai
Borough. It sits on the northeast shore of the peninsula at the head of the </span><a href="https://www.usharbors.com/harbor/alaska/whittier-passage-canal-ak/"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Passage Canal</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">, a port for the </span><a href="https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/index.shtml"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Alaska Marine Highway</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">. Off-season, 272 people make it home, doubling in summer. Nestled
between glacier-draped mountains, the town is the charming gateway to </span><a href="https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Regions/Southcentral/Prince-William-Sound?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqZSTz47EgAMVYRatBh08eA9HEAAYASAAEgIxffD_BwE"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Prince William Sound</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> on the Gulf of Alaska. Several
cruise lines use it as a departure port for their famous four-hour Inland
Passage cruises. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: Our
cruise took us up close to 26 glaciers on </span><a href="https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/brochures/resbaybrochure.pdf"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Resurrection Bay</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> and the </span><a href="https://www.goalaskatours.com/alaska-travel-guide/college-fjord"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">College Fjords</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">. The high-speed catamaran had huge
picture windows inside and extensive outside viewing decks. This is the less
expensive way to explore these glaciers (rather than to cruise all the way from
Seattle) and it gives you the chance to explore the peninsula. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Cooper Landing<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxd-iH05CzFDgsecdJl0R4g4CdbDx3e9A4N6fkMXi45J47f3NxqbqRljpSoOyVrmSRqkYMX4zJDapLltSYTg2v4d9gm07o7ZToO6t8j8eTptMU5ZECLOvUJOwou8-1N9EhpB36Y6rmwzQMgnbd5OZlcRtSS4l28uAjFlV9bF1AX84ctzLinHrmCtzGnk/s259/kenai%20cooper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxd-iH05CzFDgsecdJl0R4g4CdbDx3e9A4N6fkMXi45J47f3NxqbqRljpSoOyVrmSRqkYMX4zJDapLltSYTg2v4d9gm07o7ZToO6t8j8eTptMU5ZECLOvUJOwou8-1N9EhpB36Y6rmwzQMgnbd5OZlcRtSS4l28uAjFlV9bF1AX84ctzLinHrmCtzGnk/w640-h479/kenai%20cooper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Straight
south on Seward Highway about 100 miles from Anchorage, you will come across a centrally
located census-designated place about the same size as Whittier: </span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tDP1TcoTEtJNmD04kvOzy9ILVLIScxLycxLBwBtwgi6&q=cooper+landing&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS1013US1013&oq=Cooper+Landing&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDQgBEC4YgwEYsQMYgAQyEAgAEAAYgwEY4wIYsQMYgAQyDQgBEC4YgwEYsQMYgAQyBggCEAAYAzINCAMQLhivARjHARiABDINCAQQABiDARixAxiKBTIHCAUQABiABDINCAYQABiDARixAxiABDIGCAcQRRg90gEIODExN2owajSoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Cooper Landing</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">. Because of its scenic location at
the outlet of </span><a href="https://usatales.com/kenai-lake-top-7-best-facts-to-know/"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Kenai Lake</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> into the </span><a href="https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Parks-Public-Lands/Kenai-River"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Kenai River</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">, it has become a popular tourist
destination and a fisherman’s playground near the area’s salmon fishery. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro Tip: You
can get great fish and chips and the best-smoked salmon chowder you will ever
find (just $10 a bowl) at historic </span><a href="https://www.gwinslodge.com/"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Gwin’s Lodge</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">, established in 1952 (even before
Alaska became a state). You can find this oldest surviving roadside lodge on
the peninsula at the confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Homer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnwu9_Bh5KEwNi48-5X0NE9_CIrBe5zupeOSWdlBe1cHiS9WK3i7SGIUM1QJ7dav5teZUUPod-ztt_CoMzEuILtm1SZCp2XQNykYoJCw2ykJ5nw-QYZ019ngbe1we4zIDZF5HBGbPTqYlw5c7RSz_ylzn0ohqtXsZp1dm9MW-aGGAXgcwXkEHTE4r5P4/s272/kenai2c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="272" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnwu9_Bh5KEwNi48-5X0NE9_CIrBe5zupeOSWdlBe1cHiS9WK3i7SGIUM1QJ7dav5teZUUPod-ztt_CoMzEuILtm1SZCp2XQNykYoJCw2ykJ5nw-QYZ019ngbe1we4zIDZF5HBGbPTqYlw5c7RSz_ylzn0ohqtXsZp1dm9MW-aGGAXgcwXkEHTE4r5P4/w640-h438/kenai2c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">My husband,
his daughter, her son, and I continued to the southern tip of the peninsula
just two hours away, to the quaint town of </span><a href="https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Cities-Towns/Homer?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxsCXy5DEgAMVk8_CBB229Q6wEAAYASAAEgJWmPD_BwE"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Homer</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">, fondly called the “halibut fishing
capital of the world.” Over 5,000 people reside on the foothills of the southern
Kenai Mountains, overlooking a beautiful spit jutting out into the cold blue
waters of Kachemak Bay. There the grandfather and grandson fished to their
hearts’ content while I lost track of time taking photos of them and the
wondrous seascape. At night we let the Inn’s chef turn their catch into a fish
fest. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Perched in
colorful huts above the waters along the spit shore were quaint shops and
restaurants. It made a very lovely place for souvenir hunting and snacking. I
could not resist having my photo taken with the largest halibut (almost 200
pounds) caught in a derby that day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro Tip: Here
we found the iconic </span><a href="https://saltydawgsaloon.com/"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Salty Dawg Saloon</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">, perfect for drinks and dinner. The
place is famous for its ceiling and walls covered with currency. I posted my
Philippine Peso 100 bill, and the rest of the group, a U.S. Dollar. We hoped
they would both still be there when we go back!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">4. Kenai and 5. Soldotna<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqNcl9nRRLtqOZgwbsr_ZTeIqolXGtyCl7VK_8ewwBHs6C1tClvO848TsuuFWIW_PyaxEStOPKyZmdbyQvGH9YuU8xEiDYFkSOoVMBhBG3OpOi4VzOYlAKKNQwGYN7YWxeSIHNI34OrHXZ0uRbLQJqJGkQfSg6jiX-Vq3qJs3KOVNDboeLWKQnXEvS9I/s1129/kenai11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1129" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqNcl9nRRLtqOZgwbsr_ZTeIqolXGtyCl7VK_8ewwBHs6C1tClvO848TsuuFWIW_PyaxEStOPKyZmdbyQvGH9YuU8xEiDYFkSOoVMBhBG3OpOi4VzOYlAKKNQwGYN7YWxeSIHNI34OrHXZ0uRbLQJqJGkQfSg6jiX-Vq3qJs3KOVNDboeLWKQnXEvS9I/w640-h532/kenai11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">My husband’s
daughter met somebody wonderful so the following year, we were back in Alaska
for her wedding! When the brand-new couple went on their honeymoon, the
grandpa, grandson, and I tried to replicate the previous year’s fun times and drove
for three hours just slightly off the same road to Homer the previous year.
They wanted to fish again, this time at the coastal capital town of </span><a href="https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Cities-Towns/Kenai?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhoWempLEgAMVsw2tBh2AXw-aEAAYASAAEgKgEPD_BwE"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Kenai</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> (population 7,000) and its twin town
</span><a href="https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Cities-Towns/Soldotna?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-KPDvZLEgAMVOgGtBh0BBwdDEAAYASAAEgJZVPD_BwE"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Soldotna</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> (5,000) at the western mouth of the
Kenai River leading into the Cook Inlet.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Being late
in the summer though, it was already colder, wetter, darker, and windier. There
was not much fishing to do in this, Alaska’s renowned fishing area. The
snow-capped mountains seemed farther away, hidden by haze. Even my photos
turned out less bright. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">But at </span><a href="https://www.kenai.city/community/page/old-town"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Old Kenai Town</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">, our disappointment suddenly went away. We were entranced by
the historic church, built at the turn of the 19th century when the land was
still under Russian rule. Alaska only became a state in 1959 (Russia sold it to
the US in 1867 for $7.2 million). At the gilded </span><a href="https://www.holyassumptionkenai.org/"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">, we even found a set of wedding
crowns we wore for a souvenir picture.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: In
Soldotna, we rejoiced at finding a local Fred Meyer which had complimentary
dump and potable water stations. We loved camping there for the night and
shopping for provisions in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Seward<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgFNzDZCu3n8PU6iLGKUDxCf-soE_Mcgcp5Vug7IvHNkR6WgXfq8i0_fiOMQRhApVlZz-ROVpidhgtdw6hZ86U0SZMaCt1tJ8BK-ZFl30RZx085zENFRqlTe7bs4kPLrFrxA1iFWdpYwx3wQI4I6VwzEDXw7eYdXJ1m8-0vRYIdIuqxd6Ure0EIKRnEc/s1250/kenai13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1250" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgFNzDZCu3n8PU6iLGKUDxCf-soE_Mcgcp5Vug7IvHNkR6WgXfq8i0_fiOMQRhApVlZz-ROVpidhgtdw6hZ86U0SZMaCt1tJ8BK-ZFl30RZx085zENFRqlTe7bs4kPLrFrxA1iFWdpYwx3wQI4I6VwzEDXw7eYdXJ1m8-0vRYIdIuqxd6Ure0EIKRnEc/w640-h404/kenai13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Sensing my
disappointment in the weather, instead of going back to Anchorage my husband
headed off to the eastern side of the peninsula. Less than two hours away is
the small quaint town of </span><a href="https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Cities-Towns/Seward?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrKr9y5PEgAMV9RCtBh1cyQqrEAAYASAAEgKj9fD_BwE"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Seward</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> (population 3,000), sitting at the
mouth of the Kenai Fjords National Park. It is another lovely cruise ship town
nestled between the mountains and the fjords. It was already off-season,
however, so there was hardly a soul on the waterfront. But the boats were all
still moored in the marina; the shops were still open; and tours to the Kenai
Fjords were still running!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Soon I would
be treated to one of the great experiences of my lifetime. A sign led us to the
</span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/exit-glacier-area.htm"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Exit Glacier</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> only eight and a half miles west of
town. Considered the toe of the 500-square-mile Harding Ice Fields, it is so
named because it has been receding slowly since the earliest recorded terminus
in 1815. There were recordings all along the way, the last about two miles from
the present one. You can imagine the former size of the glacier from the
marshland being created at its feet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">On that
massive ice, I got a second chance to walk on a glacial ridge. The previous
year I had chickened out when we came upon the </span><a href="https://www.valdezalaska.org/discover/glaciers/worthington-glacier/"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Worthington Glacier</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"> en route to </span><a href="https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Cities-Towns/Valdez?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrKSNuJTEgAMVV87CBB063gyzEAAYASAAEgLNk_D_BwE"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Valdez</span></a><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">. This time, I summoned enough
courage to experience the thrill. But it was so cold, it felt like I was inside
a freezer. I turned back after one quick photo op!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Such are the
charming discoveries we made all over this beautiful peninsula. It’s a place
where disappointments don’t last long. An abundance of small quaint towns collectively
makes it an unforgettable vibrant playground.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeddbb; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">FOR THOSE ON MOBILE, THE SHARE BUTTONS APPEAR WHEN YOU CLICK WEB VERSION AT THE VERY END AFTER COMMENTS.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 25.68px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="font-size: large;">PREVIOUS POST</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/09/in-hawaii-renewal-of-vows-in-oahu-and.html">IN HAWAII: Renewal of Vows on Oahu and 2nd Honeymoon on the Big Island</a><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-60847115123153301992023-09-26T08:54:00.000-07:002023-09-26T08:54:27.148-07:00IN HAWAII: Renewal of Vows in Oahu and 2nd Honeymoon on the Big Island<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoqqFV4ovADYb8IIzorhAO0xKTuoHL5HSTcM9Wquysdf9UN6XoVLM_s0V1P8sa8_3T5bHMIVgpCaKFAxQDszsMxmgsTEj1kp6iWZxfNeFw2FQEC7R8f6SmEtdJtmsyUy5Z3riJbyc2AoUtvosF0CHq0ypPRFYaQSQXh-KaHx4xi0ECRpDLjJ_BsMExMY/s688/1ceremonyc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="688" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoqqFV4ovADYb8IIzorhAO0xKTuoHL5HSTcM9Wquysdf9UN6XoVLM_s0V1P8sa8_3T5bHMIVgpCaKFAxQDszsMxmgsTEj1kp6iWZxfNeFw2FQEC7R8f6SmEtdJtmsyUy5Z3riJbyc2AoUtvosF0CHq0ypPRFYaQSQXh-KaHx4xi0ECRpDLjJ_BsMExMY/w640-h448/1ceremonyc.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 18pt;">The practice
of couples renewing their vows has been popular in the US starting from the 70s. Last
April, my eldest daughter had hers on her 25</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> wedding anniversary. Because I never thought I could really be a good wife for any
length of time, I had a “cause celebre” and also did so last Aug. 8.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">My marriage to Bill is my third. And they say three times is a charm. It was our
15th wedding anniversary, and to renew our vows, we chose to have a romantic garden setting. We had wanted it for our wedding but instead had a private cruise ship on Lake Union in Washington. So we chose the island of <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu">Oahu</a> in Hawaii. T</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">o
complete the celebration, we had a second honeymoon the following week at
the </span><a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island" style="font-size: 18pt;">Big Island</a>. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The Renewal
of Vows<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Our families came to join us, and it became a bigger event than we had initially planned. Here’s a
recap of the venue, the ceremony, the reception, and the tour.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The Venue<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLxtwvCauhj-zvHvQC1iWtvPtUTEuUpt9DTm11qHeiRdbLtqDCyif8LNUZkjATI5dutEEZOGpTb2oo9Nd_7D6_b1-9ClckOb2B4GL2UOquYHZGbxKEtK8cnerDzaGIGcx7-KWMAEgBhlXUGA3-01vt9mVnERWYD6bZYoCJlqOvWUXOEMpBwV0CAGmqNc/s360/1ceremony23c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="360" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLxtwvCauhj-zvHvQC1iWtvPtUTEuUpt9DTm11qHeiRdbLtqDCyif8LNUZkjATI5dutEEZOGpTb2oo9Nd_7D6_b1-9ClckOb2B4GL2UOquYHZGbxKEtK8cnerDzaGIGcx7-KWMAEgBhlXUGA3-01vt9mVnERWYD6bZYoCJlqOvWUXOEMpBwV0CAGmqNc/w400-h266/1ceremony23c.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">We decided to hold it at the
Point at <a href="https://www.paradisecove.com/">Paradise Cove</a>, a
beachfront venue in <a href="https://www.best-of-oahu.com/Ko-Olina-Oahu.html">Ko’Olina</a>
less than an hour by car from <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/honolulu">Honolulu</a>. The
choice allowed us to conveniently make its popular luau as our treat
for guests who were in Hawaii for the first time. </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.iwanttomarryyou.org/" style="font-size: 18pt;">I Want to Marry You in Hawaii</a><span style="font-size: 18pt;">” coordinated
the Hawaiian theme ceremony, including the Officiant, a decorated
arch, lorals, and a ukelele player.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">My eldest
daughter, an interior design aficionado, took care of sprucing it all up with lovely details: a tall vase of Hawaiian flowers, banana leaves, a framed
menu, themed napkins and plates, and Hawaiian hibiscus cupcakes on a
three-tiered cake stand for the table under the tent. She also wisely thought
of white paper umbrellas with ribbons and heart-shaped palm fans decorated with the program. They were great for the high temperatures on a Hawaii afternoon. Bill’s
First Grandson who lives in Honolulu was instrumental in receiving, storing,
and delivering all these items to the venue.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Ceremony<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxoMpn8nbPLhxggfVwKADTSZD805Q_VhFJqj76nzxG10CCSSjdOJxxOha9hmInLkVVMKY4FcZPHQBMasimklfax4Gw2i5pXSoy1ZlF8siCjXo302KX2rtvZISwFKpmWopRoWlsZdxXb12wjcCcegGZyerClbyJuB5-AScfJ70dH7FoV0RLl146GU5YGs/s614/1ceremony16c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="614" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxoMpn8nbPLhxggfVwKADTSZD805Q_VhFJqj76nzxG10CCSSjdOJxxOha9hmInLkVVMKY4FcZPHQBMasimklfax4Gw2i5pXSoy1ZlF8siCjXo302KX2rtvZISwFKpmWopRoWlsZdxXb12wjcCcegGZyerClbyJuB5-AScfJ70dH7FoV0RLl146GU5YGs/w400-h284/1ceremony16c.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The
processional was started by the blowing of the conch and the entry of my three
youngest grandkids who scattered petals to the tune of the “Hawaiian Wedding
Song.” As soon as Bill and I stood in front of the decorated arch, the
officiant gave his benediction and invited my eldest daughter and Bill’s
daughter to speak on behalf of each family. The Hawaiian rituals included: the
vows, the lei exchange, the rubbing of the noses, and the kiss. Then Bill and I
danced to our favorite song “In This Life” (by Iz) sung by my youngest
daughter. Finally, all the grandkids came together to dedicate the song “Stand
By Me” for their doting grandparents. Everyone joyously threw petals at us
during our recessional. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Receptions<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC-UEmCQJF5C75GMBA8lYLO29TXXnA5x6bIBr0uADxtDdke-Fw5Bw09R4S5rE00wJsSv4NCP6kT__TqqyIhTUUG4RIcKAeT8b1RRhsLL6QEo0B5bTcW715pE1Cr8VFWmcCfLUHtUdNhNJdAkhDC1vfGfBbmVsITvGrOxOYyTdWMZpeN9LjMiFWPwxwnA/s189/reception8c.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="180" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC-UEmCQJF5C75GMBA8lYLO29TXXnA5x6bIBr0uADxtDdke-Fw5Bw09R4S5rE00wJsSv4NCP6kT__TqqyIhTUUG4RIcKAeT8b1RRhsLL6QEo0B5bTcW715pE1Cr8VFWmcCfLUHtUdNhNJdAkhDC1vfGfBbmVsITvGrOxOYyTdWMZpeN9LjMiFWPwxwnA/w381-h400/reception8c.jpg" width="381" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />The tent provided
a great reprieve from the heat. That’s where we served snacks of wedding
cupcakes, champagne, and apple cider. My middle daughter conducted two games,
one for adults and another for kids. The winners won $50 and $20, respectively.
<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">When the
time came, we were escorted to our long table at the Luau. The kids enjoyed a
few booths for </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">face painting, bead-making, etc. while the adults enjoyed the ceremony
around the roasting of the pig underground (Kalua). The grandkids also had a
great time learning how to dance the hula and rejoiced at getting the
certificates for the fun. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Before the
long array of traditional Hawaiian dances and songs, the sumptuous dinner consisted of: Kalua pork, beer-battered island fish, island-style baked chicken, macaroni
salad, salad bar, breads, and traditional desserts like purple yam. There was a
bar for those who wanted more than the cocktail served with the buffet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The Tour<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf-wsFIzUL1gz0D8WrIKxnM_AnDtj1A8DO5cLhK6CQaYC0bvkYqsEwojqHIevZB17qfiBkGd88hkRahkScZMdz_JPITjcbkHtofgD6tRp07nGoKbSaxhwIzSJv9hlnOuHbzWv0RnMdOA2s6pHlziQDJKufk_KQe9Blw0e6JI4isXHlB8bhX--8BP-SlA/s186/3tourc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="146" data-original-width="186" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf-wsFIzUL1gz0D8WrIKxnM_AnDtj1A8DO5cLhK6CQaYC0bvkYqsEwojqHIevZB17qfiBkGd88hkRahkScZMdz_JPITjcbkHtofgD6tRp07nGoKbSaxhwIzSJv9hlnOuHbzWv0RnMdOA2s6pHlziQDJKufk_KQe9Blw0e6JI4isXHlB8bhX--8BP-SlA/w400-h314/3tourc.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The next day
we took the family on a rented minibus to tour <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/north-shore">Oahu’s famous North
Shore</a>. Our first stop was a 7-11 store that had cheap breakfast items like
spam musubi for $4. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Then we shopped at the <a href="https://macnutfarm.com/">Tropical Farms Macadamia Store</a>.
Very close to it is the <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/things-to-do/beaches/kualoa-regional-park">Kualoa
Regional Park</a> where we had a great view of Mokoli’i or Chinaman’s Hat
Island. The <a href="https://www.kualoa.com/">Kualoa Ranch</a>, the Jurassic Valley,
had not yet fully opened but we found a store of shell and macrame décor items that
we loved. The elderly ladies manning the store were a joy, giving away so many
flower brooches to the ladies!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s5ZA6IAtrSUu6WK9GSCRnkNsaU-Qhdp1XpTtLEi8UgTXTFzm4Xt3Mutwg6blyzEM1Xt-st9JZhh3LjL_pFb4qcuope_LOZT5T877M-soR-CsTLEgudSQZk6Jwyo0ygdp4oTa79pD9dc45vwceSMIbKw_OzjUvRGca1aXxPAbeD53wk31j4cBiFW0zVE/s213/3tour16%20(2)c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="213" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s5ZA6IAtrSUu6WK9GSCRnkNsaU-Qhdp1XpTtLEi8UgTXTFzm4Xt3Mutwg6blyzEM1Xt-st9JZhh3LjL_pFb4qcuope_LOZT5T877M-soR-CsTLEgudSQZk6Jwyo0ygdp4oTa79pD9dc45vwceSMIbKw_OzjUvRGca1aXxPAbeD53wk31j4cBiFW0zVE/w400-h316/3tour16%20(2)c.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Then you
will come upon the area popular for its <a href="https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/here-are-our-favorite-shrimp-trucks-on-oahus-north-shore/">shrimp
trucks</a>. That’s where you can have a great lunch with plates of gooey good shrimp
(Giovanni). But there were also other trucks for things like Korean barbeque, Filipino food, etc. At the <a href="https://www.turtlebayresort.com/?utm_source=google-gbp&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp">Turtle
Bay Resort</a>, we trekked to a stretch of sand and water for a swimming break.
And right after that, we proceeded to <a href="https://hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/sharks-cove/">Shark’s Cove</a> which is
where you can have the best snorkeling in Oahu. It was summer though, so it
wasn’t surfing season. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Our tour day
was capped by dinner at <a href="https://www.haleiwajoes.com/">Haleiwa Joe’s</a>,
the renowned seafood restaurant, at their original location in the northern town of Haleiwa.
The next day, we celebrated my Second Apo’s birthday at <a href="https://www.myhighwayinn.com/locations/">Highway Inn</a>, the most popular
local cuisine restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 24px;">THE SECOND HONEYMOON</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">For a few
more days we also enjoyed <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/honolulu/Waikiki">Waikiki</a>
but when family members started to depart for home, Bill and I took a short
flight from Honolulu to The Big Island for our second honeymoon. We flew over the
islands of Kauai and Maui, saying a prayer when we were over the latter. The wildfire
that was still raging then was later reported to have killed more than a
hundred.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The Tour<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHCfHg0jyJ_YGUMdUtb1rGT80D6dxy013CY3_fvLKVYfnyWC_B1UN9K4k4MLJ7bYTHqTQ2jj5A-oEdj-x5NBiUSwWJaHdqRA-2lEY5_DgfmISdIXt3SbN7Y7TUHPyyDfdXTc6FHbLYRgBv2P5VKWclL2Ws5SvYffkxCLVOaQpXGbOcxMkPuAUvk9WM4E/s212/20230816_165356c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="212" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHCfHg0jyJ_YGUMdUtb1rGT80D6dxy013CY3_fvLKVYfnyWC_B1UN9K4k4MLJ7bYTHqTQ2jj5A-oEdj-x5NBiUSwWJaHdqRA-2lEY5_DgfmISdIXt3SbN7Y7TUHPyyDfdXTc6FHbLYRgBv2P5VKWclL2Ws5SvYffkxCLVOaQpXGbOcxMkPuAUvk9WM4E/w400-h283/20230816_165356c.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">It was my first time in the Big Island, the island I had not yet visited. A one-day
circle tour was priority number one. Our first
stop was <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/regions/kona">Kona</a>,
the second biggest town, population 19,000. It is also
where most of the resorts are located. And it is a gathering place for all
locals because of Costco!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">45 minutes
south of Kona is the <a href="https://www.bvfcoffee.com/">Bay View Farms</a>, a
premium coffee plantation on Painted Church Road in Captain Cook, Hawaii. Yes,
there’s a pretty painted church before reaching the plantation and <a href="https://www.hawaii.com/captain-cook-monument/">Captain Cook’s monument</a>
stands on the beach of Kealakekua Bay, viewable from the veranda of the farm’s gift
shop. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Going farther
south and then turning east after reaching the southernmost point of the US, we
reached <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/regions/kau/punaluu-black-sand-beach">Punalu'u
Beach</a>. It’s blessed with beautiful black basalt sand created by lava
flowing into the ocean from the activity of the volcanoes nearby. If you're lucky, you’ll be
treated to the sight of turtles resting on the sand. There we enjoyed a picnic
with Hawaiian lunch boxes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zsap6xbkxelwAXd3lkkYrKmOrtOXbi4GG8JNWQ2RSe4LWP9GT_MlGLDH2XXrNHfLAcifS-pHgIRaDoTHK98NWwccBps4PqSVZAsjdPUiD7ZjziEMsWtEGM3euB6RF2bLhdtnww1AkEW_sYP3_pq6KMrNNfpFcMhFaKIiQxMaGSvCZ-fOaOVGpuLszu8/s206/20230816_120744c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="113" data-original-width="206" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zsap6xbkxelwAXd3lkkYrKmOrtOXbi4GG8JNWQ2RSe4LWP9GT_MlGLDH2XXrNHfLAcifS-pHgIRaDoTHK98NWwccBps4PqSVZAsjdPUiD7ZjziEMsWtEGM3euB6RF2bLhdtnww1AkEW_sYP3_pq6KMrNNfpFcMhFaKIiQxMaGSvCZ-fOaOVGpuLszu8/w400-h219/20230816_120744c.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Just 20
minutes away is the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm">Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park</a>. The caldera of Kilauea, one of the two of the most
active volcanoes in the world (the other one, Mauna Loa, is also inside the park),
can be seen from two viewpoints. You can even witness eruptions as they
happen when authorities deem it safe. We were also able to explore a short lava tube that
is well-equipped with a boardwalk and lights. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHTJlZFgQq3f0oiYR9x2GSirCZAWKe2nMreN_SN5qX6mMC9IvCKkPY1TFrLjCwtE2cwU9KB1YYBgVRMxbVlaxVJw4AvnjdQaZmzmdMwKsMFYPStqYrGMDmaEurux64Brimb4LZnKKoSzYyNhRZM76dNZ-5et-N8wB9fZgdrRCV43h7DBSiKQRSwXTb4E/s246/20230816_151120c.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="180" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHTJlZFgQq3f0oiYR9x2GSirCZAWKe2nMreN_SN5qX6mMC9IvCKkPY1TFrLjCwtE2cwU9KB1YYBgVRMxbVlaxVJw4AvnjdQaZmzmdMwKsMFYPStqYrGMDmaEurux64Brimb4LZnKKoSzYyNhRZM76dNZ-5et-N8wB9fZgdrRCV43h7DBSiKQRSwXTb4E/w293-h400/20230816_151120c.jpg" width="293" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Just 40
minutes north of the park is the town of <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/regions/hilo">Hilo</a>
(population 44,000). It is the county seat, best known for <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/big-island/sights/rainbow_falls_state_park">Rainbow
Falls</a>, just six minutes from the center of town. That’s where the Wailuku
River plunges 80 ft. to the pool below with mists and rainbow effects in the
morning. Although it is viewable from the parking lot, there is a very short walk
that goes down to a much closer view. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Our last
stop for the day was the <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/regions/hamakua-coast/waipio-valley-lookout">Waipi’o
Valley Lookout</a>, considered the best on the island because of an elevated
view of the ocean and its waves, with dramatic steep cliffs and a lush green river
valley. If you have time and the right kind of vehicle, you can dare the steep
dirt road going to the valley below. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Before
reaching our resort just 30 minutes away, we passed by <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/regions/kohala/Waimea">Waimea</a>,
the third-largest town with a population of 9,000 and home to reputedly the
best restaurants on the island.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><u>The Resort</u><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelP322BhD-DczQQ3yrQMKBD8qc4s2B7wUlc9vM3QBXa-xihRcqMjpCTFDndIXj9cR64RzFwSOkOaavMD01f3ZeQwq0fhBvUcEKuLkLHIK-r2E5HIgBu0PZOMBOR1vZZPOjrnsHBGez9FD2IdODV7f-Jbfv7XRCtFreDdK87V1o_IQiLXp6SSXm2SfK9Y/s388/20230815_184904c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="388" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelP322BhD-DczQQ3yrQMKBD8qc4s2B7wUlc9vM3QBXa-xihRcqMjpCTFDndIXj9cR64RzFwSOkOaavMD01f3ZeQwq0fhBvUcEKuLkLHIK-r2E5HIgBu0PZOMBOR1vZZPOjrnsHBGez9FD2IdODV7f-Jbfv7XRCtFreDdK87V1o_IQiLXp6SSXm2SfK9Y/w400-h185/20230815_184904c.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">We stayed at
the <a href="https://bigislandguide.com/hilton-waikoloa-village">Hilton
Waikoloa Village</a>, 62 acres of Hawaiian paradise on the Kohala Coast at the island's northwestern corner. It’s a 40-minute drive along the coast north
of the Kona International Airport. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Timeshare
owners like us occupy three Ocean Towers. There is a Grand Promenade connecting the towers to the
Hale Ike Palace Tower and farther west, the upscale MAKAI experience. The walk is lovely with
many large museum-worthy Asian art pieces. There are also villas around the
plush golf course. It is so vast that, besides walking, you can go
around riding a tram or a boat along the canals. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Three good
restaurants at the Hilton gave us great dining experiences. Fine dining is at
the Kamuela Provisions Company with a lovely terrace on a cliff that looks out
to the sea. Nui, the Italian restaurant
is in a lush garden while the Lagoon Grill for American casual fare is beside
the saltwater lagoon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_JICvHI9zaSYdi7wkM3RvfNo-VhNTSrPV_pHHG_T7WEVkq9iNI8Y6EbyYe4WGim2iXr9slqUM4z5V6Aj70KMWmdoqdNDaWER7ziM8ifAvp4TB5F_vy5UKM2wFexdwZaiTt3Ga_a-DelQ372-NBxb9ddE2tIN1C5l8Q-R5ylaPfPXTeEnUBiSMjWQRqc/s267/20230815_141137~3c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="267" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_JICvHI9zaSYdi7wkM3RvfNo-VhNTSrPV_pHHG_T7WEVkq9iNI8Y6EbyYe4WGim2iXr9slqUM4z5V6Aj70KMWmdoqdNDaWER7ziM8ifAvp4TB5F_vy5UKM2wFexdwZaiTt3Ga_a-DelQ372-NBxb9ddE2tIN1C5l8Q-R5ylaPfPXTeEnUBiSMjWQRqc/w400-h254/20230815_141137~3c.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Besides
dining, there are many activity centers in the Village. Boutique shopping is
available. Sunset viewing is most spectacular at Buddha Point. Swimming is best
at the saltwater lagoon but also good at different pool clusters. We even found
a quaint white Wedding Chapel by the sea where we had a second renewal with a
volunteer minister! </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Accessible
via a 5-minute shuttle from our resort, the Queen’s Marketplace, and the King’s
Shoppes are two places for additional shopping, more dining, and even a cinema. It is beside an area with petroglyphs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"> Yes, Hawaii was the ideal venue for our landmark event.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeddbb; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">FOR THOSE ON MOBILE, THE SHARE BUTTONS APPEAR WHEN YOU CLICK WEB VERSION AT THE VERY END AFTER COMMENTS.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="font-size: large;">PREVIOUS POST</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/09/travel-awaits-mexican-rivieras-best.html">The Mexican Riviera's Best Kept Secret: Puerto Morelos</a><br /></span></span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-4195122170843834772023-09-12T08:51:00.000-07:002023-09-12T08:51:43.713-07:00TRAVEL AWAITS: The Mexican Riviera’s Best-Kept Secret, Puerto Morelos<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL6kzqdqIw__-cRDIfKo2HCt8ku3t3j-ywC6q6I0KfiGBhB44SHORnfCfT5Uhrua2pNSy4n58jS0CpP9ABrPjFY9N8GuZwIqsE_XzQZ04B8EIyXTl81-6uKnFUAD61mZ9r-av0vAh_Sy5NcXB2w9bMQaNL_bFhXE8GjJQc1C0Y78TGI0PQ3BvtwaE84M/s410/1pmC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="405" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL6kzqdqIw__-cRDIfKo2HCt8ku3t3j-ywC6q6I0KfiGBhB44SHORnfCfT5Uhrua2pNSy4n58jS0CpP9ABrPjFY9N8GuZwIqsE_XzQZ04B8EIyXTl81-6uKnFUAD61mZ9r-av0vAh_Sy5NcXB2w9bMQaNL_bFhXE8GjJQc1C0Y78TGI0PQ3BvtwaE84M/w632-h640/1pmC.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Sometimes we
take great pains to find great places, but sometimes luck has more to do with
it. Like how we discovered this best-kept secret of the Mexican Riviera. The whole
area is known for its low 80s weather and white sand beaches, great for
vacations year-round, but especially during winter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">In 2018 our
timeshare called to tell us that we would lose a bunch of points if we did not
use them by year-end. We chose to spend that Christmas in </span><a href="https://www.elcid.com/es/cozumel/el-cid-la-ceiba-beach-hotel/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">El Cid’s La Ceiba</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> in </span><a href="https://www.islandlifemexico.com/best-of-cozumel/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Cozumel</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. They wanted us to extend our membership
to include their sister resort in a town called </span><a href="https://www.mexicancaribbean.travel/puerto-morelos/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Puerto Morelos</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> near Cancun so they gave us a day
there to try. And there has been every reason to go back, including the
fabulous sunrises!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The town is 25
minutes southeast of the international airport, 45 minutes south of </span><a href="https://www.mexicancaribbean.travel/cancun/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Cancun</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, and 35 minutes north of </span><a href="https://www.mexicancaribbean.travel/playa-del-carmen/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Playa del Carmen</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. It may not have Cancun’s glitz, nor
Playa del Carmen’s vibe, certainly not </span><a href="https://www.islandlifemexico.com/tulum-visitors-guide/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Tulum</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">’s (25 minutes south of Playa) coastal
archeological ruins. But if you love nature and prefer a laid-back experience, this
is where you want to be. It has become our second home for three months every winter.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Jungle Meets The Sea<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Puerto
Morelos is still relatively small, so there is no concrete jungle; it is still <i>au
naturelle.</i> There are four ways to experience this lush tropical rainforest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Right At
The Resort<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFxuvP-g5wugnRcrH7MxjOgjNpw0DM4Pa0nYt49uJf8Q9rxJy9jMdu7FOWoFIRzla_Pt2rzo8n_p33K299yBaPiGD-dZ2ys6a0hyrVDLo8rurPsADYkLSFj6aGOhyf3dexScI5iNf4ucoGjRI8KvpnmRQIFCly4SvSiX4yOiyt9Su_3Vnmfv5VdbMRO0/s341/1pmelcidC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="341" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFxuvP-g5wugnRcrH7MxjOgjNpw0DM4Pa0nYt49uJf8Q9rxJy9jMdu7FOWoFIRzla_Pt2rzo8n_p33K299yBaPiGD-dZ2ys6a0hyrVDLo8rurPsADYkLSFj6aGOhyf3dexScI5iNf4ucoGjRI8KvpnmRQIFCly4SvSiX4yOiyt9Su_3Vnmfv5VdbMRO0/w400-h211/1pmelcidC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">In the </span><a href="https://www.elcid.com/riviera-maya/hotel-marina-el-cid-spa-and-beach-resort"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">El Cid Marina Spa and Beach Resort</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, swamp, mangrove, and jungle
creatures are around you constantly. Carved from the natural environment, pockets
of it are double-fenced to protect guests while keeping the wildlife encounters
up close and personal. Every day we visit two special ponds outside the two buildings
where we usually stay. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">We call those
that make the ponds home “Our Pets:” turtles, fishes, birds (anhingas,
kiskadees, egrets, grackos, and herons), and the babies, mamas, and papa <i>cocodrilos.
</i>Daily on display is a perfect ecology that we dare not disturb. We just
whisper, “How are you today?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: Hundreds
of iguanas roam around, looking fierce but totally harmless, contributors to
the ecological balance. But don’t leave used room service plates outside the
door, or you will have raccoons and coatis hovering around. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Croco Cun<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6YJFqab5GANxpXveewjI3rbocENgXT5W7ZUWnVZM43lMoCI9nvOx40D7sz84NGgTLu04Sd8x1Pm19GOjvC-h1LkzqgIt6OPzuK_9448xT4JsFFlPabmYmlw__yZ1_bb-zFijt4H5k9h_D9psZeWtL7qM0dy0jwEYUGR2UTAuex5QqTfY64m6bczRhPA/s461/1%20(2)C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="452" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6YJFqab5GANxpXveewjI3rbocENgXT5W7ZUWnVZM43lMoCI9nvOx40D7sz84NGgTLu04Sd8x1Pm19GOjvC-h1LkzqgIt6OPzuK_9448xT4JsFFlPabmYmlw__yZ1_bb-zFijt4H5k9h_D9psZeWtL7qM0dy0jwEYUGR2UTAuex5QqTfY64m6bczRhPA/w393-h400/1%20(2)C.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Just a
couple of miles away is </span><a href="https://www.crococunzoo.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Croco Cun</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, best experienced through a one-hour
interactive tour with a guide familiar with the animals. He is helped by Lorenzo,
the talking parrot who cannot stop introducing himself, getting your attention
with his “Ola!” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Besides the
Burmese python, other deadly snakes, and tons of crocodiles, there are hairless
dogs to pet, deer to feed, turtles to throw crumbs to, baby crocodiles to
touch, and a boa imperator to hold. Yes, we even walked inside a crocodile den
(the crocodiles had just been fed)! And wild spider monkeys swung from tree to
tree. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip. The
interactive tour is US$35 pp exclusive of tips.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Jardin
Botanico<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">This is </span><a href="https://www.frommers.com/destinations/cancun/attractions/yaax-che-jardn-botnico-dr-alfredo-barrera-marn"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Mexico’s largest botanical garden</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, with 65 hectares of cacti,
ornamental palms, medicinal plants, and other jungle flora and fauna. There are
some boardwalks but it is the last jungle remaining between Cancun and Playa
del Carmen. It also boasts a chicle camp, reading cottage, small archaeological
site, waterfall, and suspension bridge. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: Only
US$ 6 pp!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Cenotes
Kin-Ha<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://scratchyourmapa.com/kin-ha-cenotes/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLHOVc4CLJp1BX7ao6LepRkkA-M42it2ADU2-3NnSWcsgrLNMxzBxQvgWirxwOOh8-AJAfYWeGLUc3bFznUE1fI_dNGPcELlE29TM8GhP4oqcvLl5Z7GdWALGUrNs-J1HIiWIek18KfDv7mothe8ENmDgSamFnf6ETeeaKS3VypW0SXrluJ5eTtu0nlA/s345/1pm8C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="345" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLHOVc4CLJp1BX7ao6LepRkkA-M42it2ADU2-3NnSWcsgrLNMxzBxQvgWirxwOOh8-AJAfYWeGLUc3bFznUE1fI_dNGPcELlE29TM8GhP4oqcvLl5Z7GdWALGUrNs-J1HIiWIek18KfDv7mothe8ENmDgSamFnf6ETeeaKS3VypW0SXrluJ5eTtu0nlA/w400-h285/1pm8C.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://scratchyourmapa.com/kin-ha-cenotes/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Twelve cenotes</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> are grouped together: open, cave,
and open cave, all in one place. Called virgin cenotes, they have not been
fully developed for tourists, so you will need to walk through thick Mayan
jungle trails, drive ATVs or ride on horses to get to them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: When
my daughter visited us, she and her husband opted to go to swim at a developed
cenote.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">A Host of
Water Activities <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The Mexican Riviera
has an enviable 150 miles of shoreline<b> </b>on the </span><a href="https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/wildlife_practice/profiles/fish_marine/marine_turtles/lac_marine_turtle_programme/projects/hawksbill_caribbean_english/caribbean_sea/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Caribbean Sea</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. Aside from the jungle, the water is
the playground. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Fishing<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3dzp97yg4q4DHyz0SlwjXiwk6MDklCCkKdNFeOYEn9magl4g3Leq5iVfrHyL4uQDO9S_XXyXOMAtmShph3fWMZgjpp1oQbjUTdXokvMBSKwWyqJrHBkyNzKEiU6Gag5t5XhbkeeUxdqr2yxQdSc6Be9OxL12hJDXZ2UZXNxSivvTogG5WmrdEU0iQCk/s189/1pmfishingC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="189" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3dzp97yg4q4DHyz0SlwjXiwk6MDklCCkKdNFeOYEn9magl4g3Leq5iVfrHyL4uQDO9S_XXyXOMAtmShph3fWMZgjpp1oQbjUTdXokvMBSKwWyqJrHBkyNzKEiU6Gag5t5XhbkeeUxdqr2yxQdSc6Be9OxL12hJDXZ2UZXNxSivvTogG5WmrdEU0iQCk/w400-h347/1pmfishingC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Puerto
Morelos is known for big game fishing through charter companies, including one at
El Cid. But the town is also a quaint fishing village. Very early in the
morning rows of colorful boats go out into the sea and later come back with
their catch to sell at the local market. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: You
can ask any chef around to cook your catch or package it to ship back home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Swimming<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsR_hbYepyp8I358zWF3N6DUaXDgmsbLHxUPNfm53rrcxwpa1gjHWCs_0IKPBPnUhViEKAGGgFqOGIF_lUX8mo6hwS9aiOuXopMGfn9_ELOWh1tvb_wiZ_dDhyczqwNH_Ysr230flsZG4w6OUmlmNMsEJgzMQtK6a4ER98CSvDI66-qxr11p0BPj4BgdQ/s279/1sargassum3C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="279" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsR_hbYepyp8I358zWF3N6DUaXDgmsbLHxUPNfm53rrcxwpa1gjHWCs_0IKPBPnUhViEKAGGgFqOGIF_lUX8mo6hwS9aiOuXopMGfn9_ELOWh1tvb_wiZ_dDhyczqwNH_Ysr230flsZG4w6OUmlmNMsEJgzMQtK6a4ER98CSvDI66-qxr11p0BPj4BgdQ/w400-h202/1sargassum3C.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Swimming
remains the best activity, even if the pesky </span><a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/sargassum.html"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">sargassum</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> has hit the beaches with brownness
and, if left too long, even smell. Many work
together to shovel it off the shores, haul in trucks to work sites, and dump
truckloads of sand to reclaim the beachfront. At El Cid, two rows of air-blown
tarp barriers that parallel the beach have succeeded in sifting the invasion,
leaving more manageable chunks. Yes, they are finding ways to deal with it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Besides, large
swimming pool/hot tub complexes complement the ocean. Infinity pools that blur
the line between sea and pool have, in fact, become the norm. Your swimwear may
never get dry! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: But,
avoid the sargassum peaks. Mid-February to mid-March was a peak last winter. Summer
will have another one. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Snorkeling
and Scuba-Diving<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNWIOXT8Ak6xM42X_Cmew0PDK-GVvF946alx3F5SHmYnuN6DYL76OBhn1mpVBCnDvkw9vAQHdfUib-Dq5kH8YaRza1xTy20T1B7RQ6WDNMo5CDLnQflZCdt1M80rTfx7GzhvCS1_i1QeZKufu_8nyXwy2eIN4nqBTaR7M83gZ0lFQH9BqfYmO4TUARfo/s285/1divingC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="285" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNWIOXT8Ak6xM42X_Cmew0PDK-GVvF946alx3F5SHmYnuN6DYL76OBhn1mpVBCnDvkw9vAQHdfUib-Dq5kH8YaRza1xTy20T1B7RQ6WDNMo5CDLnQflZCdt1M80rTfx7GzhvCS1_i1QeZKufu_8nyXwy2eIN4nqBTaR7M83gZ0lFQH9BqfYmO4TUARfo/w400-h243/1divingC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The Mexican Riviera
also boasts </span><a href="https://www.islandlifemexico.com/mesoamerican-barrier-reef/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The Great Mayan Reef</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, the second-largest coral reef in
the world, beginning just 400 meters offshore. Snorkeling is great like everywhere
on the Riviera. And so is scuba-diving. When my husband’s daughter visited us, she
went diving. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: There
are many diving shops and centers in town, including one in El Cid.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Provisions
from Downtown <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxNyBZP0j5irpJcZLa_qLkiD3DmkcXndqGoZdg0eWC5SFYyPi3WgB6U5a12M--SOB4FRZjAvw34CkPjXBwOjBz4PWhghJwNlWa-iIPMKd4tje_uSyw9__SAz_2qQ1ZRhkOFAqByTbODtEAxtNa7OkxxOS4zTbFdzDppURNrmzAogeVOHhwAWHKzh9Sqs/s199/1pmcollectivaC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="199" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxNyBZP0j5irpJcZLa_qLkiD3DmkcXndqGoZdg0eWC5SFYyPi3WgB6U5a12M--SOB4FRZjAvw34CkPjXBwOjBz4PWhghJwNlWa-iIPMKd4tje_uSyw9__SAz_2qQ1ZRhkOFAqByTbODtEAxtNa7OkxxOS4zTbFdzDppURNrmzAogeVOHhwAWHKzh9Sqs/w400-h340/1pmcollectivaC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Puerto
Morales is divided into two sections. The downtown, the Plaza, and the Parroquia
(church) are on the beachfront; this is where the ex-pats stay, where the shops
and resorts are located, and where the restaurants thrive. Across </span><a href="https://www.beyondtheordinary.co.uk/features/roads-highways-of-the-yucatan-peninsula/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Highway 307</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, the Mexican Riviera’s main corridor,
is </span><a href="https://travelyucatan.com/makes-puerto-morelos-unique/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Colonia</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, the residential area for 9,000 locals.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: You
can take a c<i>ollectiv</i>a to reach any part of town for only MXN $10 (about
50 cents). The terminal is on the northwestern corner of the Plaza.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Shopping<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The big supermarket
chain Chedraui serves Colonia; recently downtown also got a smaller branch. The
latter is where we go for supplies. There are souvenir shops, clothing stores,
pharmacies, and service outlets. It’s where we go for medicines, facials and
massages, nail and hair services, and even medical and dental care. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: The
prices are much cheaper than back home, but more so in Colonia.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Dining<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxvGk8omCcLkIQSTqhlUlduLMZGw6oUFJgciVEnrSer2i9DiQmEDpSHpiXAst7yHNPjaYQU4a3k_30DVZ1rjWRqJuPaF-aKY9cApqTUFRW7IvEz2sN_UJ2EiBM-vVDDdrplryE_yZ18FIl-W0tVCmhL2b2G5t2YtL5J__tS1YeOXOGzRYiqeIoicFe50/s272/1pmshoppingC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="272" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxvGk8omCcLkIQSTqhlUlduLMZGw6oUFJgciVEnrSer2i9DiQmEDpSHpiXAst7yHNPjaYQU4a3k_30DVZ1rjWRqJuPaF-aKY9cApqTUFRW7IvEz2sN_UJ2EiBM-vVDDdrplryE_yZ18FIl-W0tVCmhL2b2G5t2YtL5J__tS1YeOXOGzRYiqeIoicFe50/w400-h241/1pmshoppingC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Two streets
branch north and south of the Plaza. You can find a wide variety of options,
from holes-in-the-wall to fine dining places and everything in between.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: The
main restaurants on the Plaza are </span><a href="https://www.pelicanos.com.mx/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pelicanos</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> and </span><a href="https://cafeamancia.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Café
Amancia</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Other Activities<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXVMRG2Mlbp97xLqg9ugvlorrW70gnOfUQFtf_PohR2yh-r4sPZis_Mh-dvDIIPQvgdYkB8w6ampGswILcT9jS0nIHaBL-hAaUIHCmpB8TH4zemw4Tx7Nx3ZDTKrg7njCqmU5FAwJgDJW6qz7nBHrTPygGHflqp7vOSLCKY1KsnC5Jp2er0A2kgW0SFE/s175/1pm2C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="154" data-original-width="175" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXVMRG2Mlbp97xLqg9ugvlorrW70gnOfUQFtf_PohR2yh-r4sPZis_Mh-dvDIIPQvgdYkB8w6ampGswILcT9jS0nIHaBL-hAaUIHCmpB8TH4zemw4Tx7Nx3ZDTKrg7njCqmU5FAwJgDJW6qz7nBHrTPygGHflqp7vOSLCKY1KsnC5Jp2er0A2kgW0SFE/w400-h352/1pm2C.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">At the Plaza,
you can enjoy the idyllic scenes during the day, especially the </span><a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-leaning-lighthouse-el-faro-inclinado"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Leaning Lighthouse</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> and the Broken Boardwalk, symbols of
resilience from the day a strong hurricane hit them. And the best swimming in
town is just north and south of where the boats are moored.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Puerto
Morelos is also known for hosting the only Mexican floating fiesta on the
Mexican Riviera. </span><a href="https://www.xoximilco.com/en/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Xoximilco</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> gives you three hours of culinary
feasting on a festive boat; with well-curated stops at places that showcase the
vibrant and colorful Mexican culture.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: Every
Friday night there is a flea market; every Wednesday, a farmer’s market.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Our Winter
Home<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk99J4EPT87fqN1Ri6fDXeJGkbn9GXwUg603uXLjWPXYIE0uVzgZK4s3jAnv6wY9OWuM3569w50-dIWaQDcaSDxQPGu43vFZoNzxpRqKPP8TGI8JdWq6SGrzOr6oTktCf92yZA59ulzn7Oc46gTYHll9h-Jhfgogvi2MsirwCJ7KqnP2xqmwFi9qXGgI/s265/1pminfinity2C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="265" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk99J4EPT87fqN1Ri6fDXeJGkbn9GXwUg603uXLjWPXYIE0uVzgZK4s3jAnv6wY9OWuM3569w50-dIWaQDcaSDxQPGu43vFZoNzxpRqKPP8TGI8JdWq6SGrzOr6oTktCf92yZA59ulzn7Oc46gTYHll9h-Jhfgogvi2MsirwCJ7KqnP2xqmwFi9qXGgI/w400-h241/1pminfinity2C.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">El Cid has
almost 900 of the now 7,000 rooms available in Puerto Morelos. Together with </span><a href="https://www.amrcollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/dreams/mexico/riviera-cancun-resort-spa/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Dreams</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, </span><a href="https://www.thefiveshotels.com/oceanfront?partner=7228&utm_source=google&utm_medium=gmb&utm_campaign=web_link"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Five</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">s, and </span><a href="https://www.amrcollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/dreams/mexico/jade-resort-spa?utm_source=Soci&utm_medium=organic"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Dreams Jade</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, they comprise the top four in town.
There are lower-cost options like </span><a href="https://www.haciendamorelos.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Hacienda Morelos</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> just beside Pelicanos and across from Chedraui. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Our resort, a
complex of about 22 buildings, brings an all-inclusive luxury Cancun-style lifestyle
to the little town and jungle. There are three lobbies, three bars, eight
restaurants, a food court, a café, four Platinum Clubs, and many drink kiosks. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Two variety
shows (tributes, cultural shows, or talent exhibitions) entertain guests
nightly. The three bars also each have a nightly feature. Special events are
staged for many special occasions (like Superbowl). Many activities are hosted around
the two fitness centers or the six pools (three of them infinity). One pool even
turns into a soap bubble wonderland! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">This winter,
I did not gain weight (even with all the food), spending a lot of time at the Wellness
Center for exercises or Coco Cay for hydrotherapy. Although there are golf
carts that ply you around, we opted to walk and managed an average of 45,000
steps a week each. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">There is also
a Teen Center, a Kids Club, and a Family Fun Center (being built). Giant chess
boards occupy strategic places. You can borrow equipment for different sports,
or simply lounge around in chairs, hammocks, gazebos, or sofas, all around
water. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Day Trips
Are Easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwpwr1d0u5PM3l-gWRqs2IUtXr2K4HK8pYrBXq__P6iygFr7x9XxokUXKmpyLmjATrOTpAbcfQf3ejJzkNTA2RAvkw0bBspp4s-XWBqbEvxB7cQrBX_BKNjifevUS_LL9OI7_vRjT_ibtJIK38MYAjRLXFSCfDoRL-vQec825rjQNfCI3CcKF0AggNb0/s303/1chichen%20itza0C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="303" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwpwr1d0u5PM3l-gWRqs2IUtXr2K4HK8pYrBXq__P6iygFr7x9XxokUXKmpyLmjATrOTpAbcfQf3ejJzkNTA2RAvkw0bBspp4s-XWBqbEvxB7cQrBX_BKNjifevUS_LL9OI7_vRjT_ibtJIK38MYAjRLXFSCfDoRL-vQec825rjQNfCI3CcKF0AggNb0/w401-h218/1chichen%20itza0C.jpg" width="401" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">It is also more
central to the tourist landmarks, much like Playa del Carmen. We have rented a car
to go to </span><a href="https://www.chichenitza.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Chichen Itza</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> and the </span><a href="https://cenotesmexico.org/cenote-ik-kil/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Ik Kill</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> Cenote. But to visit Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, we used a
combination of <i>collectivas</i>, taxis, and/or buses. When the </span><a href="https://trenmayaa.com/en/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Maya Train</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> is
completed, all the day trips will be much easier, even to Merida. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Viva
Morelos!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: We
also went to </span><a href="https://isla-mujeres.net/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Isla Mujeres</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> via a ferry (15 minutes) from Cancun. And the ferry to Cozumel
is 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen.</span> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeddbb; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">FOR THOSE ON MOBILE, THE SHARE BUTTONS APPEAR WHEN YOU CLICK WEB VERSION AT THE VERY END AFTER COMMENTS.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;">PREVIOUS POST</span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/08/travel-awaits-my-7-favorite-us-mountain.html">My 7 Favorite US Mountain Towns To Visit In Summer</a><br /></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794015213396871210.post-24587094742924306202023-08-29T08:42:00.000-07:002023-08-29T08:42:10.718-07:00TRAVEL AWAITS: My 7 Favorite US Mountain Towns To Visit This Summer<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2879986/best-us-mountain-towns-to-visit-in-the-summer/"></a></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkGwwhN7F50ng1IF6wc3lU0M_wrtdkn3oXzpVM35liVCYZGba0UAgXFGaZXvk1f0D8has2gDj7s1_kyo3guqkBYb-WVpQ04Me6OJGuZRMkAZCw2zLiiqRejvRyvX421PrE4kw0Cz37eQw3zewhJMDS5pb9dghbnZpgGopE62W_X_y3GNfz5OaGoFgUJw/s315/mountain%20town20c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="315" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkGwwhN7F50ng1IF6wc3lU0M_wrtdkn3oXzpVM35liVCYZGba0UAgXFGaZXvk1f0D8has2gDj7s1_kyo3guqkBYb-WVpQ04Me6OJGuZRMkAZCw2zLiiqRejvRyvX421PrE4kw0Cz37eQw3zewhJMDS5pb9dghbnZpgGopE62W_X_y3GNfz5OaGoFgUJw/w640-h435/mountain%20town20c.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br />This article was originally published in Travel Awaits on April 30, 2023.</i></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Summer in Phoenix
means hot days and nights. That’s when my husband and I look for cool, crisp
mountain air. Far from the madding crowd, sleepy mountain towns are the best places
to chill; the smaller, the sleepier, the better. These are the nine that we
remember best. They are all at least 6,000 feet in elevation and not more than 5,000
in population. Try one out this summer. You will love it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Granby,
Colorado<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.visitgrandcounty.com/explore/towns/granby"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.visitgrandcounty.com/explore/towns/granby"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysvPukkcSlLlIHKeAtGwCdk0i5CrQKfFvSKeTCLwbJMgE_FG6tgey3ntGD4Yz-rqMyZk2YdA8WKIbDSch8A3UVcYRSek08Y4EG45-suSJ9bibWB9iwhVqZcQRQKGvHdogsrFKOfH8IWa40WV3zIs1nG3MBK-p0_v_XTJi1MMYuw4sQY5UL1Fw3oDrQh8/s401/mountain%20town1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="401" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysvPukkcSlLlIHKeAtGwCdk0i5CrQKfFvSKeTCLwbJMgE_FG6tgey3ntGD4Yz-rqMyZk2YdA8WKIbDSch8A3UVcYRSek08Y4EG45-suSJ9bibWB9iwhVqZcQRQKGvHdogsrFKOfH8IWa40WV3zIs1nG3MBK-p0_v_XTJi1MMYuw4sQY5UL1Fw3oDrQh8/w640-h434/mountain%20town1c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />Granby, Colorado</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> is a great skiing area during winter,
but when it closed early the previous winter due to Covid, it became our choice
for our first Covid family reunion. It’s a small mountain town in the Rockies,
8,000 feet in elevation, with a population of 1800. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Just twenty
minutes from our lodge, </span><a href="https://www.visitgrandcounty.com/explore/lakes-and-rivers/lake-granby"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Lake Granby</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> offered boats for rent and many
options for eating and shopping. From there we hiked the trail to </span><a href="https://www.visitgrandcounty.com/explore/mountains-and-vistas/adams-fall"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Adams Falls</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, a moderately difficult 0.3-mile
hike, and continued farther to a clear stream that tumbled to become the lovely
waterfall. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Not far is </span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Rocky Mountain National Park</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, the third most-visited national
park in the country, with many trails, campgrounds, and streams. </span><a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/coyote-valley-trail.htm"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Easy Coyote Trail</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> yielded no wildlife sightings, but
at the </span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/holzwarth-historic-site.htm"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Holzwarth Historic Site</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, one moose was feeding quietly near
the homestead. And all along the main
park road, we saw many more at sundown. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: There
are two great day trips from Granby. </span><a href="https://www.hotsulphursprings.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Hot Sulphur Springs Resort</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, 30 minutes away, has 23 mineral springs of different
sizes and temperatures on a hillside. Also 30 minutes away is the upscale town
of </span><a href="https://www.playwinterpark.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Winter Park, Colorado</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> where we did some shopping and found
a branch of the Colorado Nepalese and Indian Bistro chain, Durbar. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Big
Bear Lake, California<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7embKX_7x0P6ZXj54SOLPC1cMlvtx3sKS28QqYI4EpHWj3mJmRy4wX22_8W7gHHiVzKMOMAwraJf4TvK7quFcODGWKtMs8CCRELIqzr-bVT_ZOOyjOhblA8pzzmIYC8TJoY1NhliBqS7UsNBBodLd1ur55uc41IEtKfF4Ye2ZHUn9dPqp2th-Q9F3eO0/s217/mountain%20town15c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="217" height="495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7embKX_7x0P6ZXj54SOLPC1cMlvtx3sKS28QqYI4EpHWj3mJmRy4wX22_8W7gHHiVzKMOMAwraJf4TvK7quFcODGWKtMs8CCRELIqzr-bVT_ZOOyjOhblA8pzzmIYC8TJoY1NhliBqS7UsNBBodLd1ur55uc41IEtKfF4Ye2ZHUn9dPqp2th-Q9F3eO0/w640-h495/mountain%20town15c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />Located in
the San Bernardino Mountains at the south shore of </span><a href="https://www.bigbear.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Big
Bear Lake</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, this
mountain town is less than a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. It was easy for
our two older grandkids, 24 and 27, to join us for a weekend and make the town
of 5,000 our playground in the midst of Covid lockdowns.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Home to wildlife
in alpine habitats including the rare mountain cougar, the </span><a href="https://bigbearzoo.org/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Big
Bear Alpine Zoo</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> was
great for our first morning. Then we hiked the </span><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recarea/?recid=26365"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Woodland Trail</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, a 1.5-mile loop of dry woodlands
with 16 interpretive stops explaining the plants, wildlife, and geology of the
area. Our first half-day was capped by a picnic at the </span><a href="https://www.bigbearlake.net/east-boat-ramp"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">East Boat Ramp</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The two-block
urban area of shops and restaurants called </span><a href="https://www.bigbear.com/things-to-do/the-village/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The Village</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> was great for our first afternoon:
hanging out while enjoying $2.99 sundaes at the </span><a href="https://www.theboneyardbarandgrill.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Bone Yard Bar & Grill</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, scouring the shops, and watching the brightly lit carriages
shuttling tourists around over dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The next day
we went to </span><a href="http://www.pineknotmarina.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pine Knot Landing</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> and rented a 22-foot pontoon boat. Southern
California's largest recreation lake, seven miles long and a mile at its
widest, 7,000 feet above sea level, became a wonderful base for taking photos of
the </span><a href="https://kbhr933.com/big-bear-news-kbhr-93-3-102-5/big-white-dome-lake/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Big White Dome</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, the </span><a href="https://www.bigbear.com/blog/dam-the-creation-of-big-bear-lake/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Dam</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, and unique floating outhouses! Then we capped our
stay at the large deck of the </span><a href="https://thepineslakefront.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pines Lakefront Restaurant</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, looking out to “our lake.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: A
$5 Adventure Pass allows parking at all trailheads and the use of all restrooms.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Snowbird,
Utah<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUNL_YBI64-xZjTZaZrY_8Vkx9fJ3MlYuvdJceEKSvcMlo6gzdXRO-AYhw7aBkEWPWxOegVHg9JiGcxsDnkdLmvfZu-UCF5KvzwBAWiRD0C2XpqtknbWCqxc2BaWEWmQ1b0txAvLB1S-Wx7re67CIedKNS_A1aHz2rVX4La_I_2Fw8QlbBZVRT6Pkjok/s413/mountain%20townc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="413" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUNL_YBI64-xZjTZaZrY_8Vkx9fJ3MlYuvdJceEKSvcMlo6gzdXRO-AYhw7aBkEWPWxOegVHg9JiGcxsDnkdLmvfZu-UCF5KvzwBAWiRD0C2XpqtknbWCqxc2BaWEWmQ1b0txAvLB1S-Wx7re67CIedKNS_A1aHz2rVX4La_I_2Fw8QlbBZVRT6Pkjok/w640-h430/mountain%20townc.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />When Covid
statistics started to decline, the upscale </span><a href="https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/skiing-snowboarding/ski-resorts/snowbird/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> (in the unincorporated community
called </span><a href="https://www.snowbird.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Snowbird, Utah</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">) reopened, requiring very low points. My husband and I could
not pass up the chance. From there, we ticked off a bucket list item: the </span><a href="https://greatsaltlake.utah.gov/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Great Salt Lake</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> and </span><a href="https://www.utah.com/destinations/state-parks/antelope-island-state-park/r"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Antelope Island</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, less than an hour away. <b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Our 1,500
sqft one-bedroom suite at </span><a href="https://www.snowbird.com/lodging/the-cliff-lodge/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=Yext&y_source=1_MTg1NjM1ODctNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The Cliff Lodge</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> also included a living room, a dining
room, and kitchen/bar. One of the two balconies had a jacuzzi that looked out onto
the Wasatch Mountains, with wonderful displays of wildflowers instead of winter
ski slopes. Still, we spent time at the high-end Spa at the top of </span><a href="https://www.snowbird.com/lodging/the-cliff-club/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The Cliff Club</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> .<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">With an aerial
tram, chairlifts, a mountain coaster, a huge trampoline, summer tubing, the
vertical drop, a tree climb, gemstone mining, and the alpine slide, the
Snowbird Village was the place to be. The </span><a href="https://www.snowbird.com/summer-activities/peruvian/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Peruvian Lift and Aerial Tram</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> took us to 11,000 feet for
spectacular vistas. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">There were other
lodging options, nine shopping outlets, five fine dining, and 11 casual dining
restaurants. </span><a href="https://www.snowbird.com/lifts-trails/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">And all these trails</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">: 11 lower mountain, ten mid/upper
mountain, and six Mineral Basin Trails for hiking and mountain biking. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip:
With a </span><a href="https://www.snowbird.com/summer-activities/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Bird Bundle</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> pass, one can avail of a host of
summer activities. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The Grand
Mesa Northern and Southern Terminuses<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iHvQOnMxsKW3IHe2h2lcdeCB7E981AXMMmXLcMYFjYrbOceIoTD7zOFZOnDqC8b8NGhb8PCitG0c11bqDtEemn7XKW1GiGMB63qgXE78p4pMDkzYQDx2UnX4WjEbOKg7g_LAzeXyib9IhKbX3oVL8mMckoH0DID4XA7OXJnVKMpMpt15R1MWkbntu1U/s406/mountain%20town17c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="406" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iHvQOnMxsKW3IHe2h2lcdeCB7E981AXMMmXLcMYFjYrbOceIoTD7zOFZOnDqC8b8NGhb8PCitG0c11bqDtEemn7XKW1GiGMB63qgXE78p4pMDkzYQDx2UnX4WjEbOKg7g_LAzeXyib9IhKbX3oVL8mMckoH0DID4XA7OXJnVKMpMpt15R1MWkbntu1U/w640-h448/mountain%20town17c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />At over 500
square miles and</span> <span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">over
11,000 feet elevation, </span><a href="https://www.visitgrandjunction.com/guide-grand-mesa-largest-flat-top-mountain-world"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Grand Mesa in Colorado</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> is the </span><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2700982/grand-mesa-colorado-things-to-do/"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration-line: none;">largest flat-top mountain in the world</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. With over 300 stream-fed alpine
lakes offering great fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, it became </span><a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2700982/grand-mesa-colorado-things-to-do/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">a great personal retreat</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. The Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic
Byway (State Highway 65) runs through it for 62 miles between </span><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/cedaredge"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Cedaredge</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, the southern terminus, and </span><a href="https://www.uncovercolorado.com/towns/mesa/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Mesa</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> in the north, two special mountain towns!<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The </span><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gmug/home/?cid=stelprdb5298584"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Grand Mesa Visitor Center</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> is near Cedaredge, which is at a
lower elevation of 6,000 feet. It’s a
retirement haven (30 percent of the 2,400 residents are 65 years of age and
older) because of the mild climate, low taxes, outdoor recreational
opportunities beyond those offered in Grand Mesa, health care facilities, and
cultural activities. From there we made a trip to the southern entrance of the </span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91Q1JlZVyqzVBtDujGnYN94B-rdTWTCUmYj0CT7qfTJPz8_n38fb7aHG44SGvqLubUVWsVSVt8FRLaZD6ylMGWQmnbl6FHkSgAVqz5wN4DZhNZu9-uAZo6iiO6g5usdOt5WKZiU78LhfSr9kWS1o6_CdN_y-dVuxagatkTEnVhzbFfVEtsBuxzlWeqPM/s400/mountain%20town18c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91Q1JlZVyqzVBtDujGnYN94B-rdTWTCUmYj0CT7qfTJPz8_n38fb7aHG44SGvqLubUVWsVSVt8FRLaZD6ylMGWQmnbl6FHkSgAVqz5wN4DZhNZu9-uAZo6iiO6g5usdOt5WKZiU78LhfSr9kWS1o6_CdN_y-dVuxagatkTEnVhzbFfVEtsBuxzlWeqPM/w640-h480/mountain%20town18c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />Mesa is higher
at 8,000 feet and smaller with only about 600 residents. It is where most of
the tourists stay in ski resorts, tiny home villages, lodges, and campgrounds.
A ski lift platform took us to breathtaking vistas at the top. We even
discovered the </span><a href="https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/collbran-co/points-of-interest/american-servicewomens-memorial-park-collbran"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">American Servicewomen Memorial Park</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> in Collbran, 15 minutes away, the
first park to honor women. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: We
got supplies from </span><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/palisade"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Palisade</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, down at the foothills dubbed “The Peach
Capital of Colorado.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Brian
Head and Parowan, Utah<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP8kwnK8ex9WuzeW2Wqut5fiyLCh7jvgGDrS2lzGrEx8GiHg24REVUwteDFMfS5BpU8LKZmmLvD-zrAErvlPWTNdBoUEL_jYMj3kytS559-wS7yWAOaC5fapSCF6IDuAyo64ulNt4ah7ocb45b9NP9Z9jhvbMWaqPOdFg6vMAHYDpC4pIx78SPf_br8s/s400/mountain%20town25c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP8kwnK8ex9WuzeW2Wqut5fiyLCh7jvgGDrS2lzGrEx8GiHg24REVUwteDFMfS5BpU8LKZmmLvD-zrAErvlPWTNdBoUEL_jYMj3kytS559-wS7yWAOaC5fapSCF6IDuAyo64ulNt4ah7ocb45b9NP9Z9jhvbMWaqPOdFg6vMAHYDpC4pIx78SPf_br8s/w640-h480/mountain%20town25c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />Last summer we
had our family reunion at </span><a href="https://www.visitbrianhead.org/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Brian Head, Utah</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, minutes away from the </span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/cebr/index.htm"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Cedar Breaks National Monument</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. Smaller than </span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Bryce Canyon National Park</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> (only an hour away), the Cedar Breaks’ hoodoos are
much larger and more dramatic. It is truly a hidden gem.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The small
downtown (population 154) had regular restaurants and shops, but an art/flea
market added to the fun. Afterward we drove up a narrow gravel road to reach </span><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dixie/recarea/?recid=24916"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Brian Head Peak</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> (12,000 feet). From the very windy
overlook, the view of the reddish national monument was surreal; at night,
stargazing was spectacular. We were happy we caught the last day of the </span><a href="https://visitcedarcity.com/cedar-breaks-national-monument-wildflower-festival/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Wildflower Festival</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, too. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Cedar City
is a valley town of 37,000, 40 minutes away. But it was </span><a href="https://blog.familytimevacationrentals.com/2020/02/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-parowan-utah/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Parowan, Utah</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, at an elevation of 6,000 ft. with 3,100
in population and just 20 minutes away, that caught our fancy. </span><a href="https://www.parowan.org/community/page/parowan-cemetery"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The Parowan Cemetery</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> features frontier-era sandstone
fences and markers. We stood in front of the grave of one of the many wives of </span><a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/joseph-smith"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Joseph Smith</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, founder of the Mormon Church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzT7DpwUjwl3njpMQY4h88mUua7EZA0B0x_Y9lZ-LMVUrV1_GsH-cpdL0Bj5N0AoOWQ1kFNvtsPD5w09Xrg2rrS16yy7IUA8kxUAKOdpVDlVmsxSXt5umpt-166k35zLc1o5beCZ08Q5NszbF9vNm3pgeg2GamarBbdlEBvox9HZw9YhyOkdrpnzCxK4/s400/mountain%20town23c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzT7DpwUjwl3njpMQY4h88mUua7EZA0B0x_Y9lZ-LMVUrV1_GsH-cpdL0Bj5N0AoOWQ1kFNvtsPD5w09Xrg2rrS16yy7IUA8kxUAKOdpVDlVmsxSXt5umpt-166k35zLc1o5beCZ08Q5NszbF9vNm3pgeg2GamarBbdlEBvox9HZw9YhyOkdrpnzCxK4/w640-h480/mountain%20town23c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />At the outskirts
of Parowan is a wind gap, a 600-foot-deep notch through the hills cut by an
ancient river 15 million years ago. Native Americans carved petroglyphs on the
smooth faces of the large boulders. The </span><a href="https://www.utah.com/destinations/natural-areas/parowan-gap/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Parowan Gap Petroglyphs</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> are on the National Register of
Historic Places. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: Farther
on the Gap Road is </span><a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/parowan-gap-dinosaur-footprints-trail"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Dinosaur Footprints Trail</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, an easy 0.4-mile hike with some
dinosaur footprints properly marked. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Crested
Butte, Colorado<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRR4f0hd-yccoJ9rJvHkW-RS04OuYlfMPdwQOUoTcF44tpXPj3IKtA954xLxEUPmEid0wV4S_ClF5gWb1D1uylBu0uN2TteAR4jHWHcfLPSHHKaQJNAwBV8EPFlKVkMy2uU7iEFWkKu1k1YmHPPuA8hsgg9QTCBJik6Tte6yzgz1eizIrrori8K-aGJCI/s1400/mountain%20town98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1400" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRR4f0hd-yccoJ9rJvHkW-RS04OuYlfMPdwQOUoTcF44tpXPj3IKtA954xLxEUPmEid0wV4S_ClF5gWb1D1uylBu0uN2TteAR4jHWHcfLPSHHKaQJNAwBV8EPFlKVkMy2uU7iEFWkKu1k1YmHPPuA8hsgg9QTCBJik6Tte6yzgz1eizIrrori8K-aGJCI/w640-h380/mountain%20town98.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />Several summers
ago, my husband’s high school had a reunion in </span><a href="https://www.visitcrestedbutte.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Crested Butte, Colorado</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, a former coal mining town with a current population
of 1,500 at 8,800 ft. elevation. (The other town of Mt. Crested Butte is at
9,375 ft). They are famous for skiing and the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. We
stayed at the cozy </span><a href="https://www.rentbyowner.com/property/columbine-1202-condos-and-townhomes/BC-6138868"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Columbine Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> with great views of the mountains
and the Aspen Glow. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The </span><a href="https://www.skicb.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/summer-activities/summer-chairlift-rides.aspx"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Silver Queen</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> chair lift took us to 11,000 ft of </span><a href="https://travelcrestedbutte.com/crested-butte-hikes-gothic-mountain/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Gothic Mountain</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> and a thousand feet more of hiking
got us to the top. The area is Colorado’s wildflower capital, and near </span><a href="https://www.uncovercolorado.com/scenic-drives/kebler-pass/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Kebler Pass</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> there were troves of lavender,
yellow, white, and orange. The movie “Swiss Family Robinson” was filmed around </span><a href="https://www.uncovercolorado.com/activities/lake-irwin/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Lake Irwin</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. In fact, the Hollywood Cabin is
still there. We picnicked near the top of the mountain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">After a
great walking tour of downtown hosted by the popular bard from the town museum,
we joined all the townsfolk who had gathered for a free outdoor concert on the
grounds of the </span><a href="https://crestedbuttearts.org/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Center of the Performing Arts</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> with the venerable mountain as the
backdrop.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tips: Some
of us did river-rafting on the </span><a href="https://www.allcrestedbutte.com/lakes_rivers_falls/taylor_river.php#content"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Taylor</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Taos
Pueblo, New Mexico<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeu026pa3hnBWxgTxbM2l5dQWi5mg70pkT4zAvjPphJj8sQC_ZJampGIQ89uQ4w29G7DCcaO2Pjt8X_epBFqt2y2qBdqtb0qtlY6BA4q0hhGawKEYYFj8BVi6QSEx8Md19h6iXlLy1mcwiVBKvy8aQZyhnG0F3mi00bKQu9JJhg-VaHX_Py0UlelQ1b8/s2045/mountain%20town99.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="2045" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeu026pa3hnBWxgTxbM2l5dQWi5mg70pkT4zAvjPphJj8sQC_ZJampGIQ89uQ4w29G7DCcaO2Pjt8X_epBFqt2y2qBdqtb0qtlY6BA4q0hhGawKEYYFj8BVi6QSEx8Md19h6iXlLy1mcwiVBKvy8aQZyhnG0F3mi00bKQu9JJhg-VaHX_Py0UlelQ1b8/w640-h436/mountain%20town99.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />At 7,000
feet in elevation, </span><a href="https://taospueblo.com/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Taos Pueblo</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> in New Mexico is a unique mountain
town. With a population of 4,500, it’s the oldest continuously inhabited
community in the US. This World Heritage Site includes 95,000 acres of
preserved land called the </span><a href="https://www.npca.org/articles/2779-the-milestone-for-public-lands-you-ve-never-heard-of-and-why-it-matters"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Blue Lake Wilderness Area of the
Sangre de Cristo Mountains.</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://shortweeks-longweekends.com/red-willow-people-of-taos-pueblo-one-thousand-years-of-tradition-in-new-mexico/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Red Willow Creek</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> splits the Pueblo into the northern
part with the Hlaauma and the southern Hlaukkwima, two adobe Great Houses
believed to be more than 1000 years old. The old church and cemetery have been
there since 1619. Today the modern city of Taos lies nearby for tourists’
dining, shopping, and lodging.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pro-Tip: From Santa Fe, the </span><a href="https://findingfantasticbeasts.com/2020/09/05/the-high-and-low-roads-between-santa-fe-and-taos/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Low Road</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> that follows the Rio Grande
(spectacular in fall) takes you there. Going back, take the </span><a href="https://findingfantasticbeasts.com/2020/09/05/the-high-and-low-roads-between-santa-fe-and-taos/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">High Road</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> and stop at the </span><a href="https://www.holychimayo.us/"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Santuario de Chimayo</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> (built in the 1800s) and marvel at its original 6-foot crucifix.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeddbb; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">FOR THOSE ON MOBILE, THE SHARE BUTTONS APPEAR WHEN YOU CLICK WEB VERSION AT THE VERY END AFTER COMMENTS.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;">PREVIOUS POST</span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2023/08/travel-awaits-13-rowdy-reasons-calgary.html">13 Rowdy Reasons The Calgary Stampede Is The Greatest Show On Earth</a><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>Carolina Esguerra Colbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784899826200923352noreply@blogger.com10