What Would We Have Done Differently and What We Did Right
About the only thing we would have done differently was manage our time on land more judiciously. Most of the excursions we took were fine and some outstanding. However, there were many times we didn't like being in a crowd of cruise passengers, especially when there was more than one busload at an attraction. As we look back, there were several places where we could have researched and made our own plans, like we ordinarily do on our land vacations. One or two of our private tours could have been done on our own. Quite a few ship planned excursions would not have been possible any other way. Overall, we were satisfied and pleased with the ship excursions but we could have managed our time better if we knew then what we know now.
Listening to the advice of our travel consultant, Richard Turen, was the best thing we did. Richard had planned many exciting discoveries for us in South Africa, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Switzerland, Cuba and the Greek Islands. We were on vacation walking in Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans when we received a call from Richard about a world cruise adventure. We reminded Richard that we weren't really cruisers. He replied, "Yes, but this will be life changing and I believe you should do it". We told him we would discuss it and call him back and here we are. His CustomTravel Report was a guide for us at every port-of-call.
It has been a life changing experience that I could only find enough words to describe by combing through all my blogs and somehow string it all together. As Ruth Ann said last night, "We have grown and it's good to know we're not too old to still grow". We stayed true to ourselves- we socialized but remained focused on each other because that is who we are. We made several acquaintances and a couple of friends. Our cold weather gear was just the right amount and even though we might have left behind a few items of clothing, we are happy with our volume and selection of clothes.
Our choice of five of the most fantastic overland adventures that we shall always remember- New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam.
Warren Haynes and Phil Lesh sing in Spots of Time;
Like ribbons of light
Helplessly I try to touch them
Before they disappear into the night
Spots of time like windows appear
You can look out or in
But you can't get to the future I regret
By going through the past‚ my friend
You can look out or in
But you can't get to the future I regret
By going through the past‚ my friend
How young we were or is it just me
Imagining like I always do
That we were once wild and free
This is a wonderful reflection. Thank you for sharing. You are never too old to grow! That is something that you both have lived and passed on to your children. I’m always growing, learning and looking for new ways to do things and improve, and new ways to think. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes not, but always worth it. Not everyone is open to this way of living, which is sad.
ReplyDeleteIt has been our privilege to watch you grow.
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