“People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” Paulo Coelho
A new year, a new time zone, a new way of living… it’s time to move forward, decisions to be made, parts of the world to be seen. We’re less than two months away from once again hitting the road. I am full of eager anticipation and angst, but more than anything I am ready. Well, almost.
The Convenience of Apartment Life
Some decisions have already been made in the short time we’ve been here in Maryland. Apartment life; the good, the bad, the ugly is a part of our daily lives. The convenience of apartment life is pretty darn great. I’m a big fan of our automated package delivery system and we can walk everywhere we need to go. Unfortunately, the area in which we live is not pedestrian friendly. One really needs to be on their toes so-to-speak to make it across the street; stop lights and crosswalks appear to be just a suggestion. Add in having Ms. Clickity-Clack and Mr. Lead Foot living above us – the ugly side of apartment life – helped us to decide that come summer we’ll start looking for a more permanent place to live.
“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” John Pierpont Morgan
Walking the Camino
I’ve been talking about walking the Camino de Santiago for a couple of years now, and this is it. This is the year. As a matter of fact in just about 3 1/2 months from now we’ll be walking the Camino. I’ll probably be the one crying and wondering what in the hell was I thinking?!
Since we’ll be walking in the spring, we expect to be rained on. We’ve been testing our new rain gear. I think it’s working.
Belgian Waffles in Belgium
But before we start walking we need to get over the jet lag and what better way to do that, than to explore parts of Germany and Belgium for a couple of weeks. Think of it. Belgian waffles in Belgium! And since we think we’re going to be a bit tired, after walking 500 miles, we’ll be headed to the south of France because, well… because I can’t think of a more fabulous place to unwind before flying home.
We’ve got a couple of other tricks up our sleeves, but a girl has to leave something to the imagination, don’t you agree? I guess that just means you’ll have to follow along to find out what we’re up to, right?! 😉
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All the best with your exciting adventure. We must enjoy life when we have time. It’s good that your rain coats are perfect and I hope you will enjoy walk of the Camino de Santiago.
andleeb recently posted…Motivation: #Life
My daughter has done three different caminos. She actually preferred the northern route to the others. I know there was plenty of crying but it’s also been a highlight of her life. Good luck and enjoy those waffles.
Leigh recently posted…Best Winter Gear for Toasty Feet on Frosty Days
Thank you, Leigh! We looked at the different routes but decided to stick with the most widely known route for our first go. Hopefully, there will not be too many tears and we are not in a hurry, so there will be days of rest.
We didn’t do it on purpose, but we downsized to a top floor apartment which takes care of the upstairs neighbors’ noise problem. We also picked an eminently walkable neighborhood—so much so that we stopped paying for parking and our car now lives 1.5 miles away from us. Retrievable, but not omnipresent. Belgium and waffles sound like a good plan, but come to TBEX on the Costa Brava in Spain at the end of April. If we can’t meet in DC, maybe we can pull it off in Spain. 🙂
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…In the Grand Scheme of Things
We really wanted a top floor apartment but couldn’t score one. I think we weren’t supposed though, it’s been a learning process. I love the fact that I can walk everywhere, it’s just that the traffic on Rockville Pike is horrendous and they’d just as soon run you down as slow down for anyone in a cross walk, so a watchful eye is always necessary – never assume! At the end of April we’ll be about 1/2 way along the Camino, so can’t make Costa Brava. We’ll have to keep working on it! 😉
Hi Pati, you made me laugh at the nicknames for your neighbours…ms Clicktyclack, very funny. My husband and I want to downsize in about 2 years time and go travelling, but I often worry how it will be to move from a large family home into an apartment (?) But I guess you just adapt? I am looking forward to follow you along on the Camino de Santiago.
I’m so glad you’ll be walking along with us! My suggestion would be to downsize in stages. And there are lots of options for a smaller lifestyle, apartment life – for us – was just an interim until we figure out where in our current location we want to settle more permanently, as in a small house. But there are condos, townhouses and small free-standing houses. Start doing your homework, go to open houses and get a feel for a smaller lifestyle, or take a tour of an apartment complex. Just take it each step of the way and before you know it, you’ll be there!
Thanks Pati, you are absolutely right we will need to think this very carefully and do our research before deciding what is best for us. I think maybe a town house could be a good option, but we do need a property that we can lock up and go travelling for months at a time.
Gilda Baxter recently posted…Cornwall And a Taste of a Stunning Coastal Path
Completely understand. We’re looking for that same property! 😉
I certainly will be following along Patti 🙂 Belgium waffles in Belgium sounds delightful, so does the rest of your plan – I think you will have earned that relaxation in France after your walk!
Amy recently posted…What’s the Cost of Living in Vietnam?
I agree! What better place to decompress than the south of France?! I hope the rest of your school year passes quickly and the little ones calm down. 😉
So jealous
We will carry you with us in spirit, Sandy!
Sounds like a great plan to me. The Belgian beer and french fries aren’t too bad either!
Kim recently posted…Meet Sam
Yes! My son talks about the beer and french fries a lot. Abi can drink the beer, I’ll eat the fries!
This is going to be a very exciting adventure! A whole lot better than apartment life. How wonderful to follow the dream. Sure look forward to following along. In the meantime, stay dry.
Gaelyn recently posted…Reconnaissance trip to Agua Caliente
Thanks Gaelyn. We are very much looking forward to the upcoming adventure! Safe travels to you as well.
I look forward to following along. I’ll be walking the Camino a couple months after you. It looks like you have gone with rain coats rather than ponchos?
How exciting that you’re taking a walk as well! Yes, we chose rain jackets and we also have rain pants. Because we’re walking in the spring we expect rain. We thought about ponchos but we want to keep our legs dry as much as we can and we’re not sure ponchos will do the job. Thanks so much for reading!