It has been one hell of a ride, this year known as 2020. As the relentless year begins to draw to a close, I feel the need to share a few quiet thoughts on the lessons I’ve (we’ve) learned in this unbelievably trying time. As a rule, I purposely do not intertwine our brand with our personal outlook on life, but the occasional exception to the rule can often be cathartic.

Travel shaming, is it a thing? Is it a natural emotion born out of … out of what? Envy, economics, frustrations, illness, sadness, manipulations, where did it come from?

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Well, it’s not so much a secret, maybe more of a confession given the current state of affairs. I’m having a tough time finding the motivation to put fingers to keyboard these days. Given that there is still an international ban on US travelers, it would seem likely that not too many people are dreaming of faraway places. Although, there are definitely people out there finding a way to change the scenario of their lives as RV sales rise.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves is to take a detour. Stop and embrace the moment wherever it may be. Our most recent detour found us walking in a field of sunflowers. But first…

Headlines & Polls. Two days ago, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, we put on what is now our new normal “outdoor” accessories and took part in a peaceful protest. What was supposed to just be a family-oriented neighborhood protest, grew bigger than anyone could have thought possible.

Steak Frites in Montpellier, France.

It was an unexpected stop on a 3-month cross-Europe rail adventure. As it turned out though, the 4-day visit to Montpellier proved to be one of our most favorite experiences. And, by far, one of our best meals.

Tuesday Takes: Kutna Hora. It’s our new thing, Tuesday Takes, because well, why not? Since we can’t physically travel right now – and because I have a tendency to write in real time – I decided to broaden my horizons and take on a series of Tuesday Takes. Each post in the series will focus on one or two photos, or possibly a video, as well as the background story behind the photo(s). Tuesday Takes will be shared in random order with no rhyme or reason as to why. It will be a surprise for all of us.

Still We Rise. It should come as no surprise that I am an avid reader. My problem is when I start a good book, I have a tendency to tune out the world until said book is completed. I did just that with the international bestseller, Maude. I started reading and didn’t put it down until it was finished. On occasion, I’ve written a book review or two which I’ve shared here with our readers. My Life in France and Grandma Gatewood’s Walk are two such books. Please tell me you’ve read both. For that matter, please tell me you’ve read, Maude.

Google memories reminded me that five years ago, April 2015, we were just finding our stride as we started walking what would be 350 miles on the Camino de Santiago across Spain. One year ago, April 2019, we set out to walk 145 miles of the Camino Portuguese. Taking on a long walk is a journey in which one can easily lose track of time and days. It becomes your life, all consuming. Now, here we are, April 2020, living by far the most surreal existence to date. I call it, life in a pandemic bubble. I can’t define it any other way. It too, is all consuming.

If ever the world needed Mr. Rogers, now is the time. We could use his sense of calm, sincerity and wisdom. The world seems to be caught in the antithesis of Mr. Rogers’ goodness.