Being a lover of lists has its highs and lows. Write it down, get it done, check it off, and onto the next item. I’ve decided it’s great for my blog and helpful when grocery shopping, but for the big things in life, not-so-much. What tends to happen with me is the following: there is a big build up, I get super excited, I prepare down to the smallest detail, and then, unfortunately, I am underwhelmed. The anticipation was more satisfying than the actual event.

People are overusing the word “organic” these days, however, I’m going to use it because it best describes my latest thoughts on new experiences. Rather than keep a list of things I’d like to do before I die, I’m going to organically go with whatever moves me at the moment — I tend to be fairly boxed in, making this somewhat challenging. When I recently booked Egypt, Greece, Turkey and Tel Aviv for 2025 (one trip, land & sea), I wasn’t thinking about those destinations for travel at all; quite out of the blue, it occurred to me that I’d like to visit these places and I booked the trip. I think the absence of expectations will make travel more enjoyable. I’ve decided to hold off on the research until only weeks prior to the trip. This will help avoid disappointment in case it’s canceled and/or prevent too much pre-trip excitement. I’m thinking it could be canceled due to fighting and unrest in several of these places. If you think me mad, refrain from commenting.

This Too May Change

The freedom to allow myself to change my mind at any time is an important part of quieting my brain. No reason at all to get all caught up in sticking to a plan. To be certain, I’ve had a plan since I was five years old. I’m retired and single for crying out loud. As long as I can get a sitter for Paco, I am untethered and free to explore.

A First World Problem

If you’re thinking, “Poor Chris and his bucket list dilemma,” you are justified in your sarcasm. I am fully aware that there are others far worse off than I. In reality, this is the hand I was dealt and the life I have prepared myself to live. Many years of working hard and denying myself what others have indulged in. I can’t do much to change anyone else’s circumstances; therefore, I spend time contemplating my own life — there it is.

Do you have a bucket list? Do you refer to it? Do you think it’s ridiculous? What’s on your list? Do you share it with others?

Fill-in your email address and hit subscribe to receive my most recent blog.

Future Travel

A couple of short local trips to Spain and parts of the Algarve coming up soon; an Iceland cruise by way of Northern Europe in May; Oslo, Norway with Paco for all of July (with visits from friends throughout the month); a much anticipated trip to the Puglia region of Italy in the spring of 2025. The United States sometime in 2025 is likely: Brooklyn, Florida, Portland, Maine, Maryland, and North Carolina. I can now fly direct from Faro to Newark, thanks to a new United route. I booked a Mediterranean cruise for October 2025 — it sails from Tel Aviv, so it’s a bit uncertain. It includes parts of Turkey and Egypt I have not yet explored.

State-of-Mind

Faro has new electric buses. These buses for some reason or another sound off whenever they are approaching or leaving a bus stop; an obnoxious beeping noise. There is a bus stop about 50 feet from my building. Sound carries up to the fifth floor; therefore, when my terrace doors are open, I can hear the electric buses coming and going. I am furious about this annoyance, because I see no reason for it. I cannot imagine it’s for the blind because there are eight to ten lines that operate at the same bus stop. More unnecessary noise pollution as far as I’m concerned. Ambulance . . . I get it, police cars . . . warranted, warning sirens . . . necessary; motorcycles, buses, souped-up cars, and loud teenagers . . . NO! I feel very old and grouchy sharing this — I like quiet.

Friends visiting from the States for Easter, happy days!

“Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need.”

Sarah Ban Breathnach

Please forgive any spelling or grammatical errors. I’m guilty of not being thorough in my proofreading.