On Our Way!

December 7, 2023: Chicago to Frankfort, Germany

Today was a whirlwind: Final packing after fitting in time for a morning workout in our fitness room. We had a quick meeting with our financial advisor to ensure everything was good to go for our journey (it is!) and prepped our place for four months without us (with deep gratitude to Lynn and Lavonda for bringing in our mail and watering our plants while we’re away).

It is a strange feeling to leave home and know you won’t see it again for months. And that’s after also leaving our respective jobs on Friday for the final time. Departures are on my mind – especially at this time of year. I’m missing family members and friends who are no longer here, but who profoundly shaped me and my perspective on life. And continue to do so, despite no longer being with me. I feel them close by and know their spirit remains. They are a part of me always.

Dale and I exchanged gifts and celebrated a private Christmas yesterday before taking down our tree until next year. A little weird to feel as if the holiday is over when it’s really still almost three weeks away. We will actually be in Thailand on Christmas Day, so we’re anticipating a fascinating experience quite unlike any previous Christmas.

But before that, we will experience the fascinating past and present of Egypt and Jordan. Our excitement grows. We will meet our travelmates, Pam and Ginny, in Cairo tomorrow evening. Then, the adventure will really begin!

— Scot