​Weathering the Storm with the WP #165

Greetings from Lithuania, yes, once again across the pond. This is a destination I have experienced once before, but this time, it is more business, given my time here will be spent in meetings with locals to try and establish business partnerships and bring my valued clients here to this part of the world. Yes, not far, but not close, the issues of the east are happening, but the mood here amongst the Lithuanians is of living life. Yes, the possibilities in the future are ones we can’t know, with the current situation and I gather, from having spoken to representatives of the sister Baltic States, the same is true. Yesterday, we were given a very nice tour of the city, mostly the old city, and some good local foods, as well. ​

I will be in this part of Europe for the week and will also be spending some time in Latvia, albeit short and a bit of time in Estonia, a place I last visited before the turn of the century I believe, but still post-Soviet era times, so I am extremely interested in seeing the great changes there, but that is for later this week. I also had been to Latvia before, and that was some 10 years ago, now, I believe. In any case, for those of my clients looking for a different experience, in very modern societies here in the Baltics, that also hold on to their traditions, in the foods, architecture, culture, there are wonderful opportunities. Also, these countries are on the Euro and part of the European Union. They have the infrastructure and means to provide an amazing experience and if you have two weeks, or even 10 days, all three can be experienced and not feel rushed. ​

The best part of being here is that I am only a one-hour time difference away from Rosa, which while we are not together in person right now, makes me feel better for the 2 months we are apart, and closer to being “home” this summer. It is a nice way to break up the time between when we parted ways to take care of all the business, we must do to get ready for the next chapter of our lives together and when we reunite early July. Last week before I departed for the Baltics, I spent time not just working on projects on client’s travels, some of whom are departing this week with others, traveling and some about to travel, but continuing the process of downsizing even more. I took more “stuff” out of the small storage unit and when all was said and done, I had reduced it another third. Of course, the closer I get to the drop-dead date, which is about 5 weeks away, the crazier things get. ​

There is still much to do and final decisions to be made, to sell, throw away, to give away or to take with me. Some items, of those sentimental things to be shipped, and I know there will be a cost there. It has been throughout the process, been easy in the beginning, but harder and harder at this stage, but knowing that date won’t be that far out from now, I keep focused on the prize, which is being with my wife again in person and in my new home. It is a comforting feeling to know that time is relatively short. I know I have mentioned this before and a good friend said, 6 weeks before you leave is not long, and now it is 5 weeks. Most of the items I am in possession of now are must need items and sentimental items. All I know is that when June 21, 2024, comes around and I lock the door for the last time at my little New England hovel, I will have accomplished the tasks necessary and will have managed what needs to be managed.

I am not worried about not having certain things, as I can buy what I don’t have. I am starting a new and extremely happy and exciting chapter of my life, most importantly personally, and professionally and I am at a good point in my life. I am also very lucky that my client base, and while I know people would love to have face-to-face conversations across a desk or table to discuss their travel adventures, now and into the future, understand the situation. In fact, even most of clients, I have, although I would l love to meet them all in person, from all over the US, Canada and points beyond, I have not met in person, but the reality is that even many from the state from which the company is based and will be for the near future, I have not met either, since I moved to New England, but some I have, mostly in Rome and you all know why. I look forward to continuing to arrange your travel adventures from wherever you are from wherever I am, knowing that I have so many amazing partners with whom I team to create these experiences. ​

I look forward to sharing more next week upon my last return to the states before I pull up the stakes for the last time. It should be noted that even Rosa, a few days ago, asked if I was coming to Rome before the actual arrival in July. I told her, you never know. Anything is possible. Realistically, it comes down to knowing if all the moving pieces are in place, for such a last-minute trip before the final move. Who knows, and anything to break up these long two months, before coming home to Rome. 
As always, I hope you have enjoyed my offerings each week and appreciate that you have read my blog posts and look forward to continuing with sharing. As always, thank you so much for your support of Rosa’s and my little world now that they have been merged into one. We truly appreciate your support and congratulations. Stay safe, healthy, and most importantly happy, and as always, your shared comments and thoughts are most welcome!!!