​Weathering the Storm with the WP#140

I arrived safely back on the east coast and now am back in New Hampshire. I did the whole trip with U-Haul attached in 3 nights and 4 days, so when all is said and done, I was back on the 12th, and even unloaded the trailer and unhitched it the day I arrived. I had thought about waiting a day and getting the winter rental, unloading the SUV, but instead, decided to take a couple of hours and getting rid of the extra weight of the stuff and the trailer. In the end, I am set up and ready to rock and roll as I settle into this arrangement until the next big move. My last night on the road was outside Binghamton, NY before I arrived back in New Hampshire, so each day, about 375 miles a day and a duration of 8 hours a day for a little over 1500 miles from Minnesota to New Hampshire. ​

And, if you think I am staying still over the next few months, you are very much mistaken. I am called the Wandering Puffin for a reason and while my goal is to settle down in Rome in the next 6 to 8 months with Rosa, there are many different plans on the horizon. In fact, I leave for London in less than two weeks for business and then a side trip to Albania, country number 80, finally, after all the trials and tribulations and the lost year of travel which should have been attained in that year, but of course, did not. And then, I need to get back to Italy for a couple of days to help clean the apartment there, before once again, having to leave Europe, but fear not, I will return. Note that Rosa will be joining me in Albania and then we will both fly to Rome, so we will have several days together. Even a month apart is too long. ​

And, since I am the Wandering Puffin, but can’t go back to Europe until next year and next year is not that far away, I will be heading to Africa for the first time in about 7 or 8 years. Where, you ask? Well, I will tell you. Not Kenya, not Tanzania, not Morocco, these are places I have been, but Botswana, a place of which I know little, but to expect to learn a great deal as I have been privileged to be hosted for a travel trade conference and educational trip. Of course, this will be whirlwind, about 10 days in total with travel and only 8 days after a return from Europe for the last time this year. I am finally getting over jetlag and exhaustion from my recent return to the states and the drive to the east coast, but never fear, I will be able to handle this next adventure, as well and excited to share with everyone what I learn and how, perhaps, this could be your next destination. ​

In any case, upon that return and sharing that experience, I plan on settling down for the early winter as many moving parts will be falling into place for 2024, which for me and for Rosa, will be a very exciting year, but let’s not let the kitty out of the burlap. Some things need to be saved for later. In the end, I have somewhat gotten back into a routine here in New Hampshire, as I need to catch up on paperwork, itineraries and e-portfolios and I still have clients traveling now and well into the future, so all is good and for sure, must be always on my game. Keeping legitimately busy is also good as it keeps my mind off not being with Rosa in person right now, but we do connect on WhatsApp every day. This is my lifeline to her right now and while I have a love – hate relationship with technology, I could not be doing what I am doing now and as I look back on the time when I started in this industry back in 1997, and having a desktop in an office to where I am now, with all the trials and tribulations of this industry, I am very thankful for what I have. Cleaning house as well, of most of my worldly possessions also felt very good.

In the end, and there must be a reason for all this organized chaos in my life, which I accept and more importantly appreciate what I have. Now, I must balance once again, my personal and professional life until I am back in the arms of the love of my life be it in Europe or here in America, and also lose a few kilos enroute, so ciao for now and as always, I want to thank you as always for your support of my crazy little world and my small business. As always, I look forward to your comments, questions, concerns and continuing the discourse through whichever means you read my posts!!!