​Weathering the Storm with the WP#172

Sometimes I look back on what I wrote the week before, but since so much has happened since I last wrote, meaning the move of the worldly possessions, and all the back and forth, I am now a man between two countries. Yes, still a citizen of the United States of America and all that stands for and entitles me to, but also now days away from the other country which will soon become my home. No, I am not giving up citizenship, and no, I can’t immediately become a citizen of the new home, but the process continues and as it turns out, I am literally on an island in between, the British Isles, as it turns out. ​

The past week has been one where, when I left America, the gate agent questioned why I only had a one-way ticket, and I was able to provide a very proper and viable answer. As it turns out, I could also produce an onward e-ticket, to Italy, but was not necessary. The airline is the first barrier in case I was trying to escape somewhere, and they need to make sure, I am not simply staying and becoming part of the system, or at least not becoming part of the system illegally. In either case, I am not and was able to pass through, fly across the pond and get into Britain, where I am currently. ​

The reason for being here and be here for the next week plus has been the attendance of first and foremost, a conference with LATA, the Latin American Travel Association I have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people and companies that represent destinations across Latin America. I know everyone knows me for European travel, but having the partners around the world, yes and in Latin America, among other places, I can handle travel arrangements for you confidently, knowing I have partners in place across the spectrum, so for sure, when you consider the Wandering Puffin for your travel needs, please check with me. I know I can assist in these areas, and yes, I have at least skimmed the surface by having been in Argentina and Brazil, and hopefully other countries in the future, but I will have to check with my wife, not just talk to myself. ​

In any case, I arrived, stayed overnight near the airport a few days back, then got my ride to my venue where the event took place called DeVere Beaumont Estate, which is near Windsor and absolutely beautiful. The event ends today, but on the first day’s arrival, we had a chance to visit Windsor Castle, a place I had once visited and did a bit of exploration, but it was nice to simply wandering about, the castle grounds, and then the town. In the end, and with the event ending today with a few more meetings, before my departure to the tweener part of my time in the UK, it has been a successful event for me as the second time I have attended.

I look forward to using this new avenue to arrange travel adventures to this part of the world which is so unique and different and for my US based clientele, in the neighborhood and very doable. Opposite seasons depending on where and for my peeps in the colder regions of America, a wonderful and reasonable getaway in the wintertime. These are companies that are local and provide local experiences and live and breathe their homes. As you know, in many cases now, having people on the ground on location to enhance my valued client experiences. It is important to become a part of the culture and experience it, not just see it and check it off a bucket list. Time is the most important commodity we have, and we do not get it back, so having the most unique, authentic experiences is important and giving back to the local communities is as well. ​

As I conclude this post and checking out of my hotel, I will be transition to central London, well actually Chelsea for a night before heading north for a break and hopefully a puffin sighting or two off the coast tomorrow, when I am based in Newcastle and share some photos then. Upon my return and those shared experiences, I will be back in Central London for the second event and why I am here and meet with folks from countries in Africa. Again, I have been to several countries there, as well, but meeting with local suppliers to enhance my client’s experiences who travel with my arrangements through many of these amazing partnerships and continue to expand my horizons, but that is for next week, as I get closer to my last leg of my journey home. ​

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!!!