During these past few months, I've been discovering some interesting aspects of the aging process. It has to do with the preparations we, or at least I, have experienced while at the age of 59, "getting my ducks in a row" so I can take another extended trip to places far away from home.
When I first had the tools to travel (time and money), I was in my late 20's and made my way to Europe for 6 weeks of exploring the world outside my relatively small peripheral vision. I recall that I had few tasks to do in preparation for that adventure: paying my apartment rent a couple of months in advance, over-paying my utilities so they would not get in arrears and be cut off, having my mail held at the post office and deciding what sized backpack to buy and what to fill it with. Oh yeah, there was the hour I spent writing on a small piece of paper, the addresses of folks to whom I'd want to send post cards. Add the purchase of a dozen rolls of film and I was ready to go.
Not much to do there, huh?
Moving ahead one year, I found myself in the unique position of having the opportunity to live in Europe for a whole year! What extra perparations did I have? Not much, just selecting a few extra shirts, underwear and a sport coat. All items now fit into my trusty backpack (from the previous year's adventure) and a second day pack. A few other tasks included forwarding some magazine subscriptions to friends who would enjoy them, closing a checking account and selling a bunch of stuff at a flea market.
Stay tuned: My next entry will jump ahead 30 years and explore the type and quantity of things I am finding necessary to do for this upcoming voyage of discovery.
