“So, is your ‘encore life’ trip what you thought it would be?” is a question we have been asked. I do not know if it is exactly what I thought it would be, but it is what I hoped it would be.
–I had hoped for a trip that combined exciting and interesting things to see and do, with time to rest and reflect. If you are the sort of person who must pack it in every day while on vacation, then this kind of trip, where you park for a month at a time, might not work for you. I have loved having so many museums, parks, restaurants, historic buildings, cultural events, etc. within easy reach. I have also loved being able to sleep in or stay up late or take a nap when I wanted to do so.
–I had hoped for a trip that allowed me the flexibility to decide what to do on my schedule. Of course, if you buy tickets to an event you must schedule it or your day around it. If you have a rent car or airline or train ticket, you need to be on scheduled time. However, staying in one place did allow for many flex days. Or for days where you did what most tourists do but on your schedule. Like a bridge, I can walk over it and touch the statues or stop and lean on the railing and watch the river rush by. Like a church, sit and meditate after you have looked at the beauty of the building and art work or better yet, go to a service among the people. See the old gentleman approach the rail and kneel and fervently pray. Sit in thanksgiving when another gentleman comes to you while sitting and asks, “Do you like my church?” And then listen as he proudly gives you a history lesson and points out the stunning Madonna and Child painting from the 1200s that is the center piece of the altar.
–I had hoped for a trip where we could eat in or eat out–our choice, sort of like home, but in a unique setting. The apartment choice was a good one for us. Thankfully, the pictures online matched what we got. We have room to spread out, good sleeping quarters, efficient kitchens with all that is needed to cook in and we are well placed to historic sites and markets and transportation. It is home away from home.
–I had hoped for a trip where Kathy and I could have both quality and quantity time together. That has happened and we enjoy each other and our journey.
–I had hoped for a trip where folks could meet up with us if that worked out and it has for some and we have loved it. Experiencing a journey and adventure with others is a delightful thing to do. WEG
kgraumann
wgraumann
gofarther.me 
sounds like it’s all you hoped for then! 🙂
Debbie, this is Kathy. Thank you for following us on our journey and sharing with us your comments. they are appreciated. Yes, it has been a wonderful journey thus far, and we look forward to the future. KG
I agree 100%… That’s why I enjoy RVing across the country. Enjoying blogs of living Spain & Italy thru you two. Hi to your beautiful bride, please
NORA of NOLA
Hi, Nora, this is Kathy. Thank you for following us on our journey. We love following your RV journey as well. Love to you, Kathy
Sounds like all systems are working well for you two! Awesome experiences.
Yes, it has been wonderful. One difficulty for us has been banking. Our credit cards do not like our out of country expenditures even though we told them before we left and our bank locked our online banking because of out of country computer and getting it unlocked has been a pain. So far, we have managed all that, but the time difference to our bank etc. has made it a little frustrating. I would advise anyone doing this to keep enough Euros on hand, just in case, as in, you are eating out and the credit card company decides you are someone else and closes your account and with the time difference, you cannot get it rectified until the next day:-)
Well…let me say that it was all we had hoped for and so much more. Getting to really know the two of you was such a serendipity to the entire journey. Our friends asked us yesterday,…”How did you know about all of these places to visit and how to get there?” We said with such joy how much fun Wayne Graumann is as a tour guide and wonderful a mother Kathy is to keep us all organized….maps at a moments’ notice along with sunnies, jackets and warm gloves :} We are still riding on an Italian high!
That is so kind! We are so happy y’all came to share the journey with us. It was a joy to have you here.
Wayne you photos are getting really good. I am so impressed and have really been enjoying them. we used a ATM in Greece and got $100 euros and I think with all of the fees it cost like $250 dollars.
Eva and I know about the nap time. we have been babysitting three dogs last week so came home sunday after church and took a 4 hour nap. We normally do one every afternoon between 2-3 pm. we are so happy you guys are enjoying. Hope there are no problems after the money problems in Cyprus Today.
The only thing we know is that the euro rate is good now. So far our fees have been minimal.
I think this is one of my favorite posts. It speaks to my heart and what I look forward to doing someday.
Yes, knowing you, I believe what you wrote. You and Kevin are a good balance, just as Kathy and I are. I have been able so far, to stop and smell the roses–hope it can last a while:-) For so long my whole focus was moving the huge ministry forward (and that was the right thing and my natural inclination) that I did not always or rarely even appreciate the little things. Now I have time to readjust and have done so rather well. So, Kathy is loving that. Eventually however, my need to look ahead to some new adventure will probably kick back in, but, I think, I will be much more balanced when it does.
What a wonderfully reflective blog. I’ve enjoyed keeping up with you two on your great adventure! Can’t wait to hear from ” The Graumannfufu” lol 🙂
Thanks Kirsten. I appreciate seeing the pictures of your family on fb.