Celebrations

Yes, I'm still in Florida as I rolled just west of Fort Lauderdale to celebrate a friend's 59th, enjoy the holiday season, and connect with familiar faces. As you probably know, every birthday is significant to me, but I wanted to acknowledge this one with Mark as he recently recovered from a serious heart attack.  Always celebrate. 

While I'd planned to visit into the new year, the location also offered a spot for me to leave my Element and spend the winter out of the USA.  Given its proximity, my travel plotting began with Cuba, but did you know U.S. citizens now need a "valid license" and can only stay for 30 days? Not long enough. I then pondered Ecuador with an interest in Cuenca and the Galapagos Islands, but I wasn't in a travel mindset versus "winter away" pondering the question, "Can I live in another country?". At last I landed on San Miguel, Azores. Yes, it's a place I've been twice for short stints but a few months on this island with a temperate climate, good food, and a familiar atmosphere seemed like just the right idea. In no time I had my casinha picked out and was tracking flights to fly the coop early January. I even attempted a few Duolingo Portuguese lessons! 

The long story made short is one word -- Omicron. So, here I sit till the new year but yes, I will be returning to tent life as I creep my way out of Florida. More to come soon as I look back at the ups and downs of 2021, and what now new year?!