Make a Wish It May Come True!

 The travel bug has hit me once again and this time I'm going to explore places I've always dreamed of going but have never been. My travels often start with just a tug in one direction and then expand from there. This time Marrakech and a Pilates retreat, that had been delayed by another bug-Covid, for 2 years, is finally re-scheduled for April 1st. My daughter Page, owner of Pilates Nosara in Costa Rica, plans remote retreats yearly. I always follow her as it's another opportunity for us to be together since she and I live so far apart. Plus her retreats are amazing and often held in places that need exploring. 

It is impossible for me to travel so far away without adding a few other places that are on my wish list. This time I wanted to avoid the hassle of leaving from LAX and searched for a direct round trip to anywhere in Europe from San Diego and London popped up. Yes, London, a place I've longed to explore! Then, since there are direct flights to Cairo from London I thought,  "Why not find out where King Tut spent his short life!" 

Unfortunately,  my travel buddy Linda had no interest in Egypt. No cajoling could change her mind...none..zip! So I let that trip simmer through the summer and into the fall. Could I travel alone to Egypt? Should I wait another year or travel somewhere else instead?? Many women travel alone. It's nothing new.  It's just not something I've ever done. And Egypt, a blond woman alone?? Was I brave enough?

Contemplation kept me company during my normal winter escape to Baja this past fall. Egypt kept finding me on Facebook and in travel discussions. Easily a nudge or two a day. 

A day or so after our arrival in Mexico, we went to a party where I met a lovely woman who also has a winter home in Los Barriles. We hit it off immediately with loads in common. Other meetings took place and when I suggested that she might like to take the last place left for the Pilates retreat she replied "I'm not so interested in Morocco but have always wanted to go to Egypt!" I nearly stopped breathing.  Additionally,  her husband is from Britain so she is no stranger to London. Impossible!

Thank you Susie Miller for being so brave as to travel with someone you barely know. The plans are in place. Our bags are packed and we leave March 15th! Beyond belief, I'll hit the rainy streets of London with my own personal tour guide for four days and then we head to Egypt on a tour for twelve! 

Then, on March 31st Linda Pitko will meet me in Marrakech for a full week of exercise and exploring.  From there we head to Lisbon where we visit castles and explore interesting places on our drive to Porto. It will be another full and busy week. 

I'm gone a full month, several flights, many interesting foods to try and two wonderful women to share my adventures.  I am grateful to the Universe for making this dream come true! 

See you in London!!