As one of thirteen children in my family I’ve come by competition naturally. In my last blog I elaborated on my joining the Travelers Century Club. I won’t be the first 80 something person to see the World. I might not win, but I will exceed last year’s count.

One of my sisters gifted me this sweatshirt years ago, guessing that it is a competitive sport for me. I think I love travel even more than Pickleball!

I recently went to a weeklong stay at Rancho La Puerta outside of Tecate, Mexico. It is renowned as a retreat with a holistic approach to fitness, health, and organic dining. The activities, lectures and spa treatments are both abundant and amazing. The food is obviously very healthy and well presented.

While there I hiked, I went to the gym daily, I experienced sound healing, I floated in aerial yoga and again with aqua board yoga. I attended a lecture on metabolism and of course had a couple of massages. And the main reason I went was for the Pickleball and a chance to play with one of my daughters who was kind enough to accompany me for the week.

It was costly but it was a great experience. With all these wonderful activities I found that what I liked best were the conversations with the other women. I listened, I learned and I realized that this is what I get when I travel. It’s the opportunity to share experiences, to share knowledge, and laugh. I checked out all the countries I could have gone to instead and decided that once at this retreat was probably enough for me. That and I couldn’t wait to get home where I could get a cheeseburger and fries! And chocolate chip cookies and key lime pie!