Slow Down Aging with Travel!

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Agingadventurer

“Travel has more to it than just breaking from routine ― it actually is great for both the mind and body,” said Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging.

Jenny Munro, a gerontologist at Home Instead, said travel slows the aging process by incorporating movement, learning and social connection. Munro’s parents traveled to Ireland when they were 70 and 75 years old; they walked, climbed and hiked.

“All of these activities that my parents participated in while in Ireland have the ability to boost one’s metabolism, improve blood circulation and lower one’s risk of developing dementia,” she said.

My older  brother recently commented that perhaps I should change the title of my blog…and here I thought he was suggesting that I now call my self the “aged adventurer”.  Who knew, he, the one who is about to turn 80, knew all along that I should call myself the “Young again Adventurer!

Happy Birthday Mike!

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La Paz and Lake Titicaca

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Agingadventurer

Before leaving Bolivia I wanted to spend some time in the capitol city, La Paz, another highlight as it sits on the Antiplano plateau in the Andes around 11,500 feet.  While the connotation of sprawling can be negative I can’t think of a better word to describe this city.  It stretches as far as the geography  allows.

Traffic can be stifling and slow going especially with the current protests that appear frequently and often block streets and neighborhoods. But one can still see much from above as the cable cars transverse the city in all directions and serve as the main public transportation with  10 different lines and over 25 stations.

Close by the city is the Valle de la Luna with more amazing rock formations from years of erosion with easy hiking trails and photo opportunities.

My final journey was a full day trip to Lake Titicaca where I enjoyed a day on a boat. The lake is nearly equal on both sides of the Peruvian and Bolivian borders.  My experience started in Copacabana and was a private tour with the pilot, tour guide and driver allowing me the ultimate freedom of choosing the stops! BTW, of course it is the highest navigable lake in the world and one of the few ancient lakes that have existed for millions of years!

As the proud “mom” of a Schnauzer I was stunned by the number of street dogs in Bolivia. In 2017  a dog named Carmelo was chosen as a monk at a monastery in Cochabamba after being rescued.  I read where there is approximately 2 million dogs without proper homes. The constitutuion specifically calls for animal protection but somehow they have not been effective in stemming the growth nor educating people on pet ownership.  On the way back to the city from our outing my guide bought a big bag of bread and everytime he saw a dog along side the road he threw out a hunk.  Apparently it is how these dogs are fed. I was both happy and very sad. 

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High, Higher, Highest!

Posted on September 29, 2024 by Agingadventurer

The trip to Bolivia’s high desert was a long, long drive with multiple stops on the way. The landscape and rock formations were straight out of a sci-fi movie. There were times that we were driving on roads that were invisible; no tracks, no signs, just more brown gravel. Every so often we would stop to see an amazing lagoon filled with flamingos, a nice pink to brighten the desolation.

Another “high”light were the animals we spotted. Llamas are domesticated and are the source of both food and wool, while a similar animal known as guanacos live wild in the high altitudes. We also saw viscachas (think rabbit with a long tail) and a friendly hungry fox.

The diversity of landscapes in Bolivia delight geologists and tourists alike. The Sajama lines, the Salvador Dali Desert, Valle de la Luna, and the Uyuni Salt Flats are just a few of the unusual areas.

And of course, that night I would stay at the highest hotel in the world, Takya del Desierto, at 14’839 feet. We had already reached 16,000 feet earlier that day and I truly thought I may perish overnight. I actually slept in my clothes (it was cold) but also in case I needed to crawl out in the hall in hopes someone would find me in time to save me. My chest did feel like an elephant was sitting on me and each breath was extremely labored. I was happy that there was no electricity or internet at the time (limited hours daily) so that I could not ask Dr. Google how much longer I would survive.

Both my driver and guide were thrilled with their country, loved sharing the scenery and kept me amused with their choice of music during the long drive. We shared meals, histories, and thoughts with each other and I dare say we all learned a great deal!

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Boliva or Bust

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Agingadventurer

I’ve had bad luck getting to Bolivia especially when I planned the trips on my own. The first attempt was foiled by Latam who decided to cancel flights at the last minute. I was able to get a refund from them but not the hotels I booked nor from the domestic airline. The second trip was also cancelled due to Latam but as they are a Peruvian airline and not from Bolivia I decided to try a third time.

Rules change and now it was no longer possible to get a visa online and the closest consulate was closed or not answering their phones. I decided to engage a tour company to help me navigate the obstacles. They assured me I could get my visa on arrival as long as I had copies of all the necessary papers.

There were at least 15 people in my line awaiting their turn and every time the person in front was asked a question he couldn’t answer we all panicked. The agent wanted a current bank statement and the internet service wasn’t working. He finally left the line and it was my turn. Luckily by this time all the fellow travelers were eager to help and thankfully my google-fi worked and I was on my way.

I knew La Paz was the highest international airport in the World but I didn’t really prepare for what that meant. Years ago I had summitted Kilimanjaro, had trekked to Macchu Picchu, climbed Mt. Fuji, made it to the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan and did a week in the shadow of Everest. Years ago I also was fitter and much younger!

With my visa in hand I quickly found my domestic flight to Uyuni realizing that since I had only 2 or 3 hours of sleep in the last 36 hours I couldn’t trust myself to sit comfortably somewhere to wait. It was better that I stay standing in front of the boarding gate. I arrived a few hours later to the famed salt flats and was met by my energetic young guide and driver who were anxious to show me a great time. It was difficult to not get caught up in their enthusiasm and I proceeded to pose for their trick photos.

My hotel that night was the Palacio de Sal, an experience that reminded me of ice caves or igloos.  I did wonder how they kept rain from dissolving these salt bricks…and consequently kept me awake since my ceiling appeared to be all salt!  It is truly beautiful and well managed. 

I understand that in the summer months (Bolivia’s summer is December-February) there are many young backpackers and crowds everywhere.  I was happy with my September dates!

Next blog will feature the highland lagoons and the many beautiful pink flamingos and my fearful night trying to sleep at 16,000 feet!

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My Lucky Plucky Journey

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Agingadventurer

Oh the places I’ve gone, the sights I’ve seen, the boxes I’ve checked.  I made a new list of my life highlights realizing that it has been quite the trip.

All four Tennis Grand Slams

The World Fair and the Olympics

A World series game and the Super Bowl

NCAA’s National Men’s and the NCAA Women’s Tennis Tournaments

Flew 2,690,819 miles on Delta and used up all the benefits

All 50 US States

Every Country in Europe

All 7 Continents

Every Country in South and Central America except Venezuela

A dozen different safaris in AfricA

Attended at least 5 birthdays of all 12 of my siblings

Was with both parents as they departed this world

Witnessed both of my children’s college graduations

Lived abroad

Hiked to Machu Picchu

Caught a Halibut

Parachuted out of an airplane

Cage Dived with Great White Sharks

Tipped my toes in all Seven Seas and all Five Oceans

Summited many a mountain including Fuji and Kilimanjaro

30 World Heritage Sites

Witnessed the World’s Great Religions in their environment

Tackled a new sport in my 70’s (Pickleball)

Moved my home more than twenty times

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Reminiscing on my College Years

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Agingadventurer

As the oldest girl in my family I was predestined to attend the College of St. Benedicts. After all, both my grandmother and mom preceded me there. I remember arriving in a stylish yellow suit with my Dad. My mother was 9 months pregnant and didn’t want to risk the trip. I was thrilled to finally escape my parents’ strict rules only to discover the Bennie Handbook where the following words jumped out at me: “By senior year, a Benny is a woman who knows what is socially proper. She tries to please those with whom she comes into contact. She knows what to wear and when and how to speak to whom. A Benny is both a woman and a Catholic.”

Oops, just where am I? I nearly choked!

Well, our curfew was 8PM during the week with a Cinderella midnight on Fridays and Saturday was 11PM since we had church early the next morning. We were not allowed to wear pants and had one phone to share with everyone else on the dormitory floor!

Somehow, I managed to get a great education while testing the limits of the nuns and the rules. However, the 60’s were tumultuous times. We were blissfully unaware of many of the current events, but civil rights, the VietNam war and women’s liberation unavoidably creeped into our consciousness. As Bob Dylan famously sang,”Times they are a changin”.

The following pictures are from different reunions: 2024,2019 and 2014!

I survived my four years at St. Ben’s in spite of feeling the need to be married by the end of my Senior year. It took a long while but I’m happy with the woman I am today! I attribute much of my growth to the wonderful and amazing women who became my great friends during these formative years.

I spent a recent weekend on campus for my 55 reunion. Unfortunately there were only 12 of my classmates in attendance but it was worthwhile! These reunions bringing us back together are wonderful reminders and a reinforcemnt of our value to our sisterhood! Oh the hours we waited on this wall!!!

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The Fabulous Refurbished LaFayette Hotel

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Agingadventurer

At my age, birthday celebrations last for at least a week. When both of my daughters were out of town for work on my actual day they decided to treat me to this newly renovated establishment estimated to cost over 30 million! Both Travel and Leisure and San Diego magazine reviewed this hotel in their January 2024 editions.

Long time San Diego locals remember this place as a destination for special occasions and even some Hollywood celebrities graced this place when it first opened in 1946 ( note to self…it is a year older than me) inclucing Bob Hope, Ave Gardner and Katharine Hepburn. And there were rumors that Marilyn Monroe spent time there with someone that was not one of her husbands.

This location underwent a few metamorphoses and was even scheduled to be torn down before CH Projects hired a Brooklyn based designer and voila!

It is a bit pricy of a stay but it is worth it. We started our overnight by settling into our suite and then toured the property including some of the venues still not opened. At 5 PM we hit the bowling alley (one of two) in the lower level and had great fun engaging with the group who rented the adjacent lane.We laughed more than we scored.

After a quick change we hit the premier dining room, the Quixote. As the only reservation we could get for 3 was later that night we elected to sit at the bar and enjoyed an early dinner respecting the aged one in our group.

After an exquisite meal that was Mexican flavored we again walked around the property before stopping in the 24 hour diner for take-out lemon meringue pie.

I truly enjoyed my birthday outing and definitely recommend this site even if it’s just for dinner or a day at the pool. But do ask to see one of the rooms as they too are as amazingly decorated as all the fantastical public places.

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The Silk Road

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Agingadventurer

Merv is sometimes listed as Merw and is located in the territory of Mary in Turkmenistan. Two of the major Silk Road routes merged just outside this prosperous city and it was perhaps the third largest city of all back in the 6th century. Goods, ideas, art and cultures made their way from China to Persia. Besides trade it was also known as a city of learning and culture. Today Turkmenistan is still known for its cotton and vegatables that have been traded for centuries but now natural gas and oil are its biggest exports.

Merv is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due in part to its significance as one of most complex urban archaeological remains in the world. Because this oasis city was at a crossroads of these routes, it also was a center for production of ceramics, markets and an icehouse where stored snow from the winter months created a refridgerator of sorts. There were inns for the travelers and the animals found shelter in the courtyards. I have not been able to ascertain whether Marco Polo stood in the same place that I did, but it’s fun to imagine the possiblity.

With the different routes transversing parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia the cities visited were numerous. Other than the long time it took I think perhaps Marco visited more cities than me. I’ve been to Constantinople(Istanbul), Baku, Tbilisi, Yerevan, Samarkand, Tashkent, Almaty, Bishkek, Katmandu, Paro, Seoul, Osaka, Colombo, Venice, Rome, Hanoi, Guangzhou, Mumbai and Muscat to name some of those. And that’s in this life time. According to my astrologer I’ve been to some of those before;-)

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The City of White Marble

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Agingadventurer
Asgabat, Turkmenistan looks like it could be a 3D movie set that is currently not being used other than the traffic circling the roundabouts with massive sculptures. It is a clean and beautiful all white marbled city with gold atop everything, even the street lights and the trash bins. This former USSR city has been revamped and while eye-catching it appears to be empty of people. It is also rather expensive although my tour that included hotel, some meals, a great guide and transportation was worth every penny.

The information put out by the government says it is a neutral and secular country. Apparently the people who live her basically go from work to home without stopping anywhere else. You see only white cars and mostly all Toyotas. Perhaps that’s why the people don’t visit the “public” areas of the city as they might never find which of those cars is theirs! The streets are wide, signs are few and far between but all are the same size, shape and only four colors are allowed.

The city was devasted and destroyed by a horrible earthquake in 1948 killing, 10% of the population. Turkmenistan declared its independence from the USSR in the Fall of 1991. Since 2006 it has been ruled by one family and the various clans of this area seem to be quite compliant, even with some of the rules and regulations that seem to be quirky at best and repressive to those of us from the West. There appears to be no political dissent anywhere.

The first modern airport was built in 1994 and demolished in 2013 in order to build an amazing terminal that took the shape of the Falcon, the national bird! While they can handle a great many passengers per hour their immigration lines last longer than anyplace I’ve been. Tourists are not a top priority yet even though there is an abundance of places of interest.

Next blogs will cover both the Silk Road and the Darvaza gas crater also known as the Door to Hell.

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So Close But Yet So Far!

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Agingadventurer

The Wagah border is the only crossing-point open to foreigners for travel by land between Pakistan and India. I was there but didn’t have the proper papers. Instead, I enjoyed the boisterous ceremony that demonstrated both the competition and brotherhood between these two countries. Hundreds of people on both sides of this border attend this daily occurrence around sundown for the lowering of the flags.

On a trip to Rwanda, I climbed up to Bisoke Crater Lake and saw this sign telling me I was on the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I had a visa because my tour was supposed to include a hike in Virungo National Park but due to a kidnapping and deaths a few weeks before it was cancelled. When the guide heard about my desire to go to Congo, he led me past the invisible line!

Then there’s North Korea. I had booked a tour from Seoul to visit both the DMZ and the JSA which would get me as close as permitted legally. Unfortunately the JSA part was cancelled because South Korea was participating in war games with the USA at the time and consequently my permit to enter was denied.

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