Initial thoughts on retiring as we started our travels

August 14 2023

Following the first few days in Barcelona, our conversations touched upon what became our journey of self-discovery. Did we really just “retire”? What did that mean? Did we want to structure this adventure as sightseeing (visit significant historical, architectural or natural world wonders to learn about their history and importance to civilization) or travel (experience the food, culture and people)? Perhaps a little of both. What expectations did we each have for ourselves and our future? How would we ensure this experience changed us?

By leaving town within a week of this momentous life change, we had eliminated any semblance of routine from our lives. Exploring Barcelona felt like a Saturday or Sunday, any typical vacation we would have taken while we were still working. What would it feel like when everyday was Saturday or Sunday. Would we have new routines, new interests, new passions? What would we be doing when we were not traveling? How did we plan to spend our time in the future when we were home in Denver? What about when we were “home” in Hawaii? What did it mean to be “home”? What things did we always want with us no matter where we were: telephones, notebook/journal, iPad, computer?