Marilyn’s Magical Mystery Tour

This blog was originally posted in October of 2021, to my WOW Travel Club website . . .

I'm on my way!

“Why don’t you go away for awhile?”

This was Scott’s suggestion after I tearfully poured my heart out to him a couple of weeks ago.

I had been in a funk. Bored. Frustrated. Unmotivated. Listless. Yeah, bitchy, too. My emotional spiral descended into insecurity and guilt. Which then led down a rabbit-hole of embarrassment and shame.

After all I am blessed beyond measure. I have an enviable life in every way with absolutely NO defensible justification for my feelings of frustration and negativity.

Although he said it with love, he was rather emphatic. Apparently he was as dissatisfied with my bad attitude as I was!

I embraced his suggestion instantly: “Yeah! That’s a great idea. I could do that!”

I needed a change of scene. Something to look forward to. Since COVID, without any international travel in 82 weeks, my adventurous soul was despondent.

My attitude adjustment was immediate, despite having no specific plan as to where or when I would go. I was thrilled at the mere idea of going somewhere – soon. It almost didn’t matter where.

But, of course, it really did matter where. I wanted someplace new and novel. Unexplored – both physically and professionally. A place I’d never researched for business reasons. A place that would be full of surprise and delight.

Reminiscing about my solo adventures of 43 years ago, I’m excited to replicate that kind of wondrous independent adventure! It’s never too late!

But, let’s face it, the concept of traveling solo – especially for mature women – is a bit radical. From an early age, females tend to bunch up. We form tribes. Cliques. Clubs. We’re taught to be cautious and vigilant. We even visit the bathroom in groups! We make nests and create safe spaces for children and family. It seems that men have fewer such burdens slowing them down. From an early age, boys are groomed to be independent explorers. Once again, I’m so grateful to have had the experiences I had in my 20s.

I’m excited – and, frankly, a little scared. (They’re kind of the same thing – right?) Traveling – which I mostly took for granted all these years – is a brand new experience. COVID has shut us down. Shut us in. This sense of positive expectancy feels weird. And wonderful.

It didn’t take long to choose the place, book my flights, and reserve a room. I did not ask for discounts or assistance from my network of travel suppliers. No scheduled hotel inspections. No tours, meetings, or dinner reservations – just an open agenda to fill – or not fill – as I decide.

It feels SO liberating. After a 40-year career of planning and anticipating every single detail of my worldwide journeys, I’m setting sail without a plan.

After 573 days without international travel, I’m a free bird at last!

I’m outta here, folks! Stay tuned . . .

And … Part 2 of the blog, published a few weeks later:

Thanks, all you loyal readers, for your encouraging and curious comments to my plan. Y'all were excited for me and were looking forward to hearing all about it. I promised to share . . . and can tell you this much:

The experience really revved me up. I'd lost my mojo, but I got it back. Late in the afternoon on my second day, I sat alone on the terrace of a charming restaurant, contemplating my blessed life. Enjoying a tasty cocktail and delicious plate of appetizers. Listening to the sounds of the place as the shadows lengthened.

p.s.  Oh, you’re probably wondering where in the world I went . . .

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico!

I took LOTS and LOTS of photos!