My first blog post was written nearly 12 years ago in Bratislava, Slovakia. Shortly after Pat and I moved there, our son bought a URL and created this site. I haven’t reread that first post in the intervening years—until this week.
It’s hard to believe it was 12 years ago—almost to the day—when we rolled our suitcases down the cobblestone streets of old town to our apartment on Grosslingova. I was a new expat and experiencing all those new expat feels—excitement, terror, sadness, exhilaration.
Moving to Europe was the unexpected culmination of a life-long dream. Living in a cheaper country was a pathway to early retirement. Yearning to retire was my preoccupation. Writing it all down, somehow, seemed like a sensible idea.
Twelve years later, where am I?
Physically, I’m in Bratislava as I write this. It feels like the perfect time to come full circle. Or maybe I should say, to bookend this phase of my life.
When I reread that inaugural post, I don’t recognize that person. That’s no surprise. We all move on.
Specific to that first post:
While I love Europe, it will not become my full-time home again. It will be a dalliance—one of my happy places. But I have a tiny home that works for me in Charlottesville, and I plan to keep it that way.
My need to live in a cheaper country is gone too. I’m not sure that was ever really a goal, but it did serve us well.
Even my retirement these last two years has fallen by the wayside. I’m working again—albeit part-time and a bit seasonal. Remarkably, I love it. Never ever did I envision that, but as a wise man once said (or was it Justin Bieber?) never say never.
If you had told me twelve years ago that this is where I’d end up, I’d have deemed you utterly insane. And yet, I’m content in my life.
Sure, I’ll hop a plane or train more often than I probably should. From time to time, I’ll set off on my own two feet. For now, we’ll keep a bolthole in Paris. I truly believe that travel is in my DNA, and hence, I can’t help myself. Or at least that’s my excuse.
As for the compulsion to write it all down—to prattle on about everything everywhere. I have clearly vacillated on this one, but more and more I accept that the act of frenetic documentation is an erosive life force—a diminishment of the here and now. And that a better travel philosophy might be the back country creed: leave no trace.
Happy trails.
Categories: Ruminations
The World In Between 
I love reading what you write, but I also am rethinking my blog. I really do it for myself, not worrying about the number of readers or followers. There may be ways to document things with fewer words and a smaller expenditure of time.
Best wishes as you reorganize.
Thanks Jan. If you love writing your blog, that’s all that matters. For me, I’m trying to break up with my phone. It’s not easy!
Oh, Julie, I am among the scores who adore your traces, learning and vicariously enjoying your travels, trials and travails. Please keep tracing!
Wow Jim. Thank you so much. How nice! Maybe I’ll see you out on the trail.
I first read your writing in a book of short travel stories by women. Since then, I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Especially, I appreciate the wisdom you impart through your storytelling, whether you are in the U.S. or in Europe.
Today’s post hits close to home for me as I prepare to retire early in December and wonder what the future holds. And, in reading your posts over time, it’s been fascinating to watch you grapple with personal changes and growth post-retirement.
Thank you for sharing your humanity, perspectives, and inspiration while out on the journey of your life.
Oh my gosh. First, thank you. What a lovely comment. I never knew anyone was here that had read that book! Congratulations on your retirement. I hope it’s amazing!!
I, too, began a blog 12 years ago when we moved overseas unexpectedly, ending my career, uprooting our school-age children’s lives, etc. Looking back on the early posts makes me laugh.
We’ve returned to the area we left, with a brief and idyllic detour along the way, but it’s an entirely different rodeo now with entirely new things to blog about, whenever I feel like writing. I write for no one but myself. All the best to you!
I’ve always written for me. It always amazes me that anyone else would want to read what I say! I’m writing this from the tiny Italian village of Civita. A breathtaking alone day. Life is good.All the best to you back!!
As an almost 52-year-old woman, I’ve related so much to your blog. I’ve just spent the past few months reading your blog from beginning to end so I’m sad it’s over. I’ll raise a toast to you in Paris one day with a glass of Bordeaux!
What a nice comment. Thank you. I may peek my head up here now and again but not to report on my travels. And yes, raise that glass (and yes, raise it in Paris!)
Thanks Julie for all the interesting places I have learned a little about through your travels and blog. Best to you and Pat, your kids and grandkids! I hope you always treasure your love of travel.
Hey Tom! Thanks so much. I may drop a line now and again, but documenting my travel won’t be part of it. I hope you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving!