Leaving my bushland in Australia, despite it’s own unique appeal, (like this big huntsman spider for one) for Provence in France for a 6 week holiday was a no brainer.  My sister in law Christine is (above left), French and has been begging us to visit her on her father’s vineyard.  This is obviously an opportunity too good to miss.

Travelling when you are over 55!

I am taking the opportunity here to chat about travelling when you are over 55.  I picked this age because that is when your kids have flown the nest (hopefully) to start their new phase of their lives.  You have settled, somewhat, into your new life without them. You may have even rediscovered yourself and KNOW what you want to do now with the second half of your life – albeit one a little bit slower, stiffer and heavier (I’m working of this – turning back the clock.)

You may have even rediscovered your partner in a new light.   You’ll notice I have said ‘maybe’.  Of course, that’s because your life depends on you and how you feel.

What I felt was a sense of loss. I’d just spent the last twenty or so years totally dedicated to being an ‘awesome’ (okay, slightly unhinged at times) mother. When my two gorgeous girls became independent with their own lives flowing nicely,

I realized I didn’t know who I was anymore… somewhere along those years, I HAD LOST MY IDENTITY!  Yep, gone, kaput.   Sure, I worked in my own business during those , but my purpose was always to contribute to their well being and provisions (in sport, music, school, clothing blah blah blah).

It took quite a few years of trialling new things to rediscover myself.  At every turn I always came back to something arty.  I am a graphic designer so I suppose this made sense.  I took sculpture classes and fell in love (so much so I now sculpture full time now have even started a whimsical website called Wombat Thoughts

How does all of this relate to travelling though I hear you say.  Even though I had discovered my new found passion I realised I didn’t feel too confident about travelling.  I had a husband who was still engrossed in his work and didn’t see the need to do much travel.  He was prepared to do it when we were ‘older’.  Trouble is, as a woman, I am more realistic.  How much time do we have left in our reasonably fit states so we can REALLY enjoy an adventure.

Luckily the universe intervened in the form of my French sister in law Christine.