Finale

FYI – This postcard contains many photos – perhaps too many for email – so for the best experience, please read it online by clicking on the title.

Hello, friend ~

Thank you for welcoming me into your inbox these past nine years. I’m grateful for that privilege. Writing used to feel like homework to me, but making and sending these digital postcards changed a chore into something I enjoyed. Maybe that’s because these postcards felt more like letters to a friend than writing assignments, or maybe it was because I inherited a bit of my father’s love of telling a good yarn. Most likely, it’s both.

As my father knew, every good story had a good ending. After more than 100 travel adventures, from small weekend getaways to weeks-long African safaris, Spirited Travelers has come to its end. I’ve tucked the travel adapters in a drawer, emptied the suitcases before storing them in the closet, and filed my passport with our other important documents. That leaves only one more thing to do: take a trip down memory lane with you to remember some of the highlights of our travels together.

The biggest highlight of our travels was Poland. We had no idea that it was such a beautiful country. The beauty could be as grand as the fiery sunsets outside our back door…

…or as soft as an early morning on the wide Baltic Sea beaches…

…or as eye-popping as the autumn foliage in the city park down the block.

A close second were the Christmas markets, like this one in Vilnius, Lithuania. We quickly learned that the lights, decorations, and festive atmosphere were a welcome way to brighten the dark, wet northern European winters.

We were fortunate to have lived in Europe during a time when many places had only recently opened up. In Albania, a visit to a modern winery came with a reminder of the not-so-distant past.

While some places had only recently welcomed tourists, others had long been touted as “must-see.” Santorini, Greece, easily lived up to that designation.

As did southwestern Spain, which lured us with her food, wine, and joi de vivre.

Other places, while not generally known as a “must-see” destination, were a joy to visit. We went to Malta in search of sunshine, which we found in abundance, and also found blue water, delicious food, and the influence of many cultures at this crossroads of civilizations.

At the other end of Europe from Malta, Iceland was also a treat. In the summer, with waterfalls around nearly every bend, “Iceland” felt like a misnomer. “Waterland” would’ve been more appropriate. I enjoyed the stark beauty of the wide vistas, big sky, and lush vegetation.

Scotland gave us mist and mood, history and hospitality. The warmth of the whisky was surpassed only by the warmth of the locals.

Some places set up camp in our hearts, requiring us to return again and again. We learned not to argue when Italy beckoned for us to return ~ Bella Italia was always right.

Chateaux, delicious food, splendid wine, gorgeous scenery, friendly people ~ who can resist La Belle France and why would you?

Germany was like a box of mixed chocolates: after we finished one treat, there was yet another, slightly different one to savor.

We always searched out the local food. We learned that the best introduction to a place is through what it feeds you.

And more often than not ~ or should I say “hopefully”? ~ those introductions came with a glass of wine.

As one story ends, another begins: retirement. Rosemary and I are looking forward to slower mornings, watching the dogs play in the backyard, and reminiscing about our travels as we sip iced tea on the back porch.

Thank you for being my vicarious travel companion. Wherever your future travels take you, I wish you safe journeys.

Cheers!

Scott

PS ~ All of the 5-Minute Vacations will remain on Substack, available for you to explore whenever the mood strikes. The adventures aren’t going anywhere ~ I just won’t be adding new ones.

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