Tag: European Travel

Reflecting and Planning, Second Edition

January 1, 2025

As 2025 begins, it’s time to reflect on my second full year as a nomad.

The biggest questions are, “Am I happy with the nomadic lifestyle? Was this the right choice?”

Yes! Absolutely. I tell people that my life is 90% wonderful. I wouldn’t have said that three years ago. In fact, I was pretty miserable and felt trapped by my career and home ownership.

I never thought I would be so happy to be unemployed. (I’m not quite retired; I just decided to quit working and make some lifestyle changes two and a half years ago.) I wake up grateful every day for the sights that I get to see, the people and pets I meet, and a more relaxed lifestyle.

Highlights of 2024

  • House and Pet sitting: The main thing that keeps me on a reasonable budget. Think about it; I’m not paying rent or utilities for half the year. I house and pet-sat for 164 days last year. That included one “pet less” sit of seven weeks. I used that time to take online courses and renew my teaching certificate. (Even though I don’t plan to teach full-time again, allowing my cert to lapse would be careless.) My favorites sits are still the “one-dog sits.” Single dogs tend to be good company, and at least one daily walk is guaranteed.
  • Hawaii: I love the Hawaiian Islands! Thanks to a two-week sit, I was able to enjoy several weeks in the islands this year. It has become a regular thing for me to visit in late August and September.
  • The Greek Islands: There are over 200 islands to explore in Greece, and I saw seven more of them this past spring, increasing my list to eleven. I started with three weeks on Kos, where I was volunteering. Volunteering didn’t go well, but I saw much of the island. The weeklong yoga and Zen meditation retreat on Sérifos was most certainly a highlight! After the retreat, I spent nearly three weeks walking and hiking on Sifnos, Naxos, and Tinos. I also took day trips to Kalymnos and Nisyros while on Kos.
  • Scandinavia: I have been waiting a long time to visit Scandinavia and decided to make it happen. It is not the most budget-friendly place, so I could only enjoy three weeks, visiting Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Oslo. I also saw some of the Norwegian coast on a weeklong cruise (Yes, the cruise was cheaper than staying on land.) I loved Geiranger and enjoyed Kristiansand and Stavanger. In fact, I at least liked every location in Scandinavia. Gothenburg was number one, though.
  • Cruises: I ended up taking two very different cruises in 2024. In June, I cruised up the coast of Norway from Copenhagen. The best parts were the wonderful people I met and the day cruising Geiranger Fjord. The food and entertainment were mediocre. I cruised on Celebrity Edge from Honolulu to Sydney in October, a much better experience. Edge is a newer ship with a more upscale yet relaxed vibe. The food was sensational, and the service was excellent! And I had no trouble keeping busy on the sea days.
  • Australia and New Zealand: More on my bucket list! I thoroughly enjoyed Sydney and the spots I was able to see in Australia. I even visited new friends I had met while traveling last year. But New Zealand—wow! I loved every place that I visited.

Plans for 2025

  • Continue housesitting and pet-sitting: I have been pet sitting since the middle of December when I arrived home from Australia and New Zealand. And I will spend most of my days on sits through late March. All of my upcoming sits are for friends and family, so I can invite people to visit. I’m currently enjoying a New Year’s sit with a sweet little dog in a gorgeous bayfront house. If it were an Airbnb, it would run about $2500-3000 for this week.
  • Continue to seek volunteer opportunities: I had a successful one-day volunteer gig last summer, but my longer volunteer situation was less than ideal. That doesn’t mean I’m giving up, though!
  • Transitioning from laptop to iPad: My kids bought me an iPad for Christmas! Since it’s a little lighter and more compact, I plan to use it as my primary computer while traveling. I have previously used one in my teaching career, but I always had a PC on hand, too. Old habits are hard to break.
  • Learning Croatian: It’s time for me to pick up another language and learn something new. Since it is part of my ethnic background, I have decided to dedicate time this summer to learning the language in Croatia. I’m beginning my online courses today!
  • More Cruises: The Panama Canal has been near the top of my bucket list, and I found a great rate on a cruise that fit my schedule. I’ll leave from Los Angeles, just a short plane ride from Seattle. Then, nine days after arriving in Florida, I will get on another ship from Florida to Barcelona. The transatlantic cruise will be with a group of fellow travelers/nomads. Very much looking forward to that!
  • Asia: I plan to revisit New Zealand and see some of Asia in the autumn and early winter. I might go minimalist with just a backpack for that one.

I continue to be grateful for the opportunities that this lifestyle gives me. Friends and family members continue to be supportive; I really couldn’t do this without them! It’s not perfect, and a part of me would love to have a permanent home, but that will happen when the time is right. As time passes, I feel more settled with the decision to be nomadic and roll with the year’s rhythms. I have been able to visit with friends and family for the holidays and continue to have quality time with my adult children when I’m in my house sitting in Washington. It’s a good life!

I wish you all the best for 2025!

Gothenburg: Our Little Secret


July 28, 2024


I recently spent three weeks in Scandinavia. It was a sampler trip, my first visit to explore the region.
I have to say, I loved it! Beautiful scenery, water, islands, and history-filled cities—my kind of stuff. My time included a cruise from Copenhagen up the Norwegian coast and through the Geiranger Fjord. The scenery was stunning, and the town of Geiranger was charming. I also visited Oslo and Copenhagen.


But the highlight of my visit was Gothenburg, Sweden. I chose it over Stockholm, partly because it was in a more accessible location and partly because it was smaller.
Gothenburg is one of those “just right” European cities. It’s not too big, but there’s plenty to see and do. It’s mostly walkable, and you can also get around using the charming trams throughout the city.
I arrived from Copenhagen by train. Just steps away, I found the tram station, hopped on, and rode to my accommodation for the next few nights.


It was a change from the studio apartments I typically rent. I had a private room and bathroom, but the building had a shared kitchen. I figured it must have been student housing before the large, modern dorms were built.

My corner room had a high cozy factor; the bed was amazingly comfortable, and look at that cute vintage-style refrigerator! I didn’t mind walking down one flight of stairs to use the kitchen since the room had a full tea and coffee service.


The brick building was charming, with well-kept grounds. I had a corner room with views in two directions.


Gothenburg’s city center is walkable and has everything you could want. The public market is upscale, with shops and restaurants. Gluten-free people like myself will be happy to find several baked good options at Steinbrenner & Nyberg.
A walk through the historic Haga neighborhood is a must. There are cute shops selling Swedish products and cafés everywhere. Again, I found some yummy gluten-free treats at Café Husaren and enjoyed a gluten-free and vegan lunch at En Deli Haga.


If you love public gardens like I do, you’ll love Gothenburg. Tradgardsforeningen, or The Garden Society, is near the heart of the city. One thing I love is that it was created in the 1800s by the citizens (which also makes it one of the oldest public gardens in Europe). They sold memberships to create beautiful grounds for all to enjoy. I also visited the garden café and had an exquisite salmon lunch.


The Botanical Garden is a short distance from the city center, but you can easily reach it by tram. It is expansive, and you will get your steps in for the day. If you visit, take the short hike up to the viewpoint. You could spend a good part of a day wandering the grounds. It is one of the most exquisite botanical gardens I have ever visited.


You won’t pay an admission fee for either garden, but you can leave a donation.
In addition to the gardens, you will find numerous parks throughout the city, some with fantastic viewpoints. My favorite was Skansen Kronan, where you will see a historic fortress and enjoy a nice view of the city.

Then, there’s Slottsskogen, the massive park at the edge of the city near the Botanical Garden.


One day, I took tram #11 to the end of the line to catch a passenger ferry to Styrso Island. The islands in the archipelago generally don’t have cars. Most people get around on bicycles and golf carts. I enjoyed a wander around the island. If I were to return, I would definitely spend more time on the islands.


Another highlight was the newly constructed World of Volvo. I’m not generally a car museum person, but my family has a particular affinity for them. If you’re into architecture, it’s worth a visit to step inside the gorgeous five-story structure. The museum is on the third floor, but be sure to wander around the rest of the building. It is truly an architectural marvel!

Volvo’s 1976 electric car!


Amusement park fans will find Liseberg just a couple of blocks from the World of Volvo. It’s not my thing, but the hundred-year-old park is a favorite destination for many.
So, I say, let everyone else visit Oslo and Copenhagen, and we’ll keep Gothenburg our little secret.

Hiking the Trails and Towns of Tinos

June 11, 2024

I’ve spent the past several days on the beautiful island of Tinos. It had been on my list of Greek islands to visit, partly because it boasts over 300 kilometers of hiking trails.

My favorite mode of travel is by foot. I don’t roam the world with a big backpack; I’m a day hiker and city walker. One can see so much more while walking, and I love the serenity of roaming the countryside.

Day One:

On my first full day on Tinos, I took a short, easy walk from Chora (the port town and capital) to Kiona. This one was more of a walking route than a trail, but the scenery along the coast was gorgeous! Kiona pretty much consists of a beach and a historic site. If you’re into history like I am, you will want to pay the 3-euro fee and take a look at the Sanctuary of Poseidon and Amphitrite. The ruins date back to the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. Quite impressive!

On the way to Kiona, I spotted a lovely little beach next to the church on the old harbor. I stopped for a swim on the way back, which was divine.

Day Two:

I started from the central bus station by the port and rode up to Arnados to begin my hike. The route took me to the Monastery Koimisis Theotokou, Mountados, Karya, and Triptamos. From there, I hiked back down to Chora. It was a long day of hiking, and the winds were blowing at 20-30 mph with gusts over 40. In total, I calculated about 12 kilometers for the day.

Arnados was my first mountain village. Each village has its own charm, and Arnados is lovely. The walking route guided me through the town and out to the road toward the monastery.

Along the way, I saw some steps heading uphill. I had time, so why not check it out? (I tend to do things like this.)

After climbing up the steps, dodging thistles all the way, I arrived at the remains of a windmill. The ancient path continued up, but I had an extensive itinerary planned for the day and headed back to the road.

I had made the mistake of leaving my big scarf back at my apartment, so I was not allowed to enter the monastery. (The scarf can be wrapped around to substitute for a skirt. Women are prohibited from entering monasteries in shorts, even knee-length ones.) I walked the grounds a bit and continued.

The path led downhill to a small church. Then, the trail markers disappeared. I relied on Google Maps for a walking route and ran into fenced-off spots at a couple of points. I wonder if farmers were trying to keep livestock in or tourists out!

Back on the road, I continued on the route to Mountados. This one is not to be missed! The route takes you down into the village and back up and out. You will be charmed at every turn.

I took a break here, at what used to be the community washing site, to escape the wind and rest my feet.

The next village, Karya, was not far down the road. Right on the walking route, you will come to Taverna Kapua. If you’re hungry or thirsty, stop for a break. The owners are friendly, and the dog is sweet!

The path took me up through Karya. I arrived at an inviting plaza in front of the church. There were trail markers and a map. I didn’t want to add distance to my route, so I headed back down toward Triptamos.

By the time I reached Triptamos, my feet were hoping that I was almost home. Of course, I couldn’t bypass the village, so down the steps I went. Again, the town was very sleepy, with hardly a soul to be found. There was a cute inn, but I didn’t see any restaurants.

I walked up and out of the village to find the route back to Chora. I went down a small side road, hoping it was the way to the T1 trail. Yes, it was!

The scenery on the way down was beautiful, and partway there, I came to this church. It was unique because it was painted blue (not white) and had two alcoves. Not far from the church was an abandoned building.  My best guess was that it was an abandoned monastery.

As I approached Chora, I encountered my first fellow human hikers of the day. We waved hello and carried on. I also encountered some of those +40 gusts as I approached my apartment. The wind was so strong it nearly knocked me down at a couple of points.

Day Three:

I took the other bus (There are only two routes) up to the northern end of the island to Pyrgos. Pyrgos is known as one of the prettiest towns on the island, and I agree. It is cute and inviting for the tourist crowd. Unlike some of the other villages, it has several cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s also home to a few museums showcasing marble crafting.

From Pyrgos, I walked the road to Panormos on the coast. There’s an inviting beach and an extensive marina. I had my best lunch of the week at Tama. There are several restaurants to choose from, so maybe shop a little in Pyrgos and have lunch at Panormos.

The day’s highlight was the hike back to Pyrgos on the E2 trail. After walking back behind the town, you quickly climb the mountain and enjoy stunning views of the coastline, Panormos, and the surrounding area. Along the ancient path, you will encounter the remains of old windmills, several stone dwellings, and goats.

Day Four:

Back on the original bus, I rode to Falatados to hike the M2 Trail. This is known as the Geo Route because you soon find yourself surrounded by boulders. The route is also quite green, so I felt like I had been transported to a different island. Walking toward Volax, you see the Aegean from the coast opposite Chora.

Volax can’t be reached by public bus, but it is one of the best tourist stops. It’s a picturesque village with cafes and artists’ shops. I lingered for a while, chatting with a couple of the artists.

Continuing on the M2 Route, you will find an interesting church in the rocks. Be sure to go inside this one, as it is unique.

Unfortunately, I kept hiking up past the church. Eventually, I realized I had lost the route (I was supposed to return to the dirt road). I did get to see these two cute tiny churches, though! And the goats kept me company as I used their trails to get back to the road.

The trail continues in a loop to Mirsini and back to Falatados. I missed the connection and ended up walking the road in the wrong direction. (It was my day to get lost!) I had fun strolling among the boulders with the goats and saw some of the island’s vineyards, so no big loss. I do have a tendency to get caught up in the moment; part of the love of wandering!

When I realized my error, I didn’t have time to get back and complete the M2 trail. I made my way back to Falatados on the road in time for the afternoon bus.

Day Five, Last Full Day in Tinos:

I was tired. My legs and feet were in no mood for one more day of hiking. I opted to take the bus to Kardiani, the last village that I wanted to see. It is situated on a mountainside, and it is beautiful! From the moment that I stepped off the bus, it was all stairs! So much for my day off. Kardiani had some unique features, including two springs and three gorgeous plazas.

The trail will take you down to the seaside if you are up for the climb back. You can also hike to Isternia for more captivating views and marble crafting. I will have to save that trek for a future trip.

Kardiani is charming, but like many villages, little is going on. The café/grocery store (one place) was closed. One restaurant was open, and it had fabulous views out to the Aegean. It was also completely covered in vines—very cool! The prices were reasonable, and the service was very good.

The problem with visiting Kardiani by bus was that I had to wait about four hours for the next bus to return. It happened to be a hot day, so the wait felt very long.

Resources: The Tinos Trails Website was incredibly helpful. Home – Tinos Trails There are descriptions of each trail with photos and maps. (I know, how did I get lost?)

Be sure to consult the KTEA bus station for the latest schedules. Apparently, they change quite frequently. And have fun hiking on Tinos!

Sifnos: Cute Little Greek Island


June 11, 2024


I’ve spent the past three weeks in the Cyclades, a circle of Greek islands south of Athens.
My original plans did not include Sifnos, but sometimes, Greek ferry schedules cause itinerary changes. I could not go directly from Serifos to Naxos, but I could get a ferry to Sifnos and travel to Naxos from there. Rather than just stopping on Sifnos, I decided to book two nights and cut short my stay on Naxos.


So glad I did! Sifnos is a day hiker’s dream. From the moment I arrived, I knew that I would want to stay longer.
I had just spent a week at a yoga and meditation retreat on Serifos, and one of my fellow participants was on the ferry with me. She had plans to meet a friend who was arriving later in the day, so we stopped at the tourist information office before getting lunch.
The gentleman working there was cordial and helpful. I immediately spotted the hiking trail map and knew I needed no further information. He showed us some of the most popular sights on the island. My new friend had some questions, so I excused myself and checked in at the office where I would get my apartment key. They said I’d be able to check in by 2:00 PM, so I went back to the tourist office to find my friend.


She and I enjoyed a lunch of Greek salad and chickpea soup. The soup is an island specialty; you must try it if you visit! Then she was off to explore the ceramics shops, and I went to get settled in my new place.
There wasn’t time for a hike that afternoon. Well, I could have hiked, but I wanted to rest. And the beach was calling me out for an afternoon swim! I had my plan set for the morning, though.
At 7:15, I took the first bus of the day up to Apollonia. Upon arrival, I spotted the display just for hikers. I was pretty excited, my kind of island! I took the #3 trail through town and onto an ancient path. It was well-marked most of the way.

I stopped at the Panagia Vrsis Monastery. No one was around except for a dog, barking on my arrival.


I noticed the ancient door was open a crack and walked in. Still, I saw no one. A little eerie but quite beautiful. I took a quick tour and got back on my route.


I eventually arrived in Platis Yialos on the beach. I took a snack break at a little park where a local man was getting his workout. I had to contain my giggles as he grunted his way through. Then, he broke out in song. Quite entertaining!
I continued walking up the beach road toward Chrisopigi Monastery. Its location on a rock in the Aegean is one of the island’s highlights.


Around the bend from the monastery lies an inviting beach. It was nearly noon, and I stopped at the beachside taverna for something to eat. Yes! The chickpea soup was on the menu. This version was more like stew and made good fuel to continue the journey. It came with a quarter of a lemon. I have to say, the flavor is magical. (Sorry, I deleted the soup photo!)


I didn’t walk much further, though. I took the #2 trail along the beach and up to another little church before heading to Faros. At that point, I would have had to put in some significant distance to get to a bus stop. I opted for a taxi back to Kamares instead.


My driver was entertaining, playing Greek music for me. We took a side trip to Apollonia so he could pick up some luggage to bring to the ferry port. He pointed me to the local sweets shop to get a treat while he got the suitcases. I had already decided to return, but he confirmed that I must see more of the island someday.
I returned to my little apartment in time for an evening swim before dinner. Such a lovely beach!
Even though I only spent one day hiking on Sifnos, I’m grateful for the experience. When I return, I will stay in Apollonia, as I can start several different hikes from there.

My Meteora Experience

June 4, 2024

When planning extended trips abroad, I make a somewhat detailed plan and reserve accommodations a few months ahead of time. But I have learned to make reservations that can be canceled because plans change.

A couple of weeks ago, I made such a change. I decided to leave the island of Kos early and head to mainland Greece before a week-long retreat. I won’t go into detail about why I left Kos early—Kos has a lot to offer, and I recommend a visit.

A friend of mine raves about Meteora and was perhaps a little disappointed that I hadn’t planned to go there on my second Greek adventure. Well, change of plans; time to see Meteora!

If you’ve never been or never seen pictures, Meteora is out-of-this world! Dating back at least 1000 years, religious folks have been inclined to dwell there. Hermits have lived in the caves on the towering rocks, and Greek Orthodox monks have built beautiful monasteries on top of the rocks. At one time, there were 24 monasteries. There are now only 6 active monasteries remaining.

Fair warning: even if you take a tour bus, you need to be ready to walk some slopes and climb some stairs. St. Stephens is the only one with easy access.

I stayed in Kalabaka with the intention of hiking to the monasteries. I ended up cheating a bit but was very happy with my experience.

First, I got lucky with a last-minute booking. If you know me, you know that I mostly stay in studio apartments so I can cook my own food. With Celiac disease, it’s easier, and I save time and money. I then have the freedom to eat out when I choose.

My apartment was quite spacious with a view of St. Stephens, one of the two nunneries. The long balcony was shaded all afternoon, allowing me the perfect place to rest.

Hiking Day One

I started from my apartment at about 8:00 AM and took the trail up to Holy Trinity Monastery. It’s a pleasant path, shady most of the way, which is helpful as you gain altitude.

On my way up, I encountered first an older Greek man and then a younger Greek man, both on their way down. Then a young American man passed me going up. I told him that I was preserving my energy for the day, and he said, “You look great!” Nice to get some motivation from a stranger.

When you get to the top of the trail, there are still over 100 stairs to conquer before reaching the monastery. Even though the sign said that it opened at 10:00, a few of us were entering before 9:30.

Holy Trinity is probably the most photographed of Meteora’s monasteries. It sits rather perfectly on top of its rock. (I took this photo the next day from a different angle.)

In the garden area, I saw the young American man again. We sat and conversed for about half an hour. It was a much-needed break. He said he was heading to St. Stephens next. I didn’t walk with him but had the same plan.

So, down the stairs and up the long, paved walkway I went. I saw a path to the right and figured it was a way to avoid walking the road. Thankfully, it was, and I reached St. Stephens about 40 minutes later.

By then, the tour buses had arrived. I was grateful to have had the quiet, uncrowded experience at Holy Trinity. I briefly encountered the young American man and exchanged a few words.

Even though it was crowded, St. Stephens is beautiful, and all the monasteries have wonderful views. St. Stephens also had an interesting gift shop that included some items made by the nuns. I asked questions about the products, and the nun seemed pleased by my interest. The St. John’s Wort oil that I bought does seem to work well for massaging sore muscles!

I started walking toward the other monasteries and realized that I needed to save some energy for the next two days. I ended up taking the trail back to town and my apartment.

Hiking Day Two

I decided to walk through the smaller town, Kastraki, to reach some of the other monasteries. As I walked through, I decided that if I returned, I would stay in Kastraki. It’s smaller than Kalabaka and has a calmer vibe. The homes are well-kept, and there are oodles of flowers.

I got distracted by some ruins of a monastery on the side of a rock and decided to take that smaller, less-traveled road. Looking at Google Maps, I figured I could take a trail to cut back through. I was ready for an adventure anyway.

I ended up visiting a monastery that was out in the country and not built on top of a rock. The monk was very welcoming, and I had a unique experience where I sat down and chatted with him in limited English. He offered me cookies and coffee. I tried to explain my celiac disease, and at first, he thought I was diabetic. Google translator helped a bit! I was grateful for the experience as he said they only get a few visitors a day at most. (On Google Maps, the name of the monastery was only in Greek; so, I can’t add it here. Sorry.)

I then continued, trying to make a loop. I stopped at a tiny church that was locked. Bummer. A well-marked bike trail eventually got me back to a main road.

I survived with just one blister on my big toe. My best estimate is that I hiked about 12 miles.

By the time I arrived back at the apartment, I had about 90 minutes to eat, rest, and shower before my sunset tour. (It began at 3:45.) I got to see Saint Nicholas Monastery (more stairs to climb) and saw the exterior of the other monasteries. The sunset wasn’t exactly spectacular, but our bus driver and tour guide were! It was a minibus with only 18 passengers, so we had a personalized experience. We also saw some things that I wouldn’t have been looking for on my own.

St. Nicholas from the parking area

Views from St. Nicholas

11th Century Byzantine church in Kalapaka

Abandoned monastery

Hiking Day Three

I figured out a plan to go for a walk while preserving my blistered toe and visit the last must-see monastery on my list.

I took a taxi up to Roussanou, the other nunnery, and wore my sneakers instead of my hikers. As predicted, Roussanou was the prettiest of all. The garden was stunning, and the grounds were well-kept. Inside the church, people were lighting candles and praying. It was a beautiful experience.

Looking back up at Roussanou as I walked down the road

After the visit, I walked down the winding hill at a leisurely pace. I stopped to take photos that you’d never get from a tour bus and took a nice break in the old town section of Kastraki.

My plan worked out well, and my feet were thankful for the shorter itinerary.

I saw several bicyclists making their way uphill and ran into two Spanish men my age toward the end of my walk. They were excited that I spoke Spanish, and I helped them in the right direction. They were getting started in the heat of the day; it was 11:40 by then. I was glad to be headed back.

As I reached Kalabaka, I stopped at the Digital Projection Center to watch the 3D films. One was about Mt. Olympus and the other two were about Meteora. Well worth the three-euro admission. The tour guide from last night had recommended it.

After yesterday’s long day of walking, I felt like I needed to catch up on eating. I stopped at Taverna Yamas for some fresh and tasty food. I had shrimp swimming in olive oil and tomato sauce topped with feta, and grilled mushrooms with balsamic. Both were delicious. I was so busy eating; I didn’t even share any shrimp with the cat who was patiently waiting.

For me, Meteora was an amazing place that everyone should see if they can. We’re talking bucket list like the Grand Canyon or Machu Picchu. I would happily go back to experience it again. I hope you see it someday, too!

Why You Should Stay in Delphi (rather than take a one-day tour from Athens)

May 24, 2024


I recently spent two nights in Delphi and wish I had stayed longer.
The archeological site is incredible! I mean, we’re talking about the center of the ancient world. The archeological museum is small but top-notch, with some beautiful and very old statues dating to the 5th and 6th centuries BC. (You’ll pay one admission fee for the archeological site and museum. I believe it was 12 euros.)

Since I was staying in town, I was able to arrive at the site when it opened at 8:00. There were only about four other people at the site with me from 8:00-9:00.


But I encourage you to explore the town of Delphi, too. It’s a charming village built on the mountainside. Its six horizontal streets are connected by several staircases, all unique and charming in their own ways. The views of the mountains and the Sea of Corinth in the distance are captivating! And, down on the valley floor is Greece’s largest olive grove. (We’ll come back to that later.)


Delphi is known as a foodie town, too. My limited gluten-free, low-meat diet doesn’t allow me to try everything, but each dish I tasted was delicious. I highly recommend Taverna Vakhos. Their menu is carefully marked with gluten-free, vegan, and allergen symbols. I ordered an appetizer of potatoes with oyster mushrooms in a turmeric sauce. It may not sound that interesting, but it was incredible. My main entrée was artichokes with lemon sauce. The menu said it was accompanied by other vegetables, peas, and (oops!) more potatoes. The portions were enormous; fortunately, my room had a small refrigerator.
At Taverna Gargadoyas, I had a late evening bite of giant beans. The owner said they were his favorite, and his 84-year-old mama still makes them. Even if that isn’t true, (who knows?) they were to die for. I had only ordered a serving of beans but was given a small plate of cherries for dessert. In fact, at every restaurant in Delphi, I was served a dessert on the house.


I was impressed with the generosity and kindness of all the restaurant staff. As a solo traveler, I’ve previously had not-so-great experiences: being ignored, being seated at the bar…not in Delphi. I was an honored guest at each restaurant.
On my second full day, I walked the ancient path from Delphi to Kirra. The idea of walking through Greece’s largest olive grove intrigued me. I couldn’t resist the draw of the Gulf of Corinth either. Even though it’s mostly downhill, it’s still quite a trek, over 11 kilometers. Fortunately, a bus in Kirra will take you back up to Delphi.

This sweet dog sat in the shade and waited for the bus with me!


The owner of the pension where I was staying (Sun View Guesthouse: a bargain at 50 euros/night!) suggested that I also take the hike to the lookout above Delphi. Sadly, my time and energy were limited. Next trip!

Can you believe it? A view like that for 50 euros a night!


So, please, take at least a couple days to eat and walk through historic Delphi. Enjoy!

Lessons Learned from Two Years of Nomad Life

April 12, 2024

Two years ago, I sold my home and most of my possessions to embark on a life of more adventure, higher happiness, and less stuff. I’ve experienced a lot and am still figuring it out. Here are some of the things I’ve learned along the way.

There are no Rules

Everyone has an opinion or wants to throw out an acronym. Did you FIRE? Are you a Slomad? Some people give up all their possessions and live out of backpacks, while others keep a home. I’m somewhere in between. I no longer own a home but have a car and rent a storage unit. And no, I don’t sleep in my car.

The reality is—who cares about labels? Do your own thing. I initially considered living as an expat in Spain. I soon realized I preferred moving around and experiencing different cultures. Additionally, I love my friends and family in the US, so I spend about half my year here.

If you’re thinking of giving it a try, do just that. Try it out. Maybe you can take a leave of absence and go on an adventure. I have been an enthusiastic traveler my entire adult life. As a teacher, I could take long summer trips once my kids had left the nest. I had a pretty good idea of what I was getting into. Living as a nomad is different than taking a ten-day vacation, though.

This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.

Don’t Make Big Plans

Plans change. That’s the reality whether you live a nomadic life or not. When I returned from an extended visit to Europe in December 2022, I found my sister in an unhealthy state. I dropped all my plans to take care of her. Sadly, she passed away from pancreatic cancer a few weeks later. But I am happy I could be with her in her final weeks.

I do, however, make general plans. It’s April, and I have a skeleton plan for the rest of my year. That’s partly my personality and partly that I get requests for house sits. Would you turn down two weeks taking care of a cat in Hawaii?

Housesitting is a Huge Budget Saver

I first learned about housesitting over a decade ago, and it has been part of my retirement plan ever since. I have to say, I mostly love it. I enjoy meeting new people and their pets, and pet parents are grateful for the service. I also get a free place to stay with furry roommates.

I have completed nineteen house sits in the past year. Six have been for friends, thirteen from Trusted House Sitters, and two have been “no pet” sits. The length of sits has been between three days and seven weeks. A couple pets have been a little challenging, but it has mostly been a positive experience. Some people leave snacks, and some invite me for dinner the night before the sit. In total, I have stayed for free 165 nights over the past year, and I’ve made new friends, too.

Get a Credit Card (or Two) to Support Your Lifestyle

I have one card that gets me free hotel stays and one that racks up airline miles. Some people continually open new credit cards to get free points. That’s not really my style. But again, I’m not making the rules.

Call in Your Support People

I am fortunate to have friends and family members who support me in various ways. I have a home base and permanent address with a family member. Several people in my life have offered me a place to stay, whether I’m traveling around the western US or needing a place to crash between house sits.

When I travel outside the country, I have a family member and a friend who allow me to park my car on their property.

Not everyone has such good fortune; I am grateful for their support.

You Meet a lot of Interesting People

I strike up more conversations with strangers than I used to. I believe I am more open, given my lifestyle. Another aspect is my “dog magnetism.” Ever since I started pet sitting, I tend to chat with dog owners, even when I’m not walking a dog.

While abroad, I’ve met some fellow adventurers and have started meeting up with new friends in other countries.

Find the Combination that Works for You

As I stated earlier, I like to spend part of my year in the Western US near friends and family. I love southern Europe and will never tire of Spain, Portugal, and Greece. But there are many parts of the world that I have yet to see. This year, I will be checking off more bucket list destinations.

I look at my budget as a yearly number. House sits don’t cost me much. However, a little apartment in Oslo is more expensive than one on a Greek island. It all evens out in the end.

The nomad life isn’t for everyone. I’m still figuring it out, and my lifestyle continues to evolve. Sometimes, I feel like I need to do more; then, I remember the high-stress life I was living before I made this change. I haven’t worked in nearly two years, but I don’t know if I’m fully retired. I am open to working remotely, part-time, or seasonally in the future.

So, two years later, am I living a happier, simpler life with a lower stress level? Yes! And the adventures continue.

“Stuck” in London

January 13, 2023

You probably think I’m a little strange. What do I mean by “stuck?”

Shouldn’t I have been happy to spend time in England’s greatest city?

I’ll back up a little to explain.

My last journey to Europe started on August 29th, and my first stop was England. I spent most of my time in Northeastern England and the Lakes District, which were fantastic. Then, I enjoyed a couple of days in London before heading to my next destination.

At the end of my trip, in mid-December, I had plans to visit York, England, for some Christmas shopping before heading back to the States.

Due to downed powerlines, my train, and many others, were canceled. It would only be a short trip (two nights), so staying in London was my only viable option. Therefore, I felt stuck.

I wasn’t enthusiastic about the idea for a couple of reasons: I’m generally not a big-city person, and London is expensive.

After the initial disappointment of the canceled train, I weighed my options. I remembered that I had a free night with Hilton. One phone call later, I was booked at the Waldorf for the night. Pretty cool!

I also got lucky and was able to cancel the hotel in York without penalty.

Things got better from there.

That evening, I was chatting with a couple at the hotel, and they gave me some ideas for my unexpected stay in London. They helped me locate a reasonably priced hotel for the next two nights and helped me organize an itinerary.

The next day had some magical moments.

I revisited the British Museum and enjoyed the luxury of seeing just the Greek and Roman rooms. It was also much less crowded than it had been in September.

I moved to my new hotel and had the good luck to catch a classic double-decker. There was even an older English gentleman on board who said, “These are the buses of my youth!”

He and I enjoyed delightful conversation until his stop.

I checked in with the concierge at the new hotel and shared my two-day plan with him. He gave his full approval and helped me book a ticket for a show on my final night.

The other highlight of the day was visiting Borough Market. It is one of the most incredible markets I’ve ever visited. I found out later that it is usually closed on Mondays, so I had the pleasure of visiting when it wasn’t crowded. I also picked up some great Christmas gifts and gluten-free goodies!

Lunch at the market was Chaat. Lots of interesting ingredients and gluten-free.

I found dinner on the cheap at a pub round the corner. Yes, it is possible to be on a budget in London. The two meals were around ten pounds each.

On my last day, I toured The Globe Theater and revisited Borough Market and the surrounding shops.

Once again, I found a good, inexpensive lunch by spotting a place called Farmer J. Lots of healthy and gluten-free options!

I then visited Leadenhall Market since it was on my way back to the hotel.

I decided to take an afternoon rest since I had a big night ahead. A little afternoon prosecco (compliments of the hotel) and a nap!

My final night splurge included dinner at Indigo, an all-gluten-free restaurant, and Tina! The dinner and the show were spectacular; I felt good about my bargain-priced last-minute seat, too.

So, in reality, I wasn’t stuck at all. It ended up being a better-than-expected end to my trip. And it wasn’t a big hit on my budget.

One month later, I truly am stuck. The weather has been so cold that one can’t stay outside for long, and I am dog-sitting. There’s nothing like playing chase around the kitchen island!

Just keeping it all in perspective.

Reflecting and Planning

January 4, 2024

As 2024 begins, I reflect on my first full year as a nomad.

The biggest question is, “Am I happy with the nomadic lifestyle?”

Yes! Absolutely. As the months pass, I can’t imagine returning to my former profession, teaching.

I never thought I would be so happy to be unemployed. (I still don’t believe I am retired.)

I wake up grateful every day for the sights I see, the people I meet, and a more relaxed lifestyle.

New Experiences in 2023:

  • House and pet sitting: From May to July, I mostly house-sat and pet-sat. My favorites have been the “one-dog sits.” Cats are easy, but dogs are good company, and at least one daily walk is guaranteed. It’s also a huge budget saver!
  • European National Parks: I visited Plitvice and Mljet in Croatia and Teide and Garajonay in the Canary Islands. The national parks in Croatia were stunning! Trails were well-marked and easy to navigate. Tiede, Spain’s highest peak, is located on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. I visited on a group tour that included star gazing. It was an unforgettable experience. I also spent a day on La Gomera in the Canaries, which is primarily a National Park. Absolutely gorgeous!
  • The Greek Islands: I spent about a month in Greece, starting in Athens and moving on to Crete, Karpathos, Rhodes, and Santorini. Each place had its unique character, and I enjoyed all of them. There are over 200 islands to explore in Greece, and I have plans to return this spring.
  • Reading: Okay, I have known how to read for a long time! I have always struggled with leisurely reading, though. I no longer feel guilty about spending the afternoon with my nose in a good book.

Plans and Changes for 2024:

  • More weeks of house sitting and pet sitting: I have been pet sitting since the middle of December when I arrived home from an extended trip to Europe. (I was able to schedule the sits around family Christmas celebrations.) And I will spend most of my days on sits through April. Requests have come my way, and I can be picky about pets and locations. I’m currently enjoying a gorgeous view of Puget Sound.
  • Volunteer Work: I’m researching options for volunteer positions both here in my home state and overseas. I’m hoping to make this part of my lifestyle.
  • Travel farther from home: I am going “Down Under” for the first time. After spending September in the Hawaiian Islands, I will head to Sydney, Australia, in October. I still need to plan the rest of the trip, including New Zealand.
  • No big US road trip: The past two years, I took off on extended road trips around the Western US (seven and ten weeks). Although I enjoyed those trips, which included visits with friends and family, I don’t have an open block of time this year. I will make some shorter trips instead.
  • Cruises: I haven’t been on a cruise ship in several years. I have mixed feelings about cruising, but incredible deals are out there as the cruise lines recover from the pandemic. And most cruise companies are responding to solo travelers with single rooms. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Two years ago, I never imagined that I would be living this lifestyle. I get a kick out of telling people that I am a nomad. Their reactions are almost always positive, and I enjoy answering their questions. Some people can’t believe that I no longer have a physical home. I have adapted and find it easy to make myself “at home” almost anywhere.

I have always enjoyed home renovation shows (I have remodeled one home and partially remodeled another.), and I love to see how people decorate. I now have a routine when I arrive for a sit. I take in the surroundings and appreciate their sense of style and the fact that they are entrusting me with their home and pets.

One of the best things about this lifestyle is that I see more of my adult kids now than I did in previous years. I schedule enough sits in the Seattle area that we get together quite often throughout the year. And Mom isn’t asking for their help with projects around the house. We just enjoy each other’s company.

Here’s to the year ahead! I wish you peace and happiness.

A Very Long Travel Day

November 30, 2023

A few days ago, I had to do something I’d rather not do. But sometimes, plans change, especially when you live as a nomad.

I was supposed to fly from Tenerife to Seville on November 26th. I would enjoy an afternoon in one of my favorite Spanish cities before hopping on a midday train the next day to Mérida, a city that has been on my “must-visit” list for a few years.

But then a certain Irish discount airline messed up the works. They canceled my flight to Tenerife and delayed my return flight by one day. I was not too happy about the canceled flight. Rebooking with another airline was a bit pricey, and I had wanted to avoid a long travel day.

First, I had to check out of the resort where I had been staying and move to a place down the street. My resort was nearly booked, and I couldn’t bear to pay that much for one night.

Then, I didn’t sleep well on Sunday night. I rarely sleep well when I have a morning flight. I don’t know if I will ever overcome this.

There I was, wide awake at 3:00 AM when I could have slept until 6:15. And I didn’t get much of a breakfast because the restaurant wasn’t open yet.

At the airport, there was a short line to check my suitcase, so I had two hours to kill. At least the departure area was clean and relatively uncrowded.

The flight took off on time at 9:15 and landed on schedule at 12:35. I even caught a few winks on the plane. Not bad.

My train wasn’t leaving until 5:54, and I was looking forward to some time in Seville. I got an Uber to the train station, where I planned to deposit my suitcase in the luggage storage.

“We don’t have luggage storage here. We used to, but we don’t anymore. People ask for it all the time. There are a couple of private places nearby, though.”

Gee, thanks.

The first place I tried required measurements of my suitcase in centimeters. Then, I needed to download their app and get a special code for the self-service locker.

No chance! I’m not leaving my precious suitcase in a place that isn’t monitored by a human. And how would I know the measurements in centimeters, or even inches, for that matter?

I found another place and walked in that direction. That place must have gone out of business because it wasn’t there.

By this time, I was a bit frustrated, and I’m pretty darn stubborn. I would simply roll my beloved travel companion into downtown to a tapas bar I wanted to check out.

The tapas bar did not disappoint and was absolutely worth the walk. They specialized in gluten-free items, which made my heart sing. And it wasn’t just the typical Spanish tapas. This was gourmet stuff!

I noticed that the couple next to me appeared to be American, and she was gluten-free, too. At one point, we ended up chatting. They were on a two-week trip around Spain, culminating with their friend’s wedding near Madrid. I helped them plan their afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed the conversation.

After lunch, my suitcase and I rolled over to Las Setas. I had never seen this part of the city on my recent trips to Seville. (Las Setas is relatively new, completed in 2011. By the way, Las Setas means mushrooms in Spanish.)

In southern Spanish cities, where it gets unbearably hot much of the year, they find creative ways to make shade. This creation is the coolest (pun intended) I’ve seen yet!

On my stroll back to the train station, I stopped for a hot chocolate. The friendly bartender even gave me a discount. My day was getting better and better.

I noticed that my phone battery was low. So, I returned to the train station with ample time to charge it before getting on the train.

Satisfied with that, I stepped inside the bookstore at the station and noticed several titles in English. I picked up a good read for the three-hour-plus ride ahead. (Sometimes, you just want to feel the pages.)

The train left on time but arrived about a half hour late. It was closing in on 9:00 PM, and I was weary.

The Mérida train station was quiet. I had to call to get a taxi. So glad I speak Spanish.

The ride to my apartment was less than ten minutes. Ah…

But there was one problem: I was hungry! That tapas lunch was a long time ago, and I’m the kind of person who can’t sleep with a growling stomach.

I got online, and it looked like there was a decent grocery store not too far away—it was open until 9:30.

I walked through the dark, empty streets to see that the store had closed early.

Back online, I found another store that would be open until 10:00.

I arrived to find it was also closed.

On the route back to my apartment, I found a little convenience store. It would be popcorn, an avocado, and some turkey lunchmeat for dinner. At least I wouldn’t starve.

I had to believe the apartment had been empty for a few days because it was cold, colder than outside.

I finally got comfortable and fell asleep around 12:30.

I happily slept until 9:30 AM.

The next day, I loaded up on groceries including some of my favorite Spanish items. I would not go hungry for the rest of the week.