In 2008 while my first daughter was off at college and the other one 16, I googled one day, and saw a painting class in Provence that followed the path of Van Gogh. It was nearly 30 years later, but I was healthy, unencumbered, and the class was affordable. I LOVED it. I then indulged in a few days in Paris afterwards. Other than the births of my children and grandchildren, it was one of the best experiences of my life.

And then, the year 2017 saw both my husband and me treated for cancer (him- thyroid, me- breast; both caught early). My near future trips have more urgency than ever now. Cancer does that. Other travel dreams on the horizon include the following: Lithuania and Poland to visit the villages of my ancestors next year, doing volunteer work in Israel with the Sar El Program, going back to Paris with my girls for my 70th, visiting China, introducing a fashionista friend to Florence, Italy for her 50th, and walking part of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain.

So here’s my advice— take care of your mind and body so you can enjoy your travel dreams whenever possible, and always stay curious.

Curious about this as well. It’s awesome you’re moving to Paris, but yeah just wondering the specifics too. Did you actually get a visa or are you just hoping you can stay there for 6 months uninterrupted because of the bilateral agreement? Did you get any written confirmation about it? And I also thought you have to enter from a different country before going to France? I’m wondering all this for myself too because I’d like to do something similar. Thanks in advance!!

I think it’s really exciting that you’re moving to Paris and living your dream! As a student in your travel blogging course, it’s inspirational to see how you continue to learn and experience new things, all while running a successful business. Wishing you the best time in Paris! La vie est belle!!