I can't stand LA, if you want a good example of America at its finest. Come to Orlando Florida, and its surrounding suburbs like Winter Garden, Winter Park. My family will personally show you around and show you a good time.
Hi Manny, thank you. I've been to Florida many times but I live in Europe now. There's a lot I like about Florida and other things I'm not too fond of.
Your travel story had me nodding and laughing - especially that part about the airport chaos! I totally feel you on the disruptive child and noisy cat. It's wild how airlines can make flying simultaneously amazing and awful, right? Honestly, one of my biggest prayers is that MY children won't be those kids... 😂
But I love how you've turned these challenges into opportunities, from smart budgeting to finding joy in simple moments. Your move to Portugal sounds like exactly what your soul needed outside of the States. Keep sharing these real, unfiltered stories - they're a breath of fresh air!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!!! I am sure your children will never be those kids!!! You are far too considerate :) Your kind remarks light up my life!!!
You are a bada$$, and I'm so glad we got to meet in person and get to know each other a bit before you flew the coop. I love hearing about your life there and the adventures, successes, and mishaps you've had. Please never stop sharing.
Awww, I feel the same, exact way about you, meeting you in person, and your content!!! You truly were a huge highlight of my time in vanlife!!!! And I’m thrilled we are still in touch!!! Please come visit me here in Portugal!!!! You always have a place to stay :)
1. Never say never. I felt that way when I left NYC after graduating college in 1992. NYC was a dump. After 8 years of trying to get a non-secretarial job, and recent visits showing great improvement to NYC, I moved back in 2000. However...I'm not averse to leaving again after my mom passes (nothing imminent!).
2. TravelPro rocks! Turns out I detest spinners and hard side cases, and their Bold line is terrific. I always have to check my sisters' cars when they leave after a visit because they're circling...!
I’m pretty sure it’s never for me as I’m quickly heading into my 60’s and couldn’t afford healthcare in the US in my 40’s but you’re right, one never knows what the future holds! I love NYC, though I’ve never lived there which is probably why I love it but I’m glad you’ve moved back and are happy there for now :)
I will look into their Bold line! I needed their largest hard sided spinner because every time I go back to the US I stock up, ha! And while I also love my smaller Away bag, if any other bags break in the future, it’s TravelPro all the way! :) When you say you have to check your sister’s cars after a visit, is because they want to “borrow” your bag? hahaha!
Yup, that's exactly what I mean! They ask because I have bought good suitcases in the past that I ended up not liking, and I give them dibs. They kinda bickered over the 29" purple hard side Samsonite, lol.
I moved back to NYC in 2000 and left in 2013. I live in western Colorado now, with an upcoming move to middle Georgia. I'm semi-retired, work-from-anywhere self-employed.
Oh that’s funny about the suitcases! I used to have that same exact Samsonite! It was pretty good though I’m sure it’s no comparison with a TravelPro.
Oh, I love Colorado! I hope you enjoy Georgia! I like Georgia too. There are very few places in the US I don’t like, not that I’d want to live just anywhere but I have a long list of places I would live if I could afford to and if there was good healthcare in the US… but that’s a pipe dream :(
I can't stand LA, if you want a good example of America at its finest. Come to Orlando Florida, and its surrounding suburbs like Winter Garden, Winter Park. My family will personally show you around and show you a good time.
Hi Manny, thank you. I've been to Florida many times but I live in Europe now. There's a lot I like about Florida and other things I'm not too fond of.
Wow, Kimberly!
Your travel story had me nodding and laughing - especially that part about the airport chaos! I totally feel you on the disruptive child and noisy cat. It's wild how airlines can make flying simultaneously amazing and awful, right? Honestly, one of my biggest prayers is that MY children won't be those kids... 😂
But I love how you've turned these challenges into opportunities, from smart budgeting to finding joy in simple moments. Your move to Portugal sounds like exactly what your soul needed outside of the States. Keep sharing these real, unfiltered stories - they're a breath of fresh air!
Hugs from here!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!!! I am sure your children will never be those kids!!! You are far too considerate :) Your kind remarks light up my life!!!
You are a bada$$, and I'm so glad we got to meet in person and get to know each other a bit before you flew the coop. I love hearing about your life there and the adventures, successes, and mishaps you've had. Please never stop sharing.
Awww, I feel the same, exact way about you, meeting you in person, and your content!!! You truly were a huge highlight of my time in vanlife!!!! And I’m thrilled we are still in touch!!! Please come visit me here in Portugal!!!! You always have a place to stay :)
1. Never say never. I felt that way when I left NYC after graduating college in 1992. NYC was a dump. After 8 years of trying to get a non-secretarial job, and recent visits showing great improvement to NYC, I moved back in 2000. However...I'm not averse to leaving again after my mom passes (nothing imminent!).
2. TravelPro rocks! Turns out I detest spinners and hard side cases, and their Bold line is terrific. I always have to check my sisters' cars when they leave after a visit because they're circling...!
Hi Katie!
I’m pretty sure it’s never for me as I’m quickly heading into my 60’s and couldn’t afford healthcare in the US in my 40’s but you’re right, one never knows what the future holds! I love NYC, though I’ve never lived there which is probably why I love it but I’m glad you’ve moved back and are happy there for now :)
I will look into their Bold line! I needed their largest hard sided spinner because every time I go back to the US I stock up, ha! And while I also love my smaller Away bag, if any other bags break in the future, it’s TravelPro all the way! :) When you say you have to check your sister’s cars after a visit, is because they want to “borrow” your bag? hahaha!
Yup, that's exactly what I mean! They ask because I have bought good suitcases in the past that I ended up not liking, and I give them dibs. They kinda bickered over the 29" purple hard side Samsonite, lol.
I moved back to NYC in 2000 and left in 2013. I live in western Colorado now, with an upcoming move to middle Georgia. I'm semi-retired, work-from-anywhere self-employed.
Oh that’s funny about the suitcases! I used to have that same exact Samsonite! It was pretty good though I’m sure it’s no comparison with a TravelPro.
Oh, I love Colorado! I hope you enjoy Georgia! I like Georgia too. There are very few places in the US I don’t like, not that I’d want to live just anywhere but I have a long list of places I would live if I could afford to and if there was good healthcare in the US… but that’s a pipe dream :(
Enjoyed your writing very much! Will read the rest of your articles 😊
Thank you so much Yen!
Love that you got to have some good food in LA to help get you through and that "home" is now Europe!
Thank you!