It's been so long since I had a good adventure. I've felt displaced since Covid put an end to my nomadic ways. Three years of feeling lost, like I missed out on the life I was supposed to be living, and some personal blows that felt at the time like the end of the world.

Fast forward to Wednesday. I hopped on a plane back to Athens, my favorite city on the planet. In a stroke of kismet, my route was identical to the last time, with the same layovers. The great apartment I rented last time was available, and the owner was happy to rent to me directly. One thing after another fell into place and it feels like the Universe is giving me a do-over and I get to go back and live the life that was interrupted.

Over the past two months, I sold all my furniture, passed my beloved Jeep, Esther, on to my daughter, and put a few things in storage. My family and friends are amazingly supportive.

Despite gimping along with a sprained ankle, I had the best flight experience of my life when I got a surprise last-minute upgrade to business class. If you ever have the opportunity to fly United Polaris Business Class DO IT.

My overnight flight had room to literally lay all the way down on a seat akin to a cushiony chaise lounge. This was so nice for my sprained ankle - I was able to keep it elevated the entire eight-hour flight. And the food? SWOON.

I'm a big believer in signs. To start a trip with the good fortune to have this lovely opportunity feels like a good harbinger that my "crazy" decision to jump into life headfirst was the right one.

Since I got here, my creative spark has come back. (Hey, Spark. I missed you!) I've written almost an entire book in the past three days that I hope to have out to you next weekend. I think it's really a fun one with tons of useful information.

I've also got some more fiction outlined that I'm finally going to finish here in the land of eternal sunshine and olives. (My first fiction story was set right here in Athens - you can check it out at this link if you're interested.)

Once I got to my apartment, I crashed for 20 hours straight. I slept HARD. I woke up and realized I hadn't even turned off the lights. (That's why I missed a day of publishing articles this week. I was completely disoriented.) I got up, ordered some groceries and a restaurant meal from a local delivery service, and propped up my foot to get to work. I've been watching stray cats and birds through the window in my little garden as Athens is in the midst of an unusual cold snap.

On Monday, I plan to venture out, carefully, and do some shopping. Until then, I'm practicing adaptability by cooking with the limited resources of only tinfoil and one big pot 😀 It all feels like a glorious adventure. I'll keep you posted!