Big virus, small trips: travel begins once again.

The last time I posted was in November of 2019, recounting the adventures on a cruise to Australia and New Zealand that I enjoyed with my sister. I returned home to celebrate the holidays, then started working on several home hospital cases, helping students who were out of school. This was a part-time job, that allowed me to work when I wanted.

I’d planned to work until March, and then I had several trips planned, some long, some short, all in the United States.

Then Covid came to call, and we were on lockdown.

Actually, it wasn’t so bad. I had lots of at-home projects. I read. I walked every day and took pictures of nature in my immediate environment. I had food delivered. I was very careful. Being an introvert and a bookworm became an advantage.

i didn’t go anywhere until I was fully vaccinated. I took one short plane trip as a “test drive” to see a friend for a few days in April.

My first “big” trip was a week in Hawaii in July to celebrate the birthdays of my sister and her family. I wore an N95 mask on the plane, thanks to my dentist, who swears that his brand is the best. Since I’ve visited Hawaii many times, our outings were few. We had lots of great takeout food items thanks to my nephew and spent lots of fun family time together.

We attended a play, went to a party, and had some walking time too.

My next journey also involved the Pacific Ocean, taking a road trip with a friend in her nice car! We did a two-night, three-day trip to the Santa Cruz – Monterey Bay area, using the charming village of Capitola as our base. I saw a long time friend dating back to junior high who lives part time in Santa Cruz who toured us around the Santa Cruz – Capitola area and had a delicious burger at Betty’s.

We also had a day in Pacific Grove, exploring the many boutiques and galleries. One of my friends lives there part-time and knows the best shops and restaurants. We also enjoyed strolling the beach parkway.

A month later I spent a long weekend in Los Angeles with a busy agenda: we visited the Norman Simon museum for a special Picasso museum, saw a Cécile McLorin Salvant concert at the Ford, and visited with friends.

After a long pandemic without company. I had to relearn my social skills! It felt so free to be out and about again.

My next trip will begin in less than a week. A friend texted me with an offer I couldn’t refuse: she asked me to cat sit. She adopted a gorgeous cat that she got during the pandemic and I’ve been a feline fancier all my life. I won’t tell you the location, but I’ll tell you it’s a ten hour plane trip. Another friend will join me for a few days.

I’ll be posting next week. Stay tuned!

So how did you spend the pandemic? I’m hoping that you and yours are well and you’re contemplating travel once again. Any travel plans? Let me know in the comments section.

Stay safe!