Come Fly Away 2024

Every cab always has a driving app on but like us they don’t always follow the advice    The first few days in Shanghai are a chance to get acclimated to the time zone, the food and babies. Some of my initial impressions are how clean and quiet a city of 24 million can be.    There are people all over the city whose job is to hand sweep and they do a great job. Hundreds of people pass by but in electric cars and electric mopeds which are not only quiet, but clean as the air is not filled with gas and diesel fumes. Also they don’t honk their horn every indiscretion and there appear to be many.    Largest train station I’ve been in Trying to get us to all sit together Early am outing is with Zongda across town to the rail station to work out an issue with ticketing for the trip down to visit his parents and friends. Though the trip was unsuccessful I enjoyed seeing new places and talking with Zongda.     The people have faith, the country has streng...

  Besides the rapid inflight snack or food delivery the trip was mostly uneventful. Prior to Japan some turbulence leftover from the typhoon Pulasan kept us seated for an hour.  Our flight path over Japan took us just to the west of Mount Fuji, however the planes windows are automatically darkened by the airline in order to provide a better sleeping experience. No view of Mount Fuji or anything today. Even with the language barrier our clearing in, airport shopping for Zongda’s parents and meeting up with Zongda went well.  I was easily able to activate the eSIM card purchased in the states and used the data to call and arrange our meeting point. The cab twisted through the lanes of traffic reminiscent of Boston drivers. The excellent highway system replete with miles of window boxes offset the endless high rises and occasional vibrant lightning as the last of the typhoon passed. As with all my traveling, everything is fascinating because it’s new. It is good to have Zong...

The WebCam at Journeys End Marina showing Steadfast and Sheri looking at the Mountain peaks   Since my life is measured in endurance runs this last week has been epic. In a week we cleared, cleaned, framed and winterized Steadfast. That meant spending one night at the boatyard dock and one sleeping in the boat after it was put up on stands.(ask Sheri how it was sleeping on a crooked boat) Back to Camden to partially close the house, haircuts for two, pedicure for one, oh and pack for this 2 month trip. Curve balls do happen so after our airport ride had issues I was able to drop Sheri and the luggage off in Boston and drive to Nashua, get gas, vacuum and wash the car and get a ride from Son in law Matt to the train. After 4 hours, couple of short walks and a subway ride I made it back to Sheri. Just as I was relaxing I discovered our deposit went to the wrong bank and this had to be sorted out or checks would be bouncing everywhere. Problem mostly solved and a short sleep till 3am ...

 Riding out a late summer storm in a protected cove on the backside of  North Haven island we work on the details of a new around the world adventure. Two more nights booked in South Africa, discussions with daughter Lindsey on our China visit and arrangements to finalize the packing for this 2 month odyssey were yesterday’s items. In three weeks we’ll be sitting in the first of many planes hoping that the boat was winterized completely, the house closed properly and looking ahead. If you want a distraction from the political crisis of each day come along to Shanghai, Bali, South Africa, Barcelona and a trans Atlantic cruise to Miami. Make comments, ask questions, give advice cause it’s all welcome. This is also my way to remember my grandchildren and family overseas as well as photograph and comment on things that make our world so special.  The rain has stopped and it’s almost time to head to Mount Desert Island for today’s adventure.