Well traveled and still curious

Being a middle class child of the 70’s and 80’s, flying was not something we did. Being part of a big a family with parents that did not do debt meant we kept vacations to a minimum. The first time I flew was to basic training for the U.S. Air Force at 18 years old. The first time I left the country was a year later when sent to Norway on a temporary assignment.

The C-5 Galaxy cargo plane headed to Norway fully loaded with 40 soldiers and six F-16 fighter planes flying with us. Flying from Miami to Bergen, Norway is a long flight. Our flight was made longer when we stopped in Iceland for a minor repair and refueling. Once on the ground in Norway we were greeted by a very welcoming community. Our accommodation was a tidied up, former Nazi work camp. More fascinating was the that we operated our aircraft from inside a mountain. The Nazis had carved out the inside of a small mountain into aircraft hangers and three stories of war rooms, offices and barracks.

The trip to Norway has proved pivotal in my life. From that trip, my wanderlust began. I went on to be stationed in Germany and worked in the UK after leaving the military. I’ve backpacked through Europe and have circumnavigated the planet in one trip with my partner in crime. I’m fortunate to have met and married a great travel partner. All told, I/we’ve been on 5 of the 7 continents and visited 30 countries.

I’m guessing people wander this planet for many reasons. Some do it because they have to for their jobs. Other’s (like me) do it out of sheer curiosity to see and experience as much of this planet as possible.

I’m thankful for and hope my curiosity never leaves me. To anyone reading this stay curious and never stop discovering.