Have been travelling for the past couple of weeks, covering Switzerland (Geneva), Hungary (Budapest, Szentendre), Croatia (Plitvice National Park, Split, Hvar Island and Dubrovnik) and France (Annecy).
This journey is different in that we also have my Father-in-Law (FIL) of age 80+ travelling with us. While the planning of the trip has tried to be as less strenuous as possible, the trip did require quite a bit of walking up and down. We intended to cover all 16 lakes of great beauty in Plitivice National Park (below) and the 2 km (730 steps) walk on top of the Dubrovnik Castle walls in Dubronik, not to mention the daily walking of several hours when we were not travelling by car, catamaran or Ro-Ro ferry.
It was a test of will and strength for my FIL, as before the journey, he has developed a reluctance of climbing up or down even one flight of staircase between two stories in a building. While in our assessment, he should have the physical strength to complete all the walks in the journey, nevertheless, we were worried that he may not be able to overcome the psychological hurdle of tackling those climbs.
The trip did not have a good start. While loitering in the quiet streets of Budapest my FIL was approached by two men in the street, one pretending to be a tourist with a map in his hand, trying to snatch his backpack. Only when I shouted out loudly from afar did the men hastily turn away.
With the help of two walking sticks, my FIL was able to climb up to the very top of one section of the Plitvice lakes and should have been able to complete the other section if not for the very heavy rain which came pouring down like cats and dogs. When we reached Dubrovnik (above), he was also able to complete the picturesque 2 km up and down walk on the high castle walls of the Dubrovnik Castle on a hot day. All in all, he has reconquered the fears of climbing and was proud of that!
One of the things I pondered after the trip was – what lifestyle and exercise should I adopt now so that I would also be able to travel with confidence and strength as I approach 80 ? While life expectancy is increasing, this does not necessarily imply that we will still be sufficiently mobile in our later stages of life.
We have experienced immense beauty in our trip. . . . . . the unforgettable blue sea of the Adriatic, the scenic beauty of the Plitvice Lakes, the festival and cosy town at Hvar, the magnificent Dubronik castle, the quaint little medieval town of Annecy (above) and finally the tranquility of Geneva. This post is a preview and I will write in more detail about each of the places in this journey.
retireediary 
Congratulations to FIL. My Jack is 80 and I am 70 and we travel a lot. We consider a good diet, keep up the excercise and have a positive attitude will go a long way to keeping your health and fitness into old age or vintage years as one blogger so aptly put it…
Thanks for the advice which is much appreciated. I think I also need the determination to keep up with them……
Reading about your FiL reaffirms my decision to travel in hilly, difficult to access places using two crutches. Thanks for visiting my site so I could find your blog and read about your FIL. I leave in ten days with my crutches, Odstock (FES walking aid), wheelchair and husband. I like your attitude and that of your FIL. Inspiring!
Hi Denny, you have a strong will which is important for travelling. You also have good company and the crutches. It will work out alright. Wish you have a safe and enjoyable trip and thanks for your comment! Michael
All the best for your trip. I look forward to following you in cyberspace…
Thanks pommepal for the continued support! Regards, Michael
That’s great..!! Be inspired life is beautiful..!
Life certainly is beautiful, it is what you make it. Thank you for visiting my blogging world.
You’re most welcome 😊 would be glad if you could follow my blog and let’s spread the good vibes 😍😁 tc
I can’t imagine my Dad (84) making such a trip. He loves to travel but it definitely has to be on the flat these days (he has “crane driver’s knees” as he describes them). He’s in Poland at present, bless him.
Always wanted to see Annecy, and I know from my own travels that Dubrovnik is beautiful. I walk a lot, t’ai chi and zumba so am hoping to keep the gremlins away. Well done you.
For many people, it appears that the knees are the first to deteriorate. I read from a book that “wogging” – fast speed walking is more preferred than jogging or walking. T’ai Chi is good, I learned that but have forgotten most of it through no practising. It is good for the body balance and for the breathing. Thanks for the advice, the desire to travel may give me sufficient impetus to maintain myself in a good shape physically.
AMAZING!
Thanks for visiting the blog and like the pictures!
You’re obviously having a great tour – photos are superb.
It was indeed an unforgettable tour. Thanks for your very encouraging comments!
I’ve been watching The Amazing Race regularly and almost in every season they have a couple of senior citizens. Your FIL reminds me of them and they always inspire me to stay healthy so that when I grow old it’s only a matter of age, not a matter of spirit.
Well said! I am inspired by my FIL in this trip and will spend more time in keeping up my health.
Beautiful! I love Croatia, and the photos from your trip are just amazing! I love the idea of your blog too!
This is my first trip to Croatia. The impressions of Dubronik and Plitvice National Park are good and more or less as expected. However, I find Hvar and the Adriatic sea partcularly delightful. The people in Croatia are also more sweet than as anticipated. Thanks for stopping by my blog and liking it!
I found the people in Croatia to be very friendly as well! I stayed for a weekend on the lovely island of Krk, it was beautiful!
The country was at war in the 1990s. I was surprised in fact the people are sweet and friendly. While at Split, they celebrated their patron siant day. The whole town came out to sing and have fun. There are fireworks in the harbour and was televised.
Thanks for this lovely and compassionate (the way you care about your “FIL”) blog. And thank you for looking into our own blog. When we go overseas – to Germany, France, England, Ireland, Sweden – we are fortunate enough to stay with friends. However, and that is our addition to the “challenges of travelling” – sometimes it can be as stressful to be a guest as to be a host.
I have come from a culture and generation where, as kids, we were taught to respect and take care of our parents and the elderly although this culture is gradually disappearing. While I am glad to travel with my FIL, I also have regrets that I am no longer able to travel with my mum who is even older than my FIL and has a health condition. I am sure that there are more challenges we face in travelling. I guess the stress you refer to may be associated with hosts being too hospitable; I would try to enjoy that as well. I love the images in your blog and thank you for commenting on mine!
Good on your FIL for being such an intrepid traveller. I am 42 with mobility issues. He is an inspiration!
My FIL is really an inspiration but sometimes need encouragement to tackle the more difficult walks. Glad that you enjoy the post! Regards, Michael
I would love to go to Plitvice National Park. Croatia is in my opinion one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. And I was in Annecy a few weeks ago 🙂
This is my first trip to Croatia. I caertainly agree that Croatia is one of the most beautiful locations in Europe and is happy to include it in our trip. The Plitvice Lakes, like the lakes in Jiuzhaigou in China, are just amazing! I love your blog on Annecy and thank you for stopping by.
Hello Michael. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m happy to discover yours! You are a very kind son-in-law indeed! It’s lovely to read about the travels you shared with your FIL – both of you are inspiring. Good luck keeping in shape! Gentle yoga should also help with the knees. 🙂 All the best to you and happy travels!
Hi Jenny, I am glad to discover your blog as well. Your pictures are just amazing!
Thanks also for yor advice; I think gentle yoga should help.
I think I am doing what I am supposed to do in this journey of life.
Best of luck with your endeavours and safe travels!
Beautiful photos! And it’s wonderful that your FIL is still active and travelling at his age. He’s an inspiration for the rest of us 🙂
I am also amazed that he was able to complete the whole journey, in particular, the very difficult walk on the slippery boardwalk in Plitivice lakes when the rain was falling very heavily. I am opened to be inspired by all people including our fellow bloggers. Thanks very much for stopping by and liking the post!
Hello again Michael :D. First of all thank you for liking my posts of Italy :). Secondly I am so glad you had a chance to visit my country. I grew up in Dubrovnik 🙂 And Plitvice is a must too! I am happy you liked all these places. Wish you many happy travels!
Hi Paula, I love Croatia very much and, in partcular, the island of Hvar. The people in Croatia are friendly and I can even say, sweet. In fact, we spent most of our time in Croatia. Dubrovnik is one of my reasons for visitng the county. Glad to know it was the place you grew up. Cheers!
Michael, thank you for liking my recent post. I enjoy your blog, photographs and especially your writing style. I look forward to reading through it and hearing more. As I get older I continue to try to eat healthier and keep my body strong, but I find that sometimes just having patience and going slower is all I need.
Thanks for the advice. I understand eating / chewing slowly and attentively is also important. Before retirement, I was always looking for effiency and excellence. I think this mind set has to be changed and I should conduct and enjoy my life at a slower pace. Thanks for your comment and liking my blog!
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I find it very inspiring that you are travelling with your FIL. I myself limped a good way through Peru with sciatica of the left hip. It is amazing how once we get going the body responds and it gets easier!! Your writing and photographs are wonderful and an inspiration. I look forward to reading all of them.
Your Peru photos are amazing. When there is a will, there is a way. Your trip to Peru is also inspiring and courageous.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and liking the articles!
Good for you. I am enjoying all of these comments, and love Michael’s posts, too. He has been to so many interesting places — destinations I will only reach through his photographs. I discovered that I have sciatica (and scoliosis) only about ten years ago (I’m 67), and I began yoga then to try and combat it and it did. The class I am in most often includes a number of older people and I am encouraged that generally they are in great shape. Yoga is gentle, yet challenging. It helps with most of what ails you, and helps to keep the body flexible and balanced. Now I have knee issues, and I keep going back, because even if there’s pain (and you’ve seen a doctor to rule out the worst scenarios) you have to keep moving!
Hi, I understand that hydrotherapy could be good for sciatica, this involves doing exercise in warm water. For 15 years, my mom thought she has a knee problem, but in fact the problem originate from the spine which was eased off a bit through hydrotherapy.
Hay thanks for the like on my blog, you have a great blog here, fantastic photo’s, i’ll follow.
Your photos are great and have a special quality. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Your photos are beautiful! I have provided a link to your blog on my blog: colorfultravels.wordpress.com. I was checking out your posts on Japan. Would love to visit there someday!
I love the colors on your photos. . . . . you really have brought out the colors in your travels. Japan is quite a special and interesting country; you will enjoy it. Thanks very much for providing the link in your blog and stopping by my blog! Regards, Michael
Hello again, Michael.
Clearly you have struck a positive chord with many readers already. Congratulations to your FIL for perservering, and to you for thinking ahead and reflecting upon how to prepare yourself to stay fit for the duration. If you recall, there is a handsome fellow in my most recent post (at the bottom of a number of photos from Zion National Park in Utah). He is the love of my life, my husband of almost 29 years. He turns 75 in December; I’ll turn 61 this month. He takes no meds, hikes, “wogs,” treadmills, and lifts weights, plus reads all the time and is currently writing his first novel (me too!). We have a blast, living in our Longleaf pine preserve in northwest Florida. Aren’t we lucky to live in an age where life expectancy and continued quality of life are in many cases attainable ?
Take care,
Beth
Hi Beth,
Your hubby must be doing all the right things to stay so active at his age. I think I should learn from him.
Best wishes to both of you on your first novel!
Yes, we are indeed lucky to live in an age of increaing life expectancy and quality. I guess Longleaf pine reserve must be an excellent place for retirment. Have never been anywhere near the area although I have been in Florida a few times.
Take care, Michael
What a trip! Love your photos. I hope to follow in your footsteps – a trip to Croatia and the Plitivice National Park may be in the cards this fall – so very excited. Thanks for sharing such amazing photos. Truly inspiring.
Apologize for the belated response; for reasons unknown, your comment was classifed as Spam. Croatia is indeed an interesting and lovely place, I hope you will enjoy it. Thanks for your comment and visiting my blog. Regards, Michael
It is always a challenge to travel with someone who is compromised in some way, age, disability, whatever…but what a blessing to help them continue on the journey. Nice post.
Hi, we were very pleased when my FIL was able to hike up to the very top of the Plitivice lakes. Indeed, we felt blessed when we were able to help people achieiving what they want. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Amazing photos!
Hope those photos have conveyed to you the highpoints of our recent travels. Regards, Michael
An impressive set of images.
Thanks for liking the photos and stopping by my blog! Regards, Michael
I love your pictures, especially the last one. Beautiful!
Yes, I also like the last one which gives a 3D feel. Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting! Regards, Michael
Great photos!
Thanks for visiting one of my blogs: http://foundinfrance.wordpress.com
I’m glad you enjoyed Sunday’s post.
Enjoy your posts and photos. Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting! Regards, Michael
Glad to hear you enjoyed Plitvice… ;~)
It is difficult not to enjoy Plitvice. . . . . to be so close to the water, both in terms of distance and elevation. We were bascially immersed into this water garden of Eden. Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting! Regards, Michael
What a beautiful journey you are on! This is one of my dream destinations and you are presenting it beautifully. Thank you for allowing us to travel vicariously through you! : )
Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting! It is my pleasure to share with you my travelling notes and photos. Regards, Michael
Hi again Michael,
I join Restlessjo (many comments above) in encouraging you to take up t’ai chi again. I have practised it now for about 15 years, and find it more and more valuable the older I get. You are right: it does wonders for balance and flexibility, things we must maintain as we age — but it is also excellent for the spirit. That’s why it is called a Walking Meditation! Add a little leg work (up and down some flights of stairs every day) and regular walking (for the heart and circulation), and you will be doing very well, with a very simple regime.
Hi Penny,
Thank you very much for the suggestion. I am doing tennis ( once every week), hiking (up to twice a week). I also need some exercise for the balance and breathing – I think that’s where Tai Chi is good for. I think I have to get back to Tai Chi class. Regards, Michael
Hello, Michael! Thanks for taking time to read my blog. I’m glad to have discovered your blog, as well. I can relate much when you articulated about that element of our culture that teaches children to take care of their ageing parents. I arranged a travel itinerary for my parents when they retired from work last year – my gift for them, and I think I just might need to write about it soon. =)
Hi Ann, read from a recent article that this generation have first priority for the children, then their spouse and thinking that giving money to the parents is all that required. It is great that you are arranging travel itinerary for your parents. I look forward to reading your related blog! Regards, Michael
Thank you for stopping by my travel blog and giving it a like. I had never considered travel to Croatia. You have opened my eyes to new possibilities. Thank you.
Your photos of Greece are amazing. You have also opened my eyes. Thanks for commenting! Regards, Michael
Interesting question of how to prepeare oneself for a life of travel into old age. As you show, sometimes the travel is preparation or reintroduction to life.
Maybe I should also write on the meaning or the joy of travelling! Thanks for your inspiring comments. Regards, Michael
What a great story – and some lovely images too!
Hi Simon, thanks very much for your kind comments! Regards, Michael
Oh my! That first photo is AMAZING!!!
Hi, thanks for the “like” and the comment. If you like the first photo, you may also like my post on Plitvice Lakes National Park – A Watery Eden. Regards, Michael
Fantastic pictures! Cherish your FIL. I just lost my Dad at 89 years old. Do whatever it takes for him to enjoy this journey with you. Have fun!
Sorry to hear about the death of your dad. Will do the utmost to my FIL and my mum so that they would enjoy their journeys in life. Thanks for commenting and the “like”. Regards, Michael
From Lyon enroute to Chamonix Mont-Blanc we stopped by Annecy but didn’t take time to have a good stroll. You should have made another 60km east to Mont Blanc! Lake Annecy is beautiful, I took the same last picture too.
I only have a good view of Mont Blanc from afar. Will make sure I stop by Mont Blanc in my next trip to this part of Europe. Regards, Michael
Think you for visiting and liking my blog. I thought your article above was very inspirational, and the photos were lovely.
Hi Madoqua, your posts on Africa and wildlife make me feel very much wanting to travel to Africa. Thanks for your kind comment! Regards, Michael
WOWOW! That last photo is truly amazing 🙂
Hi Ximena, thanks for your kind comment! Regards, Michael
Lovely photos. Well done to your FIL. We took my 95-year-old MIL and my 85-year-old mom over to New York and Washington about 4 years ago. They were both as right as rain and joined in everything. I hope I will be as fit and healthy as they are when I reach old age. MIL will be 99 in August and wants to travel with us again. 😉
I think it is a blessing that our parents / FIL / MIL can still travel with us at a ripe old age. Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting! Regards, Michael
So sorry to hear about your FIL’s experience in Budapest. Hope it didn’t dampen your enthusiams for this city…
Hi Mary, fortunately, it didn’t dampen our enthusiams for the city. We still love Budapest very much especially the cruise on the Danube. Regards, Michael
Thanks for your sharing your great photos and sweet comments about traveling with elders. happy travels!
In this trip, we were convinced that sometimes you have to treat the elders the same way we treat small children. . . with lots of love, care and attention. Thanks for your comment!
I was very impressed with your sensitivity toward your family. Your parents must be very proud of you. You are right…role reversals occur many times when our parents are elderly. Thank you for the like and also for your beautiful images.
Hi, I am sure many of us are sensitive towards our parents / family, although we may not write about them. I am impressed by the large number of quality photos you have taken. I have only re-started taking photos after my retirement; so, I am just a learner. Many thanks for the comment! Regards, Michael
What beautiful set of photos. Traveling is such fun. Thanks for liking my painting. RLTE
Hi RLTE, glad you like the photos!Michael
I’ve always wanted to check out Croatia. Thanks for the photos.
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
A beautiful piece Michael. Lovely.
Hi Shail, than you for your kind comment! Michael
Gorgeous photos! I’d love to visit Croatia. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Thabnks for the kind comment!
Congratulations to FIL! We are in that same phase – 3 parents in their 80s. Watching the frustration of mentally being younger than their bodies. My husband and I are asking the question how can we better prepare ourselves for that stage. I think watching them helps. I think taking a few more walks would also help.
Hi Bonnie, you are certainly right. We can reflect on how their past way of living have affected positively / negatively their present health, their ways of trying to overcome their present predicament. These are all inspiring as to how we can prevent / reinforce our way of living. The baby boomers are now maturing, as one of those I also need to get prepared. Thanks vey much for your comment! Michael
I had the chance to visit Dubrovnik many years ago but ended up not going. Still determined to get there–thanks for the fabulous photos!
Hi, will post on Dubrovnik soon. Thanks for the kind comment! Regards, Michael
Beautiful photos! What is the little castle in the river called? And what is/was its purpose?
Hi Giovanni, it is called Palais de I’lsle or the Old Prison. Thanks for your kind comment! Michael
Wow…I can now understand why it is a prison. Seems like “escape impossible.”
A good choice for siting a prison!
I’m glad your FIL met the challenge! Your many photos have certainly added to the inspiration that drives me to see the world. When I was fortunate enough to travel through Europe last year, it really awakened a curiosity in me to see everything there is to see in this world of ours. Good luck on your travels, I’ll definitely be following them!
Hi Luu, thanks for your comments. Safe travels and regards, Michael
Those are great photos; the first is particularly nice. I want to go there! I am constantly shocked by seeing glimpses of the amazing places there are to visit in this world, ones that maybe don’t get as much publicity but are awesome nonetheless. Congratulations on being a retiree with the means to travel and see God’s splendor; He would want it so!
I really feel blessed to be able to travel and continue to do things which I like. Many thanks for the kind comments!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous photos!
Thank you! Thank you!
Wonderful photos, and what a great travel spirit you are. You are giving me many ideas of places yet to see. Also, thank you for stopping by my blog and liking my posts.
Thanks for the kind comment! I am very happy to be able to share my travels with you. Regards, Michael
What a thoughtful and sensitive blog! Thank you for “liking” Emmmyjays Excellent Adventures. I like yours too!
Hi Mary, thanks for your inspiring comments! Regards, Michael
Wow I’d never seen a picture of Annecy, how gorgeous is that? I need to get my butt down there! Thanks for the lovely photos.
I like the photo giving a very three dimensional feeling. It really worths a visit if you are in France. Regards,
Michael
Thanks for the like today. I look forward to following your blog. I shot the same photo as your first one as my son lives in Croatia and he took me there. I just turned 60 but need to keep in shape for future traveling. Good idea. Hats off to your FIL.
The first image seems to be a classical image; although some angles may make it more interesting. We are aware of many ways to keep healthy but never know what exactly will work. My FIL is really restless. . . . . he is now out in yet another continent! Regards, Michael
I like your story and hats off to your FIL.
You aske what you should do to keep fit at FIL age, well I have just been told that if we do not take good care of the body whyle we are still young, we will have to pay for it after we are 60 years old. To take care of the body is not to exercise too much, pounds too much, but exercise moderately and in line with what we will do when we get older. Most our problems, later in life, are created at the age 20-40. I learned this the hard way but not to hard though.
So take care and thank you for the story.
I think you are right. My dad was a sports captain, he suffered severe pain in his knees when he got old. My mom also suffered pain in her knees because of excessive indulgment in some martial arts when she was in fact overweight, putting too much pressure on her knees. My brother in law was a keen sport player, he has pain in his hips. Excessive exercise (without warming up. . . . this is my problem) is a problem. I hope your advice is taken in by some young readers. Thanks very much for the comment! Regards, Michael
Great post! I had a similar experience in Costa Rica with my 80 year old grandma-in-law.
Just couldn’t help being inspired by their determination to travel!
Exactly. I hope to be like that when I’m 80.
I hope to be like them too when I’m 80+
Beautiful photos
Thank you, hope you can also enjoy the slower pace life at times!
I’m terribly envious of all these wonderful sites you’re seeing in Croatia. It’s very much on my to-go list. Yes, I do go at a slower speed at times. 🙂
Take your time and also choose a good time for going there! Regards, Michael
Very cool your FIL was able to do that. It sounds like you are doing the best exercise. from what i read just never stop walking.
Thanks for your advice. One advice to myself is not to spend too much time blogging to the neglect of physical exercise! Regards, Michael
Lovely photos, and story
Thanks for your kind comment!
Thanks for liking my post.
I really enjoyed reading yours and looking at these beautiful photos. I look forwarding to hearing more about your travels and seeing more of the places you’ve traveled!
Hi Andrea, I also love the oceans and reading posts about them and their conservation. Thank you for liking “The Challenge of Travelling”. Hope to “meet” you again on this platform! Regards, Michael
Michael, the photographs are lovely. Your FIL’s courage to go on such a challenging holiday inspiring.
Hi Anuradha, thanks for you kind comment! I find my FIL inspiring, I am glad that you find the same! Regards, Michael
Hi There. Thank you for reading my blog. Yours looks very interesting and look forward to reading more.
Please follow me : http://shantarella.wordpress.com/
Look forward to reading your posts! Regards, Michael
Hello and thank you for reading my blog! I want to share with you that I heard recently the NY Times columnist on NPR in an interview. The question was asked: what one exercise is the most important to help us as we age, and her answer was to do squats a few times a week. She said all experts she speaks to agree that squats keep the knees in good shape and that’s most important. Beautiful photos by the way!!
Hi, thank you very much for this information. I didn’t know this and will it try out. Many thanks for the kind comment! Regards, Michael
Just beautiful! I look forward to more!
Thank you for your kind comment! Regards, Michael
Sounds lovely, Croatia is on my list for next year of places to visit.
Try to go before it is too hot! Regards, Michael
Hi Michael, I visited Croatia many years agfo when it was still Yugoslavia, but we were further north in the Istrian poeninsula (based in Rovinj which is a beautiful venetian style town) and really enjoyed it but Plitvice and Dubrovnik look special. My regards to the old boy! Thanks for visiting my blog.
Hi, you must have travelled quite a lot in the nearby countries. This is also something which I would like to do. I’ll pass on your regards to my FIL. Thanks very much for the comment! Regards, Michael
Great article. Croatia and Hungary are defiantly on my must-visit list.
Thanks for the kind comment. The two countries are definitely not to be missed. Regards, Michael
Lovely pictures, made me want to see more of Europe.
Like you, I have never written anything for others to read since high school days. Europe is a bit far from where I am based, otherwise I would have travelled there more frequently. Thanks for the kind comment! Michael
Plitvice Lakes look wonderful! I wish I can go there one day… Still lots of places on my list.
Hi Angela, take your time, everybody would have her / his own priority. Regards, Michael
Gorgeous photos, Michael!
Thank you for your encouraging comment!
i hadn’t thought it was possible to travel with my aging parents but maybe it’s possible. thanks for the inspiration.
It is a joy to be able to travel with the seniors. Think it’s possible depending on how the trip is customized to suit them with planning for any fallbacks. Regards, Michael
Michael, loved the pix of Dubrovnik and all on this post. I, too, am retired and love traveling. I’ll enjoy vicarious thrills thru your pix.
Hi Lynn, glad to know that you like reading my posts. Hope you are enjoying your retirement and your travels. Regards, Michael
You have a very interesting blog. And thank you for commenting on my blog.
Hi Darlene, thank you for your encouraging comment!
Michael, you must be congratulated from the perspective of the number of responses you receive, very impressive. My wife and i go on the road for four months every year with a rental car around Europe and it never gets easier, however always more interesting as you become more experienced. This year we will complete 3 mths europe (presently in final few weeks) the 6 weeks in Northern India the to South Africa for three weeks. i have parkinson disease and am 63 years of age so mate you have much going for you as an intrepid traveller.
Well done on your blogs
Wally Eaglesham
Brisbane Australia (sending this from Badi (amazing village in Italy)
Hi Wally, salute to you for your willingness and energy to travel the world. That’s amazing. My friend also has parksion disease before he was 60. That has changed his life. Initially, he was depressed as a result of taking the pills. He has since then regained his health, jogging every day when he is home, to improve his body co-ordination and is now travelling the world. Looking forward to reading your lovely post on your travelling experience. Take care and safe travels, Michael
Beautiful photos! Keep watching for pick-pockets. They have become inventive at separating money from travellers, even impersonating police (this happened in Italy). But despite these aspiring entreprenuers, I continue to travel. You obviously don’t let it stop you. I enjoyed my visit to your blog. Reluctant Medium at Large in Santa Fe
Hi,I’m more worried losing my traveling documents and credit cards than the paper notes. We know some of the places we visited have petty crimes; I suppose all we can do is to be more careful. As you said some of them are quite inventive, you may be caught out of your cuiorsity or even kindness. Glad that you enjoyed my blog! Safe travels and regards, Michael
The best preparation for being active in your eighties is to be active when you are young. Stay healthy, and continue to activity, rigorous and easy until your final day. The question is whether your body will keep up with your mind.
Good post, great pictures.
Hi Grumpa Joe, thanks for the advice; will stay active and healthy. Thanks also for the kind comment! Michael
Hello: I had to laugh at myself. When your page loaded, I said to myself, “How did I get to my page?” Then I realized the pics were different, and I wasn’t on my own page. I have the exact same template. Wanted to stop by, thank you for visiting my site and taking the time to read my blog post. Thanks again, and your pictures are phenomenal.
Veronica
Hi, I love the black color background which helps to showcase the photos. Thanks for the encouraging comment! Michael
you have some stunning photos on here!
Hi Littlelor, thaks for your comment! Michael
Hi Littlelor, thanks for your comment! Michael
Absolutely beautiful photos. I especially like the one of the castle.
Hi Teachermrw, thanks for the comment! Regards, Michael
One of my biggest fears about aging is possible loss of my ability to travel. Your father in law seems to be handling himself quite well, though! I hope I’m half as mobile as he is when I’m 80.
These pictures are absolutely stunning. Can’t wait to read more about your journey!
Hi Emma, to keep healthy my FIL has been swimming every day; however, I am not a fan of swimming. Although, like you, I would still like to be able to travel in my 80s. Thanks for the comment! Michael
When living in Geneva, Annecy was our respite of choice! Paris is beautiful, but my belief is that Annecy is the most beautiful city of France =)
Can’t agree more, Annecy is so close to Geneva where we based on the last trip. In a way, Paris to me has lost some old charms. Regards, Michael
I am enviable that your father is healthy. I also visited in Hungary (Budapest).
The diverse subjects you have written is also enviable!
Thank you for replying.
Thanks for visiting my blog! These photos are beautiful – especially Annecy. It looks just like Alsace-Lorraine!
Haven’t been to Alsace-Lorraine; will learn more about it, thanks, Michael
this is a great post. I’ve never been to any of those places you mentioned, but I’d love to someday. they look gorgeous. my grandfather’s 80+ as well and still travelling. He just got back from visiting families in Australia and New Zealand and on December we’re going to Japan. When he’s at home he’s always complaining of his back or knees hurting, but when he’s travelling he seems to be fine. I guess travel can be a cure, too.
Hi Cindy, successfully completing tours could possibly boost their confidence which I think would have a positive impact on their psychology and health. Thanks for perusing and commenting! Michael
amazing! we’re in the process of getting my mom her passport so she can finally travel out of the country (she’s excited!) this is very inspiring, thank you! 🙂
Hi, after this trip, I realize that to be able to travel with the parents or the in-laws is a blessing. Safe travels! Michael
Enjoyed your post and your adventurous and open spirit. My husband is 81 and still traveling, a very good thing since I travel with him. 🙂 Thanks for “liking” my Plaster Rock post…still sorting out the new memories.
Hi Margaret, travelling keeps us young! Safe travels for you and your husband, Michael
Thanks for liking my post ‘Northern Pakistan Jewels-Part-1 The Skardu few have seen’. You blog is very interesting.
Thanks!
Thanks for visiting! We, too, recently returned from a trip with my FIL who will be 80 in October and who had hip replacement surgery in January. We stayed in a seaside village that had steep walks to the beach, which was a bit frustrating for him. I appreciate your sensitivity.
Hi Erin, we planned our trip to avaoid long flights of steep steps as far as possible but sometimes, the planning cannot go to that sort of detail. Sometimes, it is the psychology that prevents my FIL from walking; in any case, it was a blessing to have my FIL with us on the travel as he was an inspiration. Many thanks for the comment! Michael
Michael, I loved your photos and the blog…where is Annecy? It looks like a town I would love to see.
Hi knod56, here is the information from Wiki:
Annecy is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
It lies on the northern tip of Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy), 35 kilometres south of Geneva.
Annecy is close to Switzerland. Safe travels, Michael
Annency looks beautiful! Also, you made a very good distinction between physical limitations and those limitations which exist only in our minds. Thanks or posting Michael. I’m enjoying your blog.
Hi bucketdave, thanks for the kind comment. Knowing my FIL well, we were able to distingush whether it was a mental inhibition during our travels and this certainly helped. For Annecy, I think I like the lake more than the town but they are really lovely. Regards, Michael
We too had the challenge of traveling with a less than mobile senior citizen on our latest trip to Tennessee. She chose to stay in the condo much of the time. Although I felt bad about leaving her she seemed content with sitting on the balcony and watching the clouds all day. But it made me wonder too…How do I stay active so that I am not sitting on a balcony in my old age? Would my love of travel trump my limited mobility?
Hi Stunkard, these are also the questions I pondered. Our living habits and mind determine our health and our will to overcome. If it comes to a stage when I cannot physically and mentally handle the walk in a trip, I may have to be contented with watching the clouds from a balcony, but of course, hope this day will only come very late. Regards, Michael
Hi!! Thank you so much for ‘liking’ my Photo Of The Week! You have some wonderful photographs as well! Thank you for connecting!
Hi Jennifer, your photos are amazing. Thank you for your kind comment! Michael
Hi Michael, your posts are great! and, the photos are outstanding. I think it’s very commendable that you have included your fil in your travels. Tony & I are both 70 and want to continue traveling as long as possible. He is in excellent shape due to his exercise regime his entire life. I have always been quite active and didn’t have any issues until the last 2 years. I am now adding water aerobics to my schedule and find that is relieving the pains in my legs & back from stenosis. Happy travels!
Hi, my mom now 85 has been doing hydro-therapy over the last 10 years relieving her pain in the knees and back. It is also good for the general health. I sometimes wonder what life will she lead if she doesn’t have the benefit of this exercise. Keep up with your water aerobics!
Stunning shots, sounds like an amazing trip. I hike a great deal with a neighbor who just turned 99 and I watch her and marvel. I also am encouraged that it is possible to be active if you stay active.
Thank you for your advice to stay active. To be able to hike at an age of 99 is just incredible! Regards, Michael
Wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for stopping by my blog. Happy journeys! 🙂
Thank you Nora!
You really chose great places to see. dubrovnik is amazing. my hubby studied there so I got to spend plenty of time discovering it.
This is my first time visiting Dubrovnik and I love it. Envy that you can afford so much time there! Regards, Michael
Kudos!! And lovely photos!
Thank you for your kind comments! Regards, Michael
Love your photos and comments about your journey with FIL. We leave for Italy tomorrow. So I hope to be able to blog about our travels as well as you have.
I have never been to Italy before; I look forward to reading your posts about it! Thank you for your kind comment. Safe travels and tell us your stories! Michael
Beautiful photographs!
Thank you Emilya!
Thanks for visiting our blog …very interesting especially since we haven’t traveled elsewhere in the world except for the US and Canada. Fantastic photos.. looking forward experiencing more of your travels.
Hi John and Mary, thanks very much for the kind comment. There are many parts of the US and Canada that I have not visited and would be delighted to see more of this from your blog. Regards, Michael
Thank you for the ‘likes’ on my blog, Michael. You have such marvellous, colourful photographs. I have never been anywhere other than the UK so thank you for bringing the beauty of other cuntries to me. 🙂
Hi Anne, it is my pleasure to share my journeys with my readers. There are so many beautiful places in the UK and I would love to see them vicariously through you as well. Thanks for the kind comment! Michael
Wow, it took me two days to get to the bottom of this page! AWESOME 🙂 Great blog and great post.
Hi wdednh, thank you for taking the time to peruse the posts, thank you also for the kind comment! Regards, Michael
You are so welcome and thank you for the reply.
My pleasure!
Hi Michael, I am enjoying your blog posts since I discovered you as a result of a “like” from you on my blog. We retired people have to stick together and encourage each other to keep exploring new places, ideas, hobbies, etc. It seems that you have discovered the joys of combining blogging and a love of photography, as I have. Keep up the good work. Regards, Chris Gregory, NZ
Hi Chris, thanks for the comment. I have “met” quite a few retirees in my blogging and for some of them, they have referred my photos or articles in their posts and provide a link back to my site. No doubt, I will be doing the same. Yes, I am fortunate to be able to combine travel, photography and writing all into one. I like your blog too. Likewise, please keep up with your work! regards, Michael
This is my first visit to your blog and the pictures are breathtaking! My husband and I have one child to go at home before we start our travels also. Lovely “meeting” you today!
Nice to “meet” you. Hope it won’t be long before you are able to travel! Michael
Beautiful sentiments and scenery! My 88 yr old MIL wants to travel with the “whole Family” and your post gives me hope. Chris
Hi mountainmornings, if the trip is carefully planned and your MIL has the necessary gears and encouragement, this could be feasible! Regards, Michael
Good day Michael, fantastic post ,beautiful pictures.l have visited few European countries.Thank you for visiting my site.Wishing you more traveling .Jalal Michael
Hi jalal, my pleasure to peruse your site. Thanks for the comment! Michael
the view is fascinating!
Hi, I have included some of the best shots in the trip for this preview. Thanks for the kind comment! Michael
Got to give your FIL a lot of credit. Even at my age, I would have to think hard if I could tackle all that climbing. Walking is easy but the climbing is very challenging for me.
Appreciate that walking up and down, especially on steps is a challenge. Safe travels!
What a wonderful trip and enjoy the photos. Reading about your FIL, reminded me too, to maintain physical fitness so that as I approach his age, I can be as mobile as I can be. Thanks for sharing.
I think regardless of age, we should cultivate a habit of healthy living. Thanks for the kind comment! Michael
Hi Michael.
Your photos and stories remind me of my own trips in the past.
Thanks for checking out my blog.
I live in Sydney Australia. Last year I travelled to the Netherlands with my 84 yr old father. We visited areas where he had grown up in The Hague and caught up with relatives in Utrecht and other small country villages like Nederhemert. It was a living history lesson with stories flowing freely from more than half a century ago.
We also caught the fast train from Amsterdam to Paris and completed a short but leisurely 3 day visit.
My father found travel quite tiring and was also struggling with dementia. I adjusted the pace of our trip so that we enjoyed many cafes in the sun and short strolls in parks with views. My father’s awareness of nature was acute and he would see and hear tiny birds in city parks among the hum of traffic and playing children. Our daily routine consisted of a morning stroll, visit to a place of interest, morning coffee break – in Holland this meant a piece of apple tart on the side. A bit more of a stroll. Lunch. Afternoon nap. Late afternoon stroll. Dinner. Early to bed.
This kept my father on track, without drifting away too much. He actually became more fit over the month that we travelled and I learned to sit back and enjoy the coffee breaks.
Slow travel and immersing oneself is a great way to enjoy a holiday.
My dad’s best memory of Paris is -“gee there’s a lot of stairs!”
Hi Peter, travelling with the more elderly people could be quite inspiring. As you said, the slower travel also sets a new pace for enjoyment. As in your case, both FIL and ourselves find the trip memorable and are planning for more! Regards, Michael
Hi Michael, thanks for liking my blog. I enjoy both your photos and narrative. I am not retired and have to steal time to write my blog, and I am strictly an amateur photographer. But it’s fun to have this avenue for expression. Your father-in-law is an inspiration. I don’t think there’s a magic bullet – there are things you can do to try to stay healthy but it’s also what’s in your genetic makeup. Good luck in your retirement and many bons voyages.
Hi jncprmn, I admire you still have time for your blog while still working. I am also an amateur photographer. As you say, there is no magic bullet, I am just trying to stay healthy and maintian some exercise; knowing that the the hereditary part cannot be changed. Thanks for the very useful and kind comment! Michael
Gorgeous scenery!
Thank you thinkbigmuch!
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos!
Thank you unpackedwriter!
You’re most welcome! – Renee
Thank you Renee!
Love the professional feel of your blog. Well done. – Renee
Hi Renee, I am just a retiree with not much computer / writing skills clubbing up a blog together. I am really flattered. Thank you for your kind comment! Michael
I just wanted to say ,thank you for keeping in touch.l appreciate that.Regards.Jalal Michael
You are welcome Jalal!
Josh here from the BlinkPack blog. Though your phase of life allows you to travel more extensively than I can at this point, I think the challenges you face are in the spirit of Blinkpacking — that is, recognizing the challenges that limit you and figuring out how to have adventures anyway. I find this post inspiring, and I look forward to reading more. Happy travels!
Hi blinkpack, the spirit is the same. I still have committments at where I am based, for instance, part time teaching etc. I am still constrained by budget etc and woukd try to travel off peak. Thanks very much for the encouraging comment! Michael
Awesome photos! How ncredible is Plitvice I went a couple of months ago and it took my breathe away. Keep them coming thanks!
I enjoyed Plitvice lakes very much! Thanks for the encouraging comment! Michael
Sounds a lot like the vacation we took in may to Spain, France and Portugal. Travelling with 3 generations of family members can be a challenge. We had to look at steps and slopes in a whole new way. We too were pick pocketed in the same way, as soon as we reached Portugal. But the whole trip was memorable and a lot if fun in the end
Hi prettytree, it is really a challenge to travel with the seniors / children. I’m sure, to them , it is equally challenging. It is a blesing that we are able to accomplish these trips and with a good memory too! Michael
Loved your blog Michael. Thanks for you comment. Your pictures are great. Feel free to read my blog and keep in touch.
Am following your blog. Thanks for your kind comment and stay in touch !
Thanks for the like of my Weekly Photo Challenge post representing Big.
You are welcome!
Try your FIL’s life style. It is beautiful and it is the one love I love most. I was worried, though, as I read the story that I would come to a dreadful point in the story. I have always wondered whether I will be as flexible and mobile as I am now if I live to my seventies and above like my parents and that FIL of yours. Some people are blessed and they realize it and keep their blessing. Thanks for blogging and having the courage and love to go along with the aged for an adventure. It takes a lot love and courage.
Hi mosrubn, the trip was inspiring to both my FIL and me, on both sides, we did take a lot of love and courage. Hope you enjoy perusing the post and thank you for the comment! Michael
I love your photos and descriptions. Thanks for sharing. I’m going to add you to my blogroll.
Hi, I feel honored to be on your blogroll. Thank you so much!
While I have not traveled with someone of “seasoned” age, I can very much relate to you. I’m on the opposite end of the age-traveling spectrum, currently traveling with my 1-year old and 7 months pregnant with my second child. Who says travel is only for the single, 20-somethings of the world?!
I admire your courage travelling with kids and while pregnant. Travel is definitely not just for the youthful. I have seen several people with total age of several hundres years travelling together! Thanks for the comment wickedforeign.
My wife and I were marveling at the beauty of Annecy! The building in the moat is beautiful. WOW!
I too like Annecy very much especially the Prison and the moat. Glad that you and your wife like that as well.
Beautiful photos…they almost don’t look real. I took a trip with my father to the Olympic peninsula before it was too late. He was aging. And the trip had a certain rhythm…not mine. But he’s no longer alive, so I’m so glad I did that…these trips are so important. And yours looks very beautiful indeed.
Thank you for the kind comments. I count it as a blessing to be able to travel with the seniors. Regards, Michael
Thank you so much for ‘liking’ and following my blog, mainly because it lead me here! I’ve so enjoyed reading your posts – you are an inspiration to us all – and I look forward to reading about many more! Best Wishes, Yvonne
Hi Yvonne, thanks for the kind comment. I also look forward to reading more of your posts. Regards, Michael
Hope you found Annecy, as beautiful as I did. We work on the basis of see it and do it now as who knows what the future may hold!!
Annecy is indeed a very charming place. My wife and I would like to see as many paces while we are still mobile, and, as you said who knows what the future holds! Regards, Michael
Good post! My husband (in his 70s) and I made a very similar trip a few years ago. Last year we hiked Patagonia. The key is to keep moving, eat right and have a good attitude. Hoping to be still going at 80!
Wow, hiking the Patagonia in his 70s! Best wishes to you and your hubby, hoping that you can continue on beyond the 80s!
Your photographs are fabulous. How exciting that you are traveling and sharing it with the world. Thanks!
Hi Mazigrace, I think I have come to a phase of sharing. . . . sharing my knowledge through part time teaching anmd helping in a book, sharing my posts / photos with everyone interested, finding time to share more with my family etc. Thank you for your kind comment! Michael
Thanks for checking out my site- imaginationisyourcreation.com. Your pics are gorgeous! Looks like you’re having one heck of an adventure yourself! Warmest Wishes, Inge
Thank you Inge!
Great post! Sorry to hear about Budapest! I did notice that there seem to be alot of opportunistic potential pickpockets, but didn’t experience anything so confronting as your FIL. I loved Budapest as a city though, very picturesque. I wish you good fortune on your coming travels !
Hi Joanne, Budapest is a very lovely coty; fortunately,our trip was not marred by the incident. Safe travels, Michael
Your post was excellent. Your Fil is such an inspiration! I would like to do what he has done at 60! In 7 years time. I have been terribly accident prone and have wrecked my body. I’ve just come back from my first trip overseas, hobbling around on an undiagnosed broken ankle! I am now recovering fom surgery on that ankle. I am already considering the purchase of a scooter for the disabled. I pray I will be able to continue to travel, whatever the challenges!
Hi, you have a lot of courage. You are just inspirational as my FIL.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and good health! Michael
We see only photographs of great wonders and scenic spots but behind those photographs are the travails to get there. Thanks for sharing your travel experiences, Michael; and — of course — your photographs. Equally awesome! 🙂
Hi Ferdinand, yes, there are a lot of travails which people don’t bother to write about and there is also the excitement that goes into the planning and anticpiation of the journey. Regards, Michael
Very insightful, thought provoking and stunning photography, Bravo….
Thank you author4u for the encouraging comment! Michael
Thank you for looking at my blog. I enjoyed reading your article and looking at your excellent photos. May you and especially your FIL continue to enjoy many more adventures together.
Hi, thanks for perusing my blog. We are planning more trips with my FIL. Have a great week! Michael
Thanks for stopping by my blog 🙂 it was nice to live through your travels. Hope I get to visit those places soon.
Thank you for the kind comment!
Thank you for liking my post, “A Hike, Yikes!”. What a wonderful story and congrats to FIL. Your photos are incredible. They make me feel as though I am there.
Thank you for your perusal and kind comment!
Nice post. I read a quote recently “We don’t stop doing things because we get old, we get old because we stop doing things”
So true, I will remember this quote. Thanks Mark!
a great blog and great photos. Bravo ! ;=]
Thank you isewcasual for the kind and encouraing comment!
Hi Michael ,l would like to tell you that l have nominated you with pleasure for the (Blog of the year 2012 Award).Please read the details at my post. Regards.Jalal Michael
Hi Jalal Michael, thanks so much for the nomination. I have decided not to pursue or accept any nomination / award during my retirement and for this reason, I have already turned down all similar awards. Knowing that my blog is read in many places of the world is already my biggest reward. With regret, I have to decline the nomination. Thank you once again for the nomination which is very much appreciated! Regards, Michael
Four really stunning photos. Unbelievable work, Michael!
Thanks very much for your encouraging comment! Glad that you like the pictures. Regards, Michael
Stunning beautiful photos! Congrats to your FIL, amazing! Somehow the like click is not working… Sorry about that.
Hi Amy, same happened to me, the like clicks on some posts are not working – this may be a common issue. Thanks very much for liking my posts and the kind comment! Michael
Love to hear your story and see the pictures. As someone who has worked with older folks for physical therapy, all I have to say is, “keep doing what your doing.”
Hi, I recently did 10 rounds of physical therapy because of a frozen shoulder. I think I should remind myself every now and then that I have to treat my body my gently. Thanks for the kind comment!
Wonderful story! My father is 92 and travelled well up until about a year ago. He kept very active, and could still travel, but his mind is wandering too much now. He is quite childlike, and can’t be trusted to be safe. So he can travel, but we must treat him carefully, like a child to watch out for his safety.
It is our turn as his children to give him the care and love he gave us as children.
I really enjoyed your pictures!
It is incredible that your dad can still travel at 92! The Chinese saying is that as we become older, we will behave more childlike – this is so true. It is very true that they will require more attention and protection as if they are children. Again, for Chinese, it is a virture which has always been emphasized. Glad that you like my pictures. Regards, Michael
Gorgeous shots! I especially love the first image of Pitivich and the canals. Great story too. Thank you for the post and also for visiting my blog.
Thank you for the kind comment!
So glad to find your blog! I found this visit to Croatia fascinating – and the photographs are superb.
Your FIL is amazing – and so are you as you must be incredibly patient and understanding.
Dingo (as you will have seen) is popping off to Thailand in a couple of weeks – and he has asked me to ask you if you would very kindly spread the message. He wants a memorable trip!!!!! PS: He also went to Kreutzlingen, Switzerland recently with unfortunate results. (THAT can be seen on http://thurstanbassett.musicaneo.com/ if you’re interested!)
Kind regards, Thurstan
Hope you will enjoy your time in Thailand. Safe travels and kind regards, Michael
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your kind wishes. I expect it’ll be wonderful – but Dingo and Co., are going to be a bit of a handful, I think!
(Actually I’m not really going myself. Peggy Tee is the one who is doing the trip and will be writing up about it on her blog. She, poor girl, has agreed to take Dingo & Co., along with her just for fun!) It should be interesting!
With my best wishes,
Thurstan.
Hi Thurstan, now I understand. Best wishes to Peggy Tee and Dingo & Co. in the trip! Michael
Beautiful photos, we are from Trieste, right next door-:)
Have checked out Trieste just now and found it to be a charming and underestimated city! Thanks for the kind comment. Regards, Michael
Amazing photos. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thank you worldsworth!
Lovely photos, I wish I could retire like you in the future. Wish you and your family good health so that we could see more lovely pix from you.
Many thanks for the kind comments and the blessings. Hope to bring you more photos / posts! Regards, Michael
Thanks for liking my blog. New Zealand has natural scenery that stops people in their tracks with its beauty. I’ve seen stunned tourists who couldn’t talk looking at Mt Cook and the Southern Alps reflected in a lake. We haven’t got the ancientness of European buildings, just ancient trees.
I would also like to be awed by the NZ scenery. What you said is so tempting. It looks like I should plan a trip down there. Thank you!
So pretty!
Thanks for stopping by. Great shots.
Thank you Lens Theraphy!
Annecy is a jewel…we got the same classic photo ourselves in 2009! Thanks for visiting my blog and sharing these wonderful scenes. Best, – Bill
Thank you Bill!
Thanks for the likes and the follow! Hope I don’t disappoint ^_^
You are welcome!
I can only dream of visiting the places you have been to. Awesome! 😉
Dreams do sometime come true!
Oh my, what a wonderful story with beautiful photographs. I enjoyed reading this today over coffee and would love to re blog with your permission for my readers on my new blog http://www.parisPreviewCouture.com – the blog will have a travel section for my fashion clients to learn about new places to visit wearing my designs, of coarse. LoL. But this story really caught my attention and it would be a price ledge to share it. Sincerely,
Jacqueline Jax
Hi Jacqueline, you are welcome to reblog it on your lovely new blog. Happy holidays! Michael
Plitvice National Park! What an amazing place!
It is a “must-see”!
Thank you for your giving your time to read my blog and liking it. It means so much to me. And I’m so glad to had this chance to see your blog which made me so happy because of there pictures. Secondly I’m so happy for you to have still a big family, ‘Cause most of my family is passed away since my childhood and I’ll never have this kinda chances or challenges as you said. I started to travel by my own. I only have my mother around. But she’s quiet good partner in my life!;) anyways thank you again!
I suppose as one gets older, there will be less and less family members and friends around as they get disappearing. It is good that you have your mother around; it is indeed a blessing. My dad passed away quite early and I never had a chance to travel with him overseas. It is my pleasure to peruse your posts! Michael
I am very impressed with your FIL. He is a testament that if one wannts to do something then determination will help make it happen. Your travel photo’s have so much clarity. The sharpeness brings out the beauty in whatever you are trying to show us. I felt like I had been sightseeing right along with you. Thank you for posting them.
Isadora
Hi Isadora, thanks for visiting the posts and the very kind comment. I hope you will join me vicariously in my future travels too. Have a great weekend! Michael
Gosh you need to write about your FIL’s diet and daily routine. I need to know! 🙂 like you, I want to enjoy as much as I could while “growing old”.
Hi, good suggestion. I will think about that and post something on this when the time comes. Happy New Year to you!
Thank you Michael for liking my new post.This post of yours is outstanding ,specially the pictures .Have a healthy and successful new year.jalal
I am flattered by your comments. Happy New Year to you!
Your FIL sounds tough and adventurous. I am glad he reconquered his fears and got to enjoy such beautiful places.
My FIL is stil looking for further challeges. Happy New Year!
Beautiful places you have travelled to. Impressed by your FIL’s abilities.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Thanks for dropping by and liking my post. Your photos are great!
Happy New Year – perhaps with more places to visit?
Thank you rosefsp, hope to see more places this year. Regards, Michael
Beautiful photography!
Thank you Jennifer!
You certainly capture the natural beauty of the scenery on your travels, Michael. Having done a tour of Hungary, Austria and Germany last year, I am curious to see your photos of Budapest. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and liking my post. Love your photos so far!
Thanks very much for the kind comment; you are welcome to read my posts on Budapest / Szentendre too!
Such a wonderful experience i’m sure. Congratulations and best wishes to you in 2013. Warm Regards to dad!
Best wishes to you and your family in 2013 too!
🙂
Wonderful! A fantastic experience! I would love to travel to Germany and Austria!
Thanks for visiting my blog as well!
Thanks for the kind comment! Hope you will have a great trip to Europe.
Great photos – I’ve been to Annecy and it is truly a beautiful place!
I would like to explore it more if I have the chance to visit it again. Thanks for the comment!
You’re welcome – happy blogging!
Hi my friend. Thanks for visiting my page often and keeping track of my posts.. I just started a new youtube channel where I post the videos footage from my fashion shoots. Please come support me by subscribing to my channel. http://Www.youtube.com/JaxCouture. I would really appreciate your help and support. Xoxo, Jax
Will do Jacqueline!
Croatia has been on my list of places to see for awhile now and this post just adds fuel to the fire. 🙂 As I spend whats left of my 20s working more than traveling it gives me hope to know that people are still traveling the world at the age of 80. It makes me feel like maybe there is plenty of time.
Also, I just want to say that I really admire you for answering so many of your comments when you get so many of them.
Hi rika9, I think if we do things correctly when we are young, we can still maintain mobility and health in old age. I appreciate people taking the efforts to drop me a line and I would try to answer it if time allows. Today, I got some 35 comments! Thank you for the kind comment!
Most excellent. Travel on!
Thank you for the kind comment! Surely will travel on.
Reading this has given me some ideas for my upcoming European travels. Good read and even better pics!
Glad that it gives you some ideas for your European travels. I respect volunteers working in Africa very much and have written a post about it “2012 People and Animal”. Best wishes with your work and travels!
Thanks for dropping on my blog entry of how to travel independently just for 10 Euros a day. I can see we – and actually most of the people out there – have relatives who are not at ease with walking a lot due to physical constraints coming with age. I hope and try to stay physically fit, so I can still do my travelling style later in my life. I also do some Tai Chi for 9 years already, that actually keeps me really fit – my heart rate is still at 60 bpm, so you should try to pick it up again!
Wow, you have learned Tai Chi for 9 years and that you have an atheltic heart beat, that’s admirable. I have learned the simple version of Tai Chi once but kept forgetting it once I stopped practising. Maybe I should try it again. Thanks for the comment!
I’ve been to Annecy! Stunning!
Hi Jessica, glad that, like me, you love Annecy. Thank you 🙂
Browsed thru your site… i love your blogs. 🙂
I am flattered; many thanks for liking my blog 🙂
I am envious of your trip! Fantastic photos too!
I retired last year but did most of my traveling when I was young to make sure I was in good health. There are so many beautiful places in the world.
I would recommend the national parks of southern Utah – Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches and the four corners area. We spent three weeks traveling a circle from Las Vegas into southern Utah, four corners, Colorado (for Mesa Verde ruins) and then back to Las Vegas thropugh northen Arizona, including Sedona. That part of the U.S. is an area I can return to time and time again. So many different landscapes.
I have travel photos on this website: http://www.ditona-beach.net/jpg
The southern Utah seems to be memorable place to travel, I will bear this in mind when I travel near Las Vegas. many thanks for the link too; great pictures!
Bravo to the FIL, and all those ‘senior’ (over fifties) and utmost ‘senior’ (over eighties) travelers! Michael, thanks for the great pictures. Remind me of more adventurous days…I do miss Switzerland.
Great to hear from you! I am now one of the Seniors and my FIL travelled a bit less as trips are quite demanding!
Thank you for replying. I have enjoyed the picture stories posted online without having to travel to some places geographically. Due to the need to travel light these days I even left my Nikon COOLPIX behind and now rely on the usual mobile phones Sony or Samsung…sigh.
They give good photos too!
My FIL was involved in a fall last year when he travelled with us to the Nine Dragons group of waterfall in China, wetting his camera! This is also covered in my post.
O. I didn’t see that one as I stay on the Western scenes. Sorry for him. Anyway bravo for his staying physically active. I have met some utmost seniors who are seasoned travelers too and do better than some of us younger ones. Press on!
Yes, my FIL is still travelling!
Bless him! Abundant living and youth renewable like the eagle.
🙂
At first glance, the pix of the prison reminds me of the horn of a rhinoceros. That said, the location is gorgeous. Indeed, the two birds – in the captivity of your camera, we thank the lord they aren’t jailbirds! 😉 Splendid. By the way, I’ll run out on superlatives. If I don’t comment it does not mean I don’t appreciate your photos. 🙂
Out of my several shots of the castle, this is the only one with birds flying – almost touching the water and that the castle almost stands out.
Thanks for your kind words!
Your pictures are great! Thanks for liking my post! I will keep one eye your travels and the other on your well timed photos!
Many thanks for the kind words!
What and endearing story, yoga is my panacea for all things, it keeps the body and mind limber and agile. Thank you for reading my blog.
It’s great that you are doing yoga. Many thanks for reading mine too!
How adorable is that little medieval town you visited with that stone building in the water on the bottom picture
I love that too, it is almost surreal!
Thanks for dropping by wanderingaussies.com – Michael – your blog is inspiring! Actually might have to add Dubrovnik and the lakes onto our must dos! And I note keeping fit is going to have to be a priority to keep travelling!
You are welcome. Those two places are not to be missed!
The first pic, INCREDIBLE!! 🙂 🙂
You are blessed! Truly Blessed to have seen so many lands!
Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Yes, I count myself truly blessed!
Michael, thank you for liking my post on Travel to Southern France. It was a wonderful trip. What a beautiful blog you have. Spectacular pictures and great commentary! By the way, next year I was wanting to travel to Geneva, and other parts of Switzerland. And or possibly Croatia. I hear Split and Hvar are especially beautiful. What did you think of Geneva? From your pictures Annecy looks delightful, and also really love views of Plitivice National Park . I look forward to reading more. Thanks again.
There are places in Geneva which may be of interest – lake Geneva and the fountain, Morges and the flower show (at the right time), hiking the nearby hills. Thanks for your interest in the blog!
Beautiful pics, and a good question to contemplate!
Thank you! The question of health is getting more and more important in the retirement phase. Regards, Michael
I love all the pictures you are posting,the styles are so professional
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!
You are an amazing photographer Michael. I feel transported through a dream! I equally love your blog writing. This piece especially. I just appreciate you sharing so much and feel so inspired by your adventures and point of view:) Thank you for being you!
Many thanks for the kind words. I am happy if my blog can inspire others. I used to upload two or three posts per week with a longer length on the writing. But more recently, I am bogged down by family and other matters – I have become more lazy in writing but posting at least one photo everyday. Hope one day, I will resume my mood for writing more!
I think the writing muse comes and goes for all of us but I’m always grateful when it visits at all:) Keep up the great work when the mood strikes you and I’ll always be reading!:)
Thank you for the encouragement, Mischa!
That old trick…one guy with a map while the accomplice thieves you. Well done on spotting it and taking right action.
Problem was my father-in-law was not able to react to this immediately; but we were lucky!
Reblogged this on Belinda's Blog and commented:
Michael Lai’s compassion for his father-in-law on this trip is touching as he writes beautifully of his travels. The photos are stunning and inspiring. Travel requires courage and curiosity.
Many thanks, Belinda, for reblogging this on !
Michael, English may not be your first language, but you have mastered it. Your “Challenge of Travelling” is the first writing I have reblogged–posted on my blog. I felt your love for your FIL, as well as your love of writing, and you presented your ideas and photos beautifully. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Belinda, many thanks for the kind words. I am very happy that my post becomes the first one to be reblogged on your blog. I found myself becoming more compassionate after retirement, I hope this is a good sign. Regards, Michael
Thanks for your kind visit! Your blog is inspiring with beautiful photos and interesting commentary. I wish you continuing good health, travels,and enjoyment in your retirement.
Thanks for the k9ind words and encouragement. many thanks for visiting my blog too!
Reblogged this on Hooves, Paws, and Travel and commented:
Great take on a legit challenge of traveling…the walking and climbing in places with accessibility issues. As an athlete I have bad knees and I can totally relate.
Many thanks for reblogging this on!
My father would have loved this trip at age 84. he was game for anything..and even wanted to go white-water rafting on the Colorado River when he was 90..but they wouldn’t let him!(safety risk not only for him but for all other rafters)! He was very disappointed! He never completely retired from work and used to walk to work everyday until his death at age 94…
He has very good habits and spirits; he is an example to be followed!
Gorgeous photos and great material. We’ve been to many of these places and I can’t wait to share my experiences as well. Plitvice was exceptional. We did the approximately 5 mi. hike that was not a loop. Whoops. Was GORGEOUS!
Would like to see your posts!
The lakes and falls are so lovely. Your FIL is brave. And you as well.
Beautiful gallery of interesting places.
Glad that you like this most popular post of mine!
Wow, this is gorgeous. I remember all the difficulties of traveling with my grandparents and later my mother. My great-grandparents, on the other hand, planned and executed their own journeys. I remember that my parents and grandparents laughed that tthe great-grandparents drove such short distances every day, but they did it their way, and had a wonderful time.
Everybody will travel at their preferred pace, this will be most enjoyable!
Have a happy time. Love your photos. 🙂
Glad that you are going back to read some of my earlier posts! Thank you 🙂
Nice to have the time to enjoy them. You have a great style, Michael.
Many thanks for your compliments!
What an amazing trip Michael. Love your photos especially the first and last ones. Safe journeys
Thank you so much for your kind words. Stay healthy and safe on your travels too!
Your photos capture the lovely variety of water! It makes me happy to hear about older folks still out there traveling. 🙂
Let them travel as much as they can, accompany them when we still can!
Reblogged this on retireediary.
How wonderful for all of you, that you were able to meet the challenge and reap the joys of traveling together. Much to ponder here, including the timeless value of filial piety, and the wisdom of planning for our own aging, which happens much sooner than we expect! Thanks for a post that is lovely in every way.
Hi Julia, nice to hear from you again!
This was the post I drafted immediately after the East European trip and was liked by many readers. I am glad that you like it as well.
Hope all’s well with you. Do you live near the Cotswolds? Seem to remember you have a post on strolling in the area.
If only I did live near the Cotswolds! I visited for the first time recently and fell in love with the area. I’m still in Virginia, near Washington DC. Please let me know if you ever plan to visit here. There are many places just waiting for you to take photos. 🙂
Spent two days in Cotswolds in 1997.
Love it, especially the honey colored buildings and the rivers. Would like to re-visit one day.
Visited Washing DC in 1984, very interesting, I like it too.
For both places, I took photos . Just don’t know where they are . . . . . . .
What a trip. I hope to be able to travel on such an adventure when I’m 80!
I would like that too 🙂