29 Comments
Feb 14, 2022·edited Feb 14, 2022Liked by Brent Hartinger, Michael Jensen

So happy for you finding yourselves! You included so much in this incredible post!! The frustration of America today, a country I was so proud of and a little arrogant in my pride, but now gives me a knot in my stomach; a love of travel but fear of long term travel despite our talking about it for so long; the freedom of downsizing; and yes, how lucky we are as Americans. Great post! Thank you!

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Feb 16, 2022·edited Feb 16, 2022Liked by Brent Hartinger

❤️❤️❤️ this post. And the sentiment behind your last paragraph in particular shines through so bright. What a beautiful way to show your love for Michael. You know, after being with my husband since the age of 15 (40 years strong), I can relate. We mosey along through our lives doing the best we can, raising our children and ensuring they are ready to fly when they reach adulthood, planning our financial future, enjoying time with family and friends but I have to say, he and I do lose sight of each other through the drudgery of our every day lives. I love him dearly, but I can see there’s more underneath his skin that needs to be exposed. I have no doubt he feels the same about me! I frankly can’t wait until 2023 which is the year we plan to take off for (minimum) year’s exploration around the world. I want to re-introduce ourselves to each other as we delve into new experiences. Because sure as eggs, these last 2 years with covid have made it very clear life is too short and the days are passing too quickly! Stay safe and happy!

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Feb 16, 2022Liked by Brent Hartinger

Love the last paragraph in particular. Very inspiring about growth and change.

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Dear Brent: Yes, smoking does bother me, too. It's hard to believe I used to hang out in the smokers' lounge in one of the schools in which I taught in Houston almost 40 years ago. This was way before the medical profession started to warn against the effects of second hand smoke. I ate lunch there for 2 reasons: 1; it was the closest lounge to my classroom, and 2; the people who frequented that lounge were a lot more fun to be with than the other teachers in the non smoking lounges. That's really the last teachers' lounge I regularly ate lunch in during the day. Since then, I've chosen either to stay in my classroom or go out to lunch. Interesting!

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Dear Brent and Michael: I just finished reading your article. After the Triple B (Bombastic, Boorish, Buffoon) was elected, I too told a few people I was leaving the country. A colleague of mine asked me the day of the election if I thought Trump could get elected as President. I replied I had no doubt he could get elected. And look what happened. I live in California. It's my home. I returned to it after 19 years in Texas just in time for the good people of the Golden State to recall Gray Davis as Governor and replace him with Arnold Schwarzneggar. If that wasn't bad enough, Californians reelected Arnold for a 2nd. term! But to the theme of your post. I'm still here in the US, but I'm moving closer to vacating the premises. If I do, Spain, Italy, and Mexico are at the top of my travel list. Both of my daughters have traveled much more than me. They've both had extensive travel experience in Europe where both of them have said the people there "drink like fish, smoke like chimneys, and party like rock stars", and they're still healthier and happier than Americans here in the USA. That sounds like a group of people I'd like to associate with. Happy Valentine's Day, you two.

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Feb 15, 2022Liked by Brent Hartinger

What an absolutely wonderful email to receive on Valentine's Day! Here's to many journeys, new meetings and greetings in your future. Even if I'm not destined to be a digital nomad, I can pick up on the idea of traveling through the remainder of my life streamlined in my possessions but open and eager for what each day brings. Happy journeys, Brent and Michael!

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Feb 14, 2022Liked by Brent Hartinger

How wonderful for you both! Happy Valentine's Day...and happy nomad life. It makes me so happy to see such a wonderful couple.

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Feb 14, 2022Liked by Brent Hartinger

Thank you for such an inspiring adventure story! Very happy for you both. A potential risk with clearly unlimited rewards. Leaves me envious!!

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Feb 14, 2022Liked by Brent Hartinger

My husband and I love reading your post. We have been planning for many years that once our children were independent, that we too would spend a great deal of time traveling the world, but I must say that Trump's election certainly cemented our plans! I too might be considered a control freak, so it was great to see your comments about letting go and embracing the unknown.

We have recently retired, sold our home and most of our worldly processions in the US and are embarking upon our first slow travel adventure to Spain and Portugal in a few weeks for 2.5 months. We own a home in Costa Rica so we will spend the summer there and then are strongly considering Croatia for the fall.

Thank you for all your valuable information and insights (including your extremely well written post on international health insurance options.) I would love for nomadic paths to cross someday.

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Feb 14, 2022Liked by Brent Hartinger

Hi Brent, Thanks for that great article. I read it and found many aspects of myself in your words. While I'm not as concerned about the financial aspects (retiring in July and expecting to have plenty of flexibility about where I travel and how I live), I'm definitely a planner and will be a single, gay, older male traveling alone - and worrying a lot about how to connect with others in my travels as you seem to have been so successful at doing. Any suggestions?

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Feb 14, 2022Liked by Brent Hartinger

I did not read this entire piece yet. I got to the Trump reference and had to write that I chatted with a 95-year-old on Friday who said he voted for trump in the first election and he was disappointed in himself. I should give myself an award for not being a snarky jerk in response to his confession. I really, really to say something.

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