129 Comments

Oh how I love the caring for each other back-and-forth. What a beautiful symbiosis. What love. Best in all you do to you both. ♥️

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Thank you! Yes there was a beautiful power in that. 🙂

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This finds me at the right time. ❤️ “Southern Turkey reminded us that everything is temporary - even entire civilizations.” And an especially concise and sobering insight!

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😳😉🙂

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You two always make my day. My marriage is struggling right now, but it's worth fighting for. You are a terrific reminder of the enduring nature of love. Merry Christmas

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Aww. Thank you and best wishes.

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I'm sorry to hear that Michaelann. Here's hoping things are better in the New Year. And Merry Christmas to you as well.

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I'm so glad you replied, I guess I assumed that you'd be too busy. Thank you.

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What an incredible year. Glad that last sojourn in southern England ended the year on a more peaceful, decompressing note.

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Thanks, Mile’s!

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Great year-end recap. Sorry about all the health issues, but glad they aren’t TOO serious. Just curious, why didn’t you like Valencia for long-term stay? Or is it Spain in general? We’re visiting Malaga and Alicante areas in April in anticipation of getting our retirement visa. Thx, and Happy Holidays!

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Boy, I keep hearing about Alicante. We must check it out!

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Thanks, Peter. We like Spain quite a bit, but just didn't connect with Valencia for a reason I can't quite put my finger on. It just wasn't as interesting or charming as we expected, I guess. And the beach area wasn't all that interesting. In case you missed it, here's the article we wrote about it.

https://www.brentandmichaelaregoingplaces.com/p/the-place-were-at-now-valencia-spain-388?utm_source=publication-search

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Sounds like you had a fabulous year that was punctuated with terrible medical events. I agree that having another person to care for and care for you is a huge marital plus, and it

comes in really handy when you get older. After some years of a domestic nomad existence, my husband and I are now in our 70s and our travels have been curtailed. But we have dazzling memories, and we hope to get back on the road again before too long. Thanks for sharing your life‘s stories! Merry Christmas, Brent and Michael!

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Merry Christmas to you as well!

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Thank you! And Merry Christmas to you too!

It was a nice reminder how great it is to have a partner...

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Hohoho, you guys are the best! Always The Real mixed with All Dat Travel Fun. Thanks for sharing stories from your life that aren't just the flashy, postable crap.

Here's to fewer injuries in 2025, or at least having them happen in countries with advanced medical care...

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Let's definitely go with fewer injuries! LOL>

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Haha, yes, Norway is the PLACE TO BE if you have a mishap, I swear.

Thanks for the nice wishes, and best wishes and happy holidays to you!

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Thank you for this life affirming post and all the other inspirational and entertaining ones before that. Glad I found you guys in 2024! May 2025 bring a lot more positive events and experiences than negative ones for all of us; may it be a safe and healthy year. Thank you sharing your stories and insights with us, and enjoy your time with friends and family. Happy Holidays, everyone!

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What a wonderful comment! Thank you so much. And we wish the same for you!

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Thank you, Stefanie! And thanks for coming along with us this year. And, yes, here's to a happier and healthier 2025 for the entire world.

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Obviously Santa only visits good boys, so perhaps you should be taking a good long hard look at why he's not bothering with you guys! 🤔😬

Meanwhile, if you are looking for somewhere to settle, may I flag a few places that may rock your boat?

In France, La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast (one of my favorites for culture and food), or Sete on the Med ( lovely place), or Villefranche sur Mer or Beaulieu sur mer on the Cote d'Azur - maybe would suit you very well. And France has great medical care. Pisa in Italy, more down to earth than nearby Florence.

Just some thoughts to chuck in the pot.

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Love those suggestions though. Also reminds me that in France doesn't a giant flying bell deliver chocolates on Christmas day? I suspect Michael might like that...

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I hadn't heard of that one. I am deeply into the Bah Humbug camp, so some of those Xmas traditions pass me by.

In fact one of the thing I like about France is the laid back attitude. Shops are open Xmas morning to buy the Xmas dinner food, no Xmas cards, no frenzied consumerism, just a gentle pleasure of a festival day. Perfect!

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We were VERY good boys this year, thank you very much! LOL LOL I've been hearing a lot of favorable things about France and we definitely need to spend more time there and give it proper consideration.

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That's not what I heard......

Fancy a scone? 🤔

😂

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HA!

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I like the reminder that you've still got each other and that ain't nothing.

My husband and I have found that our travels really reinforce the feeling of being a tiny little nucleus of two in the universe. It's the only thing that matters, really.

Thanks for the thoughtful words, as always.

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Thank you, Carol. And thank you for coming along with us this past year!

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HoHoHo! What a wonderful 'ride' your lives continue to be. Enjoy your time Stateside before heading to Japan and other far-flung lands. After Portugal, I am seriously looking into residency in....Malta! Still hoping our paths will cross at some point in time. Until then - Happy Holidays!

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It's dry but beautiful! Yes, keep us posted.

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I'm sure they will, ReAnn. And we've thought about Malta as well. If you go through with it, I'll be curious to hear what you think!

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I've got a scheduled call with a person on the island who 'walks you through the process'. I have a 1000 questions, so will send you a recap of the answers I get!

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What is took away from this was that it was a team effort and you two are there for one another through thick and thin. That's priceless in today's weird world. I hope things are better for you both in 2025... I've had my own set of bizarro health issues, and for me this is a wakeup call that I simply can't put things off anymore. That, and I must stop multi-tasking, it's too much on the brain (I just read about it this morning) so for 2025 I suppose my new annual mantra will be "lighten up." Merry Christmas to you both, sans Santa.

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Love it! Yes.

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Thanks, Patti. Here's hoping it's a better year for the whole world!

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What a lovely post. Thanks for letting us follow you throughout the year!

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Thank you for coming along!

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Have a wonderful holiday! So glad with all the health challenges you are both ok. We loved Oslo, too. If you ever swing thru Chicago, let me know. We are a sanctuary city in a blue state after all.

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Love Chicago! Will do!

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Loved your travel summary and philosophical approach to life. As I get older I sometimes feel I want to let go of my inner wanderlust. Reading about your travels, even with health issues along the way, re-invigorates my adventurous spirit. Thank so much!!

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What a lovely comment, Barbara! Thank you for reading and coming along with us as we travel the world, if only virtually.

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You’re so right , you have each other ! I started this a while back but I’m glad now I restarted and finished your year without Santa . There was a lot thrown at you. I hope 2025 is a very heathy year for both of you. I had not been to an Ortho doc ever but I found out I needed two new hips and I got them both within 3 months. Now I walk much better. Here’s to an improved situation for us all ( and you’re right about another thing , the burgers are good here )

Cheers 🥂 and best wishes

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Glad you are feeling better!

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Thank you for the kind wishes. And the same to you! Hip, hip, hooray on the new hips! (sorry!)

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Haha that’s funny thank you 😊

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