Liverpool. Statue of John on Mathew Street
I’ve just turned 65. This is, of course, a reason to celebrate what with Medicare and its benefits as well as all the fabulous discounts offered to seniors. And I have been celebrating. Probably too much.
However, reaching 65 is important for a very different, personal reason.
In April of this year, R and I were in Liverpool, a stop on our cruise itinerary. When we initially booked, I gave the stop little thought, beyond considering it would be cool to visit Beatles sights — and it was. But once at home as my thoughts drifted over our recent travels, I remembered something important about Liverpool. After a little digging, I found the passenger list for the Tuscania, the ship that carried my grandparents and my mother from the UK to New York. Their departure port — Liverpool. August 1915. R and I had visited their departure port, perhaps our cruise ship docked in the same area as the Tuscania. As a cruise ship tourist, I connected to a piece of my family history.
While 65 is not old old, it is senior level. I’ve now lived 10 years longer than my mother did, thanks to a healthier lifestyle, modern meds, and a growing body of medical research on diseases and aging.
Katherine in WWII, probably somewhere in Italy. I know who gave me my love of adventure. Can you imagine what a transatlantic crossing was like in 1915?
I made it to 65 and I’m embracing it and looking forward to …..whatever.
Happy birthday.
RetireTravelCeliacGo 