Porthole

To Mars... Pennsylvania?

30DBC: With unlimited money? Where would I go?

I'd go to Mars. Since I'm old I'd probably only need a one-way ticket.

If not there... Mars, Pennsylvania?

We traveled through Mars every August on our way to my grandparent's house. Fireflies and nasturtiums, sleeping on a cot in the basement (far too sticky) and an odorous two-seat outhouse. Good times.

But let me be serious.

I'm traveling in Taiwan at the moment. I always travel with a roller bag and a backpack. If it doesn't fit it doesn't go. And it doesn't matter whether I'm going for 2 weeks or 2 months.

I have my checklist... but really? Most anything can be bought anywhere.

On this trip I left when it was below freezing. I layered, knowing that once in Taiwan it would be 'warm'.

I froze here.

Damp, chill, rain, wind. Back home we have dry cold and dry heat. This place is defined by the color moss green.

So today is nice.

However, if I had money and no trip to Mars, I'd go on a Road Scholar cruise around the world. They cost about $50,000. I've never had that kind of money.

I'd probably worry less and travel 'comfort' class and use a credit card knowing I could always cover the expenses. I'd still try to travel light... maybe even lighter.

Where would I stay? Since money isn't the question, availability is key. I'd probably still stay mostly in hostels because that's where one meets people. But an occasional hotel may make a nice break.

And I could go on tours (too expensive for my budget) and visit places off the beaten track.

Bhutan at $200/day would be doable. A cruise to the Antarctic would be nice, and with ice melting in the Arctic? That may be possible too.

I could actually go at the last minute and for shorter periods of time (three trips to Europe covering 2 months instead of just one trip).

But in reality money is a factor. One I manage very well.

And today I'm blessed to be among warm friendly people in Taiwan.

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