Midlife & Travel Journals
A glimpse into my midlife and travel adventures, sharing unfiltered stories to inspire you to embrace life’s next chapter to the fullest.
IUD Removal at 50!
Turning 50 comes with a lot of changes—one of them? Saying goodbye to my IUD after nine years. In this raw and honest reflection, I dive into the emotions of closing the pregnancy chapter, the freedom of worry-free sex, and how midlife shifts impact our bodies, relationships, and desires. Let’s talk about what happens when you remove an IUD at 50, the unexpected feelings that come with it, and embracing this next phase with confidence.
Midlife Sleepless Nights
2:22 AM. Again. Like clockwork, I’m wide awake staring at the ceiling while my body decides that sleep is optional. The sheets are cool, but my personal summer is in full swing—who needs a thermostat when your own body can shift from Arctic chill to volcanic eruption in seconds? I reach for my laptop, surrendering to the insomnia, and start scribbling thoughts about midlife, travel, and why no one warned me that sleepless nights would come with a side of deep introspection. Maybe it's not just the hot flashes—maybe this is when the best ideas come alive.
Have you ever had a late-night wake-up call from your own thoughts? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
Refreshed After Travel Burnout
I hit a wall in Sardinia! Figuratively, of course. The fatigue started while in Naples, but after having to call the police 3 times to get the landlord to stop letting herself into the apartment I rented, uninvited and without notice – I was done, and truly learned the meaning of travel burnout.
1/2 Way on AI-generated train trip…It’s Getting Real & Being Real
I am at the halfway point of my 30 day AI-generated train trip through Europe and I am beginning to experience a serious lag in energy, which is not typical for me. Traveling the world is a childhood dream that I am so grateful to myself, family and friends that I am now experiencing – and loving!! But let’s be real for a moment, I have been traveling for roughly 5 months, to around 20 countries, and I have honestly lost count of how many cities. I can say with certainty that AI-generated train trip travel fatigue is getting real, OMG very real.
Days 7-9: Sweet Vienna
Vienna, the city of music, art, and imperial grandeur, welcomed me with open arms and an undeniable charm that only a true European capital can exude. As I meandered through its picturesque streets, the blend of historical splendor and vibrant modernity left me utterly enchanted.
Days 4-6: French Riviera
Strolling through Nice and Monaco on the French Riviera felt like stepping into a sun-soaked dream. In Nice, I wandered the Promenade des Anglais, the azure sea shimmering to one side, vibrant markets bustling to the other. The old town’s narrow streets were a delightful maze of cafes and shops. Then, a short train ride whisked me to Monaco, where opulence reigns supreme. I marveled at the luxurious yachts, and wandered through the Jardin du Casino and the famed Monte Carlo Casino. Every moment was pure Riviera magic!
Train journey in Europe Days 2-3: Barcelona, Spain & Marseille, France
The train in Spain was insane! My 30 day AI-generated train journey in Europe started off with an unexpected overnight in Barcelona – not a problem, I love Barcelona. A quick walk in the drizzle from the train station to my hotel, Expo Hotel Barcelona and jog on the treadmill at the hotel gym. Dinner with a friend, a wonderful breakfast at the trendy and tasty Honest Greens in the Gràcia neighborhood, a quick manicure, then back on the train and off to Marseille, France.
The Day Before 30 day train trip
Starting tomorrow I will be jumping on a train from Malaga, Spain, which is just north of Marbella where I have been hanging out enjoying the gorgeous beach for the past two weeks, to Marseille, France via Barcelona, and visiting 5 countries, 11 cities in 30 days.
AI 30 Day Train Trip Through Europe
An AI planned 30 day journey through the Mediterranean. My AI prompt: Plan a train trip through Europe starting in Marbella and visiting the following places: Marseille, Nice, Monaco, Vienna, Bologna, Rome, Naples, Amalfi, Sardinia, Crete, Mykonos and determine the cost for the trip starting June 19 for 30 days, activities 15 days (not 30) and utilizing night trains where available.
Day 1: Train Trials & Other Fun
Today was difficult! Day 1 of my new 30 day Ai train trip through Europe I had anticipated excitement and fun. So two thoughts have been rolling around my mind as I’ve rolling all over Spain… the first is a reminder to myself to let go of expectations and the second is a reminder that doing something for the first time can be, and often is, challenging.I am fortunate to be taking a train trials in Spain for the first time, not knowing the language very well (I’m slowly improving!) and at 50 years young.