Running from Lions and Dumbo's Magic Feather

Today was vaccination day and I had the pleasure of meeting Ellen as my Nurse Practitioner Extraordinaire at the Jordan Travel Clinic in Plymouth. We decided on Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever, and a booster Polio vaccine. Most likely incidents while traveling are primarily intestinal issues or traffic related accident, statistically. In preparation for the former, Ellen recommended "dumbo's magic feather" or a filled anti-biotic scrip, that would magically ward off the need to use it, as opposed to needing a prescription mid-trip. So now, armed with dumbo's magic feather, which he believed was the reason he could fly, so can I.

Ellen was fantastic, and spent a full hour with me in addition to a great packet of information from the CDC and State Department. She's seen a lot and has even received an international certificate from a distinguished medical travel professional muckety-muck group out of Glasgow, Scotland. You know what they say . . . . If its not Schkot-ISH, it's CRAHP!

Another side bar conversation we had was a discussion about human evolution and how our early human ancestors had a healthy release of toxins in the body due to "running from lions" as opposed to the more static and sedentary ways we deal with stress these days. I'm grateful to Ellen and her categorical experience and wisdom, and the good laughs we had, and the joy she has for her profession.

Funny last note; medical insurance wont pay for my visit to the clinic and the immunizations recommended. Isn't that what they call Penny-wise and Pound-foolish?

FAQ

Q. When are you leaving?

A. Not sure yet. Yesterday confirmed a Dividend Miles Round the World Award Ticket has the same restrictions as a non-refundable fare. Until visas to Australia and India are confirmed, hopefully this week, it's not advisable to book the ticket. But once that detail is done, I'm off!

Destinations

Sydney, Australia
Cairns, Australia - Great Barrier Reef, paddle board heaven I hope. Pronounced "kanz."
Bankok, Thailand
Siem Reap, Cambodia - destination Angkor Wat.
Mumbai, India
Istanbul, Turkey - The Grand Bazaar
Dublin, Ireland - Home of Guinness

The Star Alliance Dividend Miles Round The World Ticket has less segments than a regular RTW fare, and is completely unchangeable, so I am waiting for final visas from Australia & India in order to do a final booking and take off!

For Love of the World by Charlotte Tall Mountain

For the love of a tree, she went out on a limb.
For the love of the sea, she rocked the boat.
For the love of the earth, she dug deeper.
For the love of community, she mended fences.
For the love of the stars, she let her light shine.
For the love of spirit, she nurtured her soul.
For the love of a good time, she sowed seeds of happiness.
For the love of the Goddess, she drew down the moon.
For the love of nature, she made compost.
For the love of a good meal,she gave thanks.
For the love of family, she reconciled differences.
For the love of creativity, she entertained new possibilities.
For the love of her enemies, she suspended judgment.
For the love of herself, she acknowledged her worth.
And the world was richer for her.

Planning a Round the World Trip in 30 days or less

Begin Choose Decide Review Plan Joy Advice? Doubt Fear Re-Connect Ephesus Epiphany! Safari Guiness The End. Planning for a trip on a recently discovered Round-the-World ability has sent me through a range of thoughts and feelings in the last few weeks. It was the day before leaving for Santa Fe to visit long time friends Bonnie & Tom that I discovered treasure. While planning to use frequent flyer miles to make it to the land down under and reviewing how many miles I had, the fine print read:

Want to go around the world? For 200,000 miles in economy class, 300,000 miles in business class or 400,000 miles in first class you can circle the globe.

 . . . circle the globe?  YES!

It pays to get a pair of those Foster Grants from CVS with the coal miner lights attached.