This post was written in 2009…

I just finished my first novel entitled “Broken Collar” and am ready for a break. Leaving the country for about four months sounds like a dream come true. My wife, Mare, joins me in early retirement, and we book a flight to West Africa, Ghana, returning three and one-half months later. The novel marketing will have to wait.

We travel everywhere that we can, and usually independently. But, this will be our longest time away from home. The most grueling aspect of this trip preparation is “re-homing” our two dogs. Long story short, one dog is back with us, and  we found a person to stay at our house and care for him. I wish we knew that earlier, and then we would still have two dogs. Paying bills, organizing insurance, and minimizing our possessions, all cannot compare to the pain of losing a dog. Yes, we have had to overcome resentments with each other over the dog issue.

Either way, we have to see the world. Now is the time. We are in our early 50’s, healthy, and combine our modest government pensions to make it happen. Traveling is our passion. Being out of place, being the minority, not speaking the language, and relying on the kindness of the human spirit takes us to different countries, which inspires our souls. This kind of travel can certainly test a relationship as well.

The only reservations we have are for  one-week on the coast in Ghana. From there, we plan to visit Tombouctou in Mali, and then travel through the countries of Burkina Faso, Togo, finishing off with a Voodoo Festival in Benin. Who knows? Our travel plans will most likely change along with the situation. I plan to write and sell a few articles.

We have no other reservations, and will trek with backpacks, a tent and two sleeping bags.

Come join us. I plan to update our blog as much as possible. You’re invited!

Take your shoes off…stay a while