The spirit of adventure

Many of us in our sixties are quietly looking forward to retirement, at best a very active one and in most cases – alas - a quiet, progressive shutdown of all the vital systems that have kept us going over the years. Some – if they live inland - will be moving for good to their second homes by the water, many will split their time between home and that vacation residence they've come to love over the years, while the majority will simply stay in their abode and like me, grow their veggie garden.

Through Facebook, I recently reconnected with Patrick Wahle, a former Avoriaz ski instructor colleague of mine. Like me, he's re-invented himself a few times, moved from France to North America, and today, in his mid-sixties will make a huge leap and journey all the way to the Philippines for his retirement. He recently purchased a piece of land by the ocean, will build a new home on this corner of paradise and is committed to move there for good sometime next year.

Short of sailing across the Pacific in his 38' sailboat, that will be dismounted and neatly fitted inside a 40' container, this man and his spouse have the incredible stamina and outward looking attitude to settle in a totally strange place where they'll have to adopt the local culture, learn the language and in one word, start all over. This bold move should be an example to all of us who have become home buddies and can't stand the smallest disruption in our daily routine. Way to go, Patrick and Vicky; there's a part of me that want to go you!