Mid-May it is. A little earlier than I originally thought but I’m anxious to beat any restrictions which could pop up in the future.

My main concern is that Vaccine Passports will be instituted; not so much on countries but by airlines. And if that happens, there will be even fewer flights in and out of South Africa as no one here will be vaccinated, so why should airlines fly here?

Ryan and I are looking at flights and it looks like we have enough reward miles that I will fly business class the whole way! That’s really going to make a huge difference as I have actually been dreading the flights, all 30-34 hours of them!

Now that the decision is made, I’m looking at my next steps.

One of the biggest hurdles was quarantining on my arrival in California. Seven days, with a COVID test on day 3 before “release”. But Betsy and Barry to the rescue! So grateful to them to offer this space! I’ll be able to stay in their downstairs room for the week to not only quarantine but also get over jet lag! They will both have been vaccinated by then, so that mitigates the risk to them. I’ll have my car (logistics still to be figured out there) so can take myself to get the test, etc. As soon as I have the all-clear on COVID, I will get the vaccine and hope for the J&J single shot.

The Planning Stage

I am thinking about the following 2-3 months, of who I want to see and where I will go.

With Ryan and a lot of friends in Southern California, more in Washington, and Cody and family in Montana, the trip will most likely look a lot like the trip I did a couple of years ago, the year before the pandemic. From SoCal, up the coast through Central and Northern Cal, Oregon and into Washington State, up to Port Townsend where I can roost at Mardelle and Jim’s house, in “my” apartment. Then on through Eastern Washington and hopefully a stop at Lake Chelan to see Janet and Pat (if they are back from Mexico) and on to Montana to see Cody and family, where Ryan will fly in for a few days. Then back down to SoCal.

But of course, in this pandemic time, no plans are set in stone! But having a general idea of my time there is helpful.

I’m excited about this next adventure, but also have mixed feelings about it.

Obviously, I’m so looking forward to seeing everyone. When I did that previous trip, I was pretty much homeless, with no fixed address, living out of my suitcases and getting ready to move and experiment with starting a new life in South Africa.

This time, almost two years and a pandemic later, and although I am planning to keep my granny flat as security while I’m gone, the jury is still out about living permanently in South Africa, even on a 9-months here, 3-months there routine. I haven’t settled on a permanent solution to where to live yet.

The same constraint is still in effect: finances unfortunately are the deciding factor for me. It’s inexpensive here in South Africa and my minimal Social Security goes a long way! And costs allow me to have a home, or at least a base to come back to. Which for me is huge.

But life is so much more than that. The pandemic didn’t help as everyone around the world retreated into their hidey holes, so for the majority of the past year, I’ve felt pretty much like I did when I was isolated down on the canal in Washington. Reconnecting with friends has been difficult and establishing new friends even more so. And even now, as we see very few restrictions, people are fearful and choose to stay confined and isolated. So establishing a new life for myself, in a way that is fulfilling has been, and is, very difficult. And who knows how long this will last?

The isolation and lack of social interaction is debilitating. I’ve lived alone for a long time now, but still miss having companionship on a regular basis.

Another factor influencing my thinking is the political situation here. This country is in serious decline, riddled with corruption and strife. The safety and security issues are escalating, exacerbated by the inept government. I hear of a lot of people, people who are die-hard South Africans, considering pulling up roots and leaving. It’s a very sad state of affairs as this country has so much potential if managed right.

So for now, I’ll plan my trip (as much as I can) and look forward to seeing family and old friends and perhaps getting a different perspective on my life, after being gone for almost 18 months.