"Itchy feet can't seem to be scratched" Sharonov's Profile

20's

After college I and 3 girlfriends took a drive-away car to California (from Illinois.) We got temp jobs in San Francisco and stayed for 6 months, then the 2 of us who were left got another drive-away and went to Las Vegas (ugh!) and New Orleans. Finally my money was running out, even though I worked for temp office services wherever I was, and we returned to Chicago. I taught for 6 months, lived at home and saved all my money; I had $700 and a one-way-ticket on Icelandic. In 1965 this stake took me, via hitching and youth hostels and the cheapest food around, to most of the countries in Europe. I then taught in London for 6 months, again lived super-cheap, and hitched across North Africa (yes, Libya was the armpit of the world even before Ghaddafi, sorry Libyans). Worked in a kibbutz for awhile then went back across Bulgaria, Romania, what was then Yugoslavia, Italy, France & London. Couldn't find a job I liked so went home. It was hard to adjust!

Kids

Got married, had two children. When our son was 4 I just couldn't stand it. By that time I was in part-time sales which I found to offer more money than teaching in half the time commitment. Put away enough to leave my babies for 10 days and visit a friend in France. No I didn't feel guilty. Well, a little. But the need to travel was so, so great. I found myself dreaming of France, and the longing was almost painful. And hubby was home with the kids. Turnabout was fair play, so he traveled with a friend to England a few months later.

Retirement

OBOY! Time to travel MORE!!!! I'd like to go for longer periods too, but hubby has a limit of 3 weeks. So far I've pushed the limit for 5 weeks in India, 5 in South Africa and 5 just driving around Spain. But I think if I want longer from now on I'll either have to go alone or with a girlfriend. Luckily he doesn't mind. At first we scheduled two foreign trips a year--then our grandchildren were born so that's down to one. Grandkids live in the Bay area, so we've had some lovely California and West Coast trips. Been all over the state by now, in nearly every corner. We'd move out there if it weren't for state taxes and the fact that we have a daughter who's still in our city.

Intro Updated Jun 18, 2011
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Kaikoura Sep 18, 2012 at 10:26 PM

You have such an interesting travel-filled life...awesome!
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riorich55 Feb 4, 2012 at 7:25 AM

Hello Sharon, What have you been up to lately. Hopefully Sue and I will be getting back to Europe this year. France, Italy and Spain.
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jelw Jun 11, 2011 at 3:58 AM

Looking forward to meeting you in Chicago. What a bonus to have a greeter amongst the crew! Best, Jill
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deecat Jun 1, 2011 at 10:20 PM

Sharon, it will be a pleasure to meet you at the Chicago VT meet. Looking forward to it.
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starship Mar 29, 2011 at 12:46 PM

Very interesting life you've had!
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pieter_jan_v Feb 6, 2011 at 9:35 AM

Welcome to VT. Travel and have fun. PJ