Another pre-departure, at the airport too early, Facebook post. I can't believe the last one was 2021, before heading off to Ecuador. I am overdue for some very long extended travel. This time, departing on happier terms (no sudden passing of friends and waiting for covid test results). Much happier in fact. All due to the anticipation of this trip that marks the next step in what I hope will be the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. To balance my passion for international travel with the mundane routine of living in a suffocating capitalist world. It had to be done in a way that I could step away from tourism and have travel all to myself instead of monetizing it to pay my bills. There were a lot of small trials over the past two years that have led up to this opportunity. Plus a lot of late hours and stepping up at work to earn the trust of my employer. No words to describe how grateful I am for this chance, a new path forged in small part due to hard work and sacrifice but primarily because of sheer luck and being born into a life of plentiful opportunities (I will never take that for granted). Hope all goes well and extended remote work becomes a more permanent option in my life. As my friend Mary reminded me recently, if she can slay at life at 94 then I have no excuse. Finally a chance to step further away from a forced corporate and societal structure that never synched and something I struggle to make sense of. It's me time!