No, not my 40th birthday. That happened a LONG time ago, and quite honestly, I have no recollection of how we marked that milestone.
THIS big event is our 40th wedding anniversary, and yes, that photo is indeed 40 years old. This year, our anniversary happens to be on Memorial Day, same as the day we eloped. Of course, true to form, our way of celebrating doesn’t coincide with the actual DATE, but that’s just the way we roll.
We have never been big party people, partly because so many of those near and dear to us are geographically scattered. Years ago, we stopped giving gifts, instead opting to collect memories rather than objects. Okay, so that’s the build-up. You ready for the “reveal”?
To mark our 4 decades together, we decided to travel to Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). Yes, I know Nepal had a devastating earthquake last May, with a full complement of aftershocks. For a country that depends on the tourist trade, we decided a way to support the Nepali was to visit their country, then share what we see and experience. We hope blog and Facebook posts might encourage others to do likewise. Or at least prepare those that come after us for what lies ahead.
I recognize that given the infrastructure of these three countries, I probably won’t be posting while traveling. That will have to wait till our return, but in the meantime, I’ll share what we have learned during the preparation stage, and believe me, there is a lot to learn.
I have been checking out air options, collecting visas, figuring out what to pack that will get us through a month away, with temperatures ranging from a high of over 100 in Chitwan National Park to lows of 19 in Lhasa, and everything in between, while also staying within the prescribed weight limits. I’ve also been busy reading everything I can get my hands on about the three countries.
So, fair warning. If you aren’t interested in that little corner of the world, subsequent posts are going to be bone crushingly boring to you.
For those that are considering traveling with OAT, this is my way to pay it forward. I have benefitted greatly from the kind people who have taken the time to post information on the OAT forum, and want to do likewise.
More to follow!
Destination NOW 
Wow Alden Road, and a long……..time ago.
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I just posted on the OAT forum as I’m leaving on the same trip in 3 weeks. I’ve reversed your route…I live in southeastern Massachusetts and grew up in Pompton Plans, N.J. Oh, I’m going to Bhutan but not Tibet…and there are only 4 people on our trip!
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I hopped over to OAT to see your post. I hope you will get this response, but I’m not sure how it works–whether you get email notification or not.
Congratulations on the weight loss Janet. I too figure I’ll leave clothes behind. I never bring good stuff in third world countries. That way if something is destroyed in the local laundry, I don’t mind.
I hope to hear about YOUR trip. You will be back in late March, right?
Most of my family still lives in Fairhaven. Are you anywhere near there?
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Congratulations on your wedding anniversary and your upcoming trip! I can see why you married your husband… those eyes… 🙂 Your trip sounds wonderful and I will look forward to your posts after you get back. I very seldom post when I’m on a trip (too much else to do), but I keep a journal so I don’t forget things I want to share.
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Congratulations Shelley and Mike! Well done! I will be looking forward to your posts during and after your trip. Have a great time!
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Congratulations! Your trip sounds fabulous….will be looking forward to your posts.
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Hello and thanks for following Talesandtravel.com.. Your OAT trip to Nepal etc.is on my bucket list.. I look forward to reading all about it. We were so happy with OAT in Africa.
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Hi Leah,
Ultimate Africa was also our first OAT trip. You did a fantastic job capturing all of the important things one would want to know if they were considering taking the trip. Its great that you put your link on the OAT forum.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I’ll do my best to follow your lead and include all of the important information about the trip. I’m getting excited! It is now officially the start of the anticipation phase.
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