Wafer-thin Monsieur!

2019 sabbatical and my travels beyond!

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Spring 2026, what a wonderful troupe hiking the Portuguese Camino de Santiago! So proud of my folks, and my kiddo … now with Paul and Kris we are all pilgrims!

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When your best bud turns XX, you have to go back to St Maarten for an incredible swanky girls (and little men) weekend! 48 hours I’ll never forget :)

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Best birthday ever. Evvvverrrrr. We definitely DID NOT go to Paris.

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A RAINY (!!?!?) weekend in LA, reuniting with a dear old friend and getting a brand new tattoo!

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Travel is so often about nature for me. Perhaps it’s a desire amplified by residing in one of the most dense US cities …. where space, and breathing room, air quality and natural beauty can be in short supply. This is just one tiny corner, lovingly called “Buddy’s Spot,” of my Catskills.

[cheerytraveler]

Though I call this jungle home, for many it is a place that is very foreign .. even a little magical. After over 20 years and despite my immersion, i'm still awed by it and see new things here every day. Did you know New York City is one of the top 5 cities to visit in the world? Its #4 to Rome, Tokoyo, and London! Ill never take for granted that i've been lucky enough to live, learn and thrive here.

[cheerytraveler]

Once I completed a portion of the Camino Frances that culminated in Santiago de Compostela, I embarked on the next journey that took me to the end of earth, the Spanish town of Finisterra.

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So many beautiful textures that create the backdrop for reflection on the Camino....

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Santiago de Compostela, marks the end of my first Pilgrimage.

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I was lucky enough to attend a mass in Santiago de Compostela that used the famous Botafumeiro, a massive metal pendulum containing incense that in early days was used to mitigate the smells of the church's live-in inhabitants, but now serves a symbolic purpose for prayer. It's set in motion by 8 men called "tiraboleiros" and coupled with powerful organ or choir music its truly awe inspiring in this gorgeous, massive church.

[cheerytraveler]

"Life changing" doesn't have to happen loudly, or abruptly or immediately. It can seep in quietly, a lasting effect over the course of a lifetime, the result of a journey and the things taken in. I hiked the requisite 100+ km on the French way of the Camino de Santiago this summer and happily became a pilgrim for the first time. I found beauty inside and out, and discovered a place of serenity within that I know I will summon and return to.

[cheerytraveler]

My 50th birthday was shared in Puerto Rico with so many of my favorite ladies and one very special little man. Was feeling, AM feeling so blessed for all of the love I found in my first half century!

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Felix and I took our first cruise for Spring break, aboard the MSC “Meraviglia.” We braved the Bahamas and the wilds of Cocoa Beach Florida for an easy week that started right from our very own Brooklyn Harbor!

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From Sintra's yellow palace, Cascais, and Azenhas do Mar, south to the Algarve and Cape Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe ... to the beautiful island of Madiera and the volcanic rock pools of Porto Moniz, and finally historic Lisbon.. Portugal is every bit as magical as i've been hearing it is for years. Its not hard to understand why travelers love it so much. It is full of natural beauty, and wonderful music and food, but above all the people are patient and kind and eager to share everything about their culture that makes it so special.

[cheerytraveler]

In Funchal, the capital of Madiera, you can famously hurl from the top of the mountain into town in a traditional sliding wicker basket called a "carros de cesto." These are helmed by two "carreiros" who (hopefully) steer you safely down the steep and slippery roads.

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In Lisbon, the symbol of a man or woman singing and crying oceans of tears might indicate you're near a restaurant that features a "Fadista" or the primary performer in a trio, singing the traditional songs about longing, sadness and nostalgia that are typical of Fado music. I fell so in love with this music and these intimate performances in Portugal .

[cheerytraveler]

Spent a week hiking in Madiera, Portugal.. followed the beautiful winding levadas carrying water from high to low, and met a wonderful group of friends from around the globe.