Douro River | DigiDame

Just because we are a little older doesn’t mean we have to give up the adventure in our lives. In fact, this summer when Eliot and I found ourselves 2,000 feet above the Douro River amidst the most gorgeous winding vineyards in Portugal, I thought, I’m glad I didn’t miss this.

The more I travel, the more I feel like we have a lot of living left to do. It makes me feel as if life is going to go on forever. Yes, I know the realities of my day dreams, but as long as we are healthy enough, I want to go, go, go.

From time to time, I scour the Internet for places I would like to see. I have little interest in resort-time vacations. I want adventure. I am learning to use sites like Jetsetter (member discounts), Kayak (good airfares), Hotel.com (accommodations), Yapta (travel fares), Trip Advisor (hotel reservations and walking tours), and Home Exchange (home swapping).

I just came across several destinations that are so not me, but boy would l like to give them a chance. I love setting my eyes on something I have never seen before and looks like one of the wonders of the world. When I first saw this on The Huffington Post, I couldn’t wait to share with you.

These are destinations with extreme staircases. I don’t do well on stairs because I get a slight vertigo. If I can hold on to Eliot or someone else who volunteers a lending hand, I may be able to conquer. Take a look at the photos below. For the entire story, click here. All I want to do is pack my bag.

Don’t stop now. See the other spots.

AMA Vida River Cruise

I was very anxious to be ageless this summer. All year long, I am reminded of my age as I deal with business people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. I am okay just as long as there are no mirrors around. The minute I see myself surrounded by all the youngsters, I am shocked. I can’t believe how much time has gone by.

A few months ago, I somehow felt that if I could escape to Europe for a few weeks this summer, I would not constantly be reminded of my age. I would tour around and fantasize about all of the possibilities that lie ahead. Eliot and I finally planned a trip to Portugal and Spain. We booked an AMA Waterways cruise on the Douro River and then a few days in Madrid.

That is where I am now. I am typing to you from my riverboat suite. This trip was everything I imagined, and more. In addition to my clothes, all I needed was my laptop, iPhone, and iPad to make it work. I am five hours ahead so the work schedule is very accommodating. When I am out touring around, New York is sleeping. When I am back in my hotel room at the end of the day, New York is just getting ready for a full day’s work.

I am free to be me. For the last 10 days, the riverboat cruise has renewed my energy. Most passengers are in their 60s. A handful are older than that. We also have several couples in their 30s and 40s. A real mixed bag.

It was pretty evident that there were many people on this trip who felt just like me. We all wanted to see every inch of Portugal plus spend a decent amount of time relaxing, schmoozing, and tasting the wines and ports of the region.

Life doesn’t get much better than this. Thanks to the Internet and innovative technology, I am able to be where I want to be, and take on whatever persona I want to for an hour, a few days, or even a few weeks.

A must watch video of seniors pretending to be young again on the sun deck of the AMA Vida. Catch Eliot making his moves.

Visiting the only Synagogue in Porto

The following pictures are from the day in Porto.