Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is make a mistake.
Last week I went to Disney’s Epcot in Orlando, Florida. It’s been years since my last visit, back when Ellen DeGeneres hosted my favorite ride—the gentle dinosaur journey through the Jurassic Period. That ride has now been reimagined as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and I assumed it would be the same tame experience…just with a space theme.
NO. NO. NO.
This is a high-energy, full-throttle indoor roller coaster with dips, twists, and speed that borders on outrageous. Once you’re strapped in, there’s no escape. And guess what? I loved it. I was way outside my comfort zone—and it was fantastic.
That pretty much sums up my week.
On New York City’s big snow day, I flew in to speak at the NYC Travel & Adventure Show at the massive Javits Center. I’ll admit—I was nervous. After all, Peter Greenberg was speaking at the same time. But we had a terrific crowd at the “Adventure at Any Age” event hosted by Healthy Aging® Magazine. My thanks to publisher Cathryn Worthington for inviting me to join the panel. I highly recommend subscribing to Healthy Aging (healthyaging.net) for smart, practical articles on health and lifestyle.
And there was more comfort-zone challenges to come.
I flew from NYC to Miami—via Atlanta—to Orlando for an audition to become an enrichment speaker on Cunard Line. For a month, I wrote and rewrote my slides, refined my topic, and sharpened my approach. I don’t know yet if I made it—but I’m thrilled I went for it.
Years ago, I wrote an article called “Killed in the Comfort Zone.” The premise was simple: routines can quietly suffocate curiosity, growth, and joy. Since then, research has repeatedly shown that novel environments and challenging experiences—especially travel—support cognitive health.
Coping with new places and situations is exercise for your brain. This week, mine got a serious workout.
I invite you to choose something that challenges you and do it. Then tell me about it—by voicemail or text—at fanlist.agelesstraveler.com. I want to hear what you tried and how it felt.
Culture Vulture: British castles, dukes, duchesses—and Scotland during festival season
Luxury Travel for Less: Orlando & Winter Park’s surprisingly rich art scene
And on this week’s podcast, it’s Valentine’s Day with an episode about stories that change how we see the world. I sit down with historical fiction author Judalon de Bornay to explore Great Crossing: A Forgotten Love Story — a powerful look at the real-life relationship between Vice President Richard Mentor Johnson and Julia Chinn, a woman who challenged the norms of her time.
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This Week’s Highlights
On Our Podcast
A Forgotten Love Story for Valentines Day
Happy Valentine’s Day! Discover a Forgotten Love Story in Our Latest Episode!
This Valentine’s Day, we’re going beyond roses and romance — into a love story that history almost erased. In our podcast, I interview historical fiction author Judalon de Bornay, whose novel Great Crossing: A Forgotten Love Story uncovers the real-life relationship between Vice President Richard Mentor Johnson and Julia Chinn, an enslaved woman who defied the expectations of her time.
If you enjoy meaningful stories, fascinating history, and conversations that inspire curiosity, this episode is for you. Judalon uncovers the complexities of race, love, and identity, while highlighting how travel and exposure to different cultures deepen our understanding of history and humanity.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of fiction, or simply seeking inspiration for your next adventure, join me for a journey through time, resilience, and a love story that still resonates today. Tune in now and embark on a journey through time and love!
A colleague of mine, Meryl Pearstein, specializes in once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Anglophiles like me. Through HeritageXplore Luxe (heritagexplore.com), she curates ultra-small-group journeys through England and Scotland, opening doors to privately owned castles and aristocratic estates—hosted by the families who live there.
These trips are pricey—but utterly unique. Think behind-the-scenes access, private dinners with dukes and duchesses, chauffeured transport, and overnight stays inside castle walls.
MY PICK: Castles of Scotland — July 31–Aug 4, 2026 Includes Scone Palace, Glamis Castle, Blair Castle, and Highland estates—with optional clay shooting and whisky tastings. I particularly love this trip because it aligns with the Edinburgh International Festival, which I attend every year. If enough Ageless Travelers are interested, I’ll negotiate the best possible group rate—let me know!
Luxury Travel for Less
Orlando surprised me—in the best way.
Rollins Museum of Art – Winter Park
Located on the beautiful campus of Rollins College (alma mater of Fred Rogers—yes, that Mr. Rogers), the Rollins Museum of Art delivers museum-quality exhibitions in a serene setting. Recent exhibitions include modern American works, contemporary photography, and rotating special exhibitions drawn from an excellent permanent collection.
Orlando Museum of Art
Set within Loch Haven Cultural Park alongside Orlando Shakes, the Orlando Museum of Art consistently punches above its weight. Recent exhibitions include contemporary global artists, American modernism, and dynamic art on travel and consumerism…including a Pam Am carry bag as sculpture and an oil painting of the Grand Tour in Italy.
Mennello Museum of American Art
A true hidden gem. The Mennello Museum is known for its outstanding collection of folk and self-taught art—and its beautiful outdoor sculpture garden overlooking Lake Formosa.
I was especially moved by the work of Earl Cunningham, a self-taught artist discovered by museum co-founder Marilyn L. Mennello. His work blends simplicity with emotional depth—American, soulful, and quietly powerful. I left with his art book under my arm and a big smile on my face.
Friends Meeting Friends
Here’s A Fresh Perspective on Midlife and Aging
The Late Bloomer Living Podcast inspires you to find joy, embrace change, and live playfully at ANY age. Whether you’re navigating midlife, moving beyond it, launching a new career, or simply looking for more fun and fulfillment, this show will empower you to take bold steps toward the life you truly want.
Redefining What’s Possible at Midlife & Beyond
Every Wednesday, join host Yvonne Marchese on latebloomerliving.com as she interviews inspiring guests who’ve dared to reinvent themselves after 40 and experts who provide valuable guidance on navigating the unique challenges of midlife and beyond.
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