Category: Travel

Seminary Studies

Well, I think I alluded to it here, but it is now official: I’ve been accepted as a non-degree student (HCHC Open Learning program) at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. What this means is that I am going to be taking some online courses from them in the next year plus. During that time, based on discernment and growth, I have the option to apply for degree or certificate programs.

This is a very different path for me, and it is one that has several possible destinations. For me, simply walking the path is a start towards something I feel drawn towards. Ever since I got up after the lightning strike, I’ve felt drawn towards a new path. I’m simply happy to be walking it, and am very happy to leave the destination to the Lord. I know that I will be guided towards that which is right, be it some form of monastic life, academic or administrative work, the Deaconate, or Clergy. I am content to let the destination be revealed in due time.

If anyone cares to hit the tip jar, it would be very much appreciated. Right now, there is not a lot of financial aid available, and I need to start paying fees and such ASAP as I have a $200 payment that has to be made now. My goal is to take at least one course starting in January, preferably two, and each course is $1,500.00. Any and all help is appreciated, especially as I still need (more than ever) to do my pilgrimage next year for spiritual growth and discernment. See the link above for more details.

I’m still going to be here, still offering pithy takes on things of interest, noting the struggle against the godless authority, and more. That said, I also plan to share some of what I learn in the process of walking this new path.

So, please do feel free to hit the tip jar above (upper right corner). Also, please do feel free to offer prayers for me. I need them.

Thank you all, particularly my regular readers. It has been an interesting time these last few years, and it does give an additional twist to my starting a new life. Not at all what I expected when I first thought a new life would be moving out West. The journey now continues but towards a truly new life. I hope you will continue to check in and share a bit of that journey in the days ahead.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Pilgrimage Update

On some levels, there has not been much going on. I’ve not booked any rooms, or done other major things. Well, other than new glasses and getting the new pack. On other levels, however, a LOT has been going on.

My original thought was to visit some twenty working monasteries and a couple of historical sites as well as going to Mount Athos. After inputs from my Priest and my Bishop, those plans started modifying a great deal. Add in some other changes in life and the path I am walking, and they are morphing even more.

The short version is that what started as general spiritual development has become something much more including discernment. The initial plan changed to just a few monasteries and a lot more time at the home Church, plus my time on Mount Athos. Now, even that is changing, as is the order in which things are done.

Originally, when it looked as though I might be flying in to Budapest and then working my way South, I had planned to spend several days in Bucharest, Romania where I’ve started setting up some cooking lessons and a steam-train trip into the Carpathian mountains. The original planned visits and frequent travels around Bulgaria afterwards would have filled up most of the remaining time before Mount Athos.

Now, most of my time will be spent in Sofia, Bulgaria with up to one week spent at a particular monastery to which I am strongly drawn; five or so days in Romania for the cooking lessons and the train trip; and the visit to Mount Athos and a few days in Greece. It looks like the only other real monastery visit I will do is an overnight to Rila and the monastery of St. John of Rila.

While I will visit a number of Churches in Sofia, my hope is that I may be spending more time in instruction and learning while I am there. Among other things, I am hoping to spend a day at a seminary there (and a day at one in Greece on my way to Mount Athos). I’m also hoping that some other learning and instruction, from liturgics to music, may also be arranged while I am in Sofia. Nothing is guaranteed yet, but it is changing plans and timing.

The nice thing is, the timing of most things is now up in the air. I say this is a nice thing as instead of logistics forcing timing, opportunity is driving the timing. Once a couple of key things are nailed down, everything looks to fall into place and I can then see what can, or can’t, be done in the nice-to-do list. Right now, the key things all look doable without rushing.

While not a direct part of the pilgrimage, I may also try to work in a couple of domestic trips. The path I am starting upon is likely to require some time at a seminary, and just as I plan to visit at least a couple on the Pilgrimage proper, I need to do some visits here. One will take me to Boston (Hi Maggie!). The other, while not a direct seminary trip, will take me to Missouri where I also hope to go down to Texas to take a friend and her family to an Orthodox service as I promised a while back.

It is early days yet, but I want to visit and think a bit while I can. Everything is on Orthodox Time (think mañana without the sense of urgency) which means in the fullness of time things that are meant to happen will happen. I’ve just found over the years that the best spontaneous decisions happen when there has been a lot of quiet prior preparation. So, looking around now at something, that if it happens, may be a few years off.

I think I’ve also mentioned before that the Priest at the local Romanian Orthodox Church has recommended a Church for me to attend while I am in Bucharest for the cooking lessons. He’s provided a lot of good suggestions on apps and more as he just got back from a sabbatical there.

Just wanted to share a bit on the changes in the plans, and how this is starting to take shape. I think it is already going to be a more rewarding trip than originally planned, and see the potential for a lot of growth and discernment. I plan to share with you as much as I can as I go, and will be getting a new phone to help support that. I thank all of you who are supporting this trip through prayer and donations, and with your help via both this will be an amazing and blessed time.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

A Bleg Of Sorts, Update 1

Back in July, I did a bleg post sharing a bit of what I was facing , and how your kind gifts to me through the Bard’s Jar in the upper right were being used. I think it’s time to update that as some of what was being talked about has changed.

I’ve had the physical therapy, and am still waiting to see what happens with the insurance appeal. An appeal was necessary as the insurance company approved the physical therapy, then decided for reasons they really did not make clear (but may have been paperwork issues) refused to pay for it. I technically could still be on the hook for about $5k, but am hoping that things are now resolved. We will see.

Other things I mentioned have taken place, and the net result has been a very large positive. My mobility and flexibility (and balance/vertigo issues) are much improved as a result of physical therapy, physical activity, and massage therapy. This is particularly true of my lower body, and while there is still a ways to go it is almost like night and day. It has also helped with the edema, and I am hoping to be able to take the water pill “at need” within six or so months. We are already down to every other day on it.

The cognitive is improving as well. The music therapy is really helping with that, and I thank both my voice coach and our music director at Church for their work and patience. My voice still keeps dropping (as opposed to extending my range upwards), but it makes for a great reading voice and the ability to sing low bass/profundo on some things. Why it is still dropping is a mystery, but there are worse things that could be happening.

There have been some other changes in life, and I am looking at some serious changes to my path. Most of those revolve around Faith. I am doing more at Church, and next year I will making a pilgrimage to Bulgaria and Mount Athos as part of a process of spiritual growth and discernment. Most of my time will be in Bulgaria where I have a chance not only to spend some time at a couple of monasteries; but, I will have the chance to learn, worship, and grow at the “home” of my Church. In addition, we are working on my spending several days at Mount Athos in Greece, and I may be spending a week in Romania as well. Not only has my Priest given his blessing and help to this, my Bishop is providing spiritual guidance as well.

So, here is what I need/where your gifts are going:

First, right now every non-designated donation that comes in is going towards the pilgrimage. I’ve bought my airfare and am working on paying it off. Where I can buy train or other tickets in advance for trips to Mount Athos and other locations, I am doing so. I will be arranging housing in Bulgaria soon, and am trying to get as much done and paid for in advance as I can. For long-term readers, you will not be surprised to learn I’ve been able to arrange some cooking lessons, mostly one day events, and I’m looking at trying to pay for them as far in advance as possible. I will also need a new cell phone (and plan) for the trip, as well as some other odds-and-ends. The total budget for the trip isn’t huge for most (excluding the new cell phone, I think it can be done for around $3k), but my small monthly stipend doesn’t allow me much room. Any and all help is appreciated.

Second, I am going to be coming up on the annual payments to keep this blog up soon. Any help towards that (and you can drop me a line and let me know if your gift is intended for that) is very much appreciated.

Third, help with music and massage therapy is very much appreciated. Both are having a large positive impact on me, and again you can drop me a line and let me know if your gift is intended for that. Massage therapy is roughly $100 per session and I get four lessons for $190 from the voice coach. The latter is a small discount, but will take any discount I can get.

Fourth, efforts are underway to gift me a car. It’s far from new or pretty, but it runs and is reliable. Insurance and other costs were not in my yearly budgeting process, so again any help is appreciated.

Fifth, I would love to do some regular personal training at the gym if possible. Not sure what that will be, but it is a “nice to do” as it were.

I want to thank everyone who has sent me gifts, especially those towards the pilgrimage. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and generosity. I also want to thank those who have kept me in their prayers, as those are very much needed and appreciated.

Life has not gone anywhere close to what I had planned when I first stated the fundraiser on Give Send Go. Rather than moving out West and becoming a bit of a secular hermit, I may be headed towards a more clerical or monastic life. Where that takes me, spiritually or physically, I don’t know other than I am content wherever it takes me. Been feeling that there was something I was supposed to do/be doing ever since I stood up alive after being hit by lightning. This very much feels like the right path, though I know not where it leads. I’m content to simply be walking the path, knowing that God knows where it leads.

Again, my profound and sincere thanks to all who have provided the gifts and prayers that have kept me going since those early days. Words can’t express my thanks, and how much I appreciate you. Thank you. I look forward to sharing this new journey with you.

To Those Hitting The Tip Jar

Thank You! Thank You! THANK YOU!

All the donations have been anonymous, so wanted to say thank you here. Know you get an automated thank you, but wanted to do something more personal. While the payment processor (not GiveSendGo) takes a cut, I’m putting the full amount donated towards payment of the plane tickets and other expenses of the pilgrimage. Thank you for helping me make this possible.

Remember, the tip jar is in the upper right and if you don’t see an option you like, reach out and we can go from there. The main link is at A New Life on GiveSendGo but there are other options including (sigh) PayPal. Yes, I tried to close that account and there were technical issues on their end that prevented that. Still an option at need.

Again, however, THANK YOU!

Fox One, RFIDs, Security

Well, I bought my tickets this morning for the pilgrimage next year. Might should have bought last week when they were really down, but did okay on the price. I might could have gotten a bit better deal, but as it is I went through the airline to ensure I got a changeable and refundable ticket, and to ensure a few other things.

The really good deals out there by and large don’t include checked luggage and other delights, and they also often don’t include getting to the originating airport. My ticket includes true round-trip service, checked baggage, flexibility, and more. It does not include seat upgrades and other nice-to-do upgrades. I can live without those, and besides: it’s a pilgrimage and those are supposed to have a certain amount of discomfort to them.

I’ve also bought a new wallet. My current wallet is a military ID holder I bought in Iraq back in 2007, and it is starting to fall apart. I’ve definitely gotten my money’s worth out of it.

What I’ve ordered is something that can hold my stuff, including passport, and is RFID blocking. That’s become a big issue overseas (particularly in airports and other transportation hubs) and is starting to be an issue here. I’ve also ordered some RFID-blocking sleeves for my cards, and even put a passive jammer on my Amazon wish list (upper right). The new wallet wasn’t expensive, and it gives me time to check it out well in advance. Plan to slip an airtag into it too.

The RFID scanning is one issue I can fight in advance. Pick-pockets are an issue I will have to deal with there. More than halfway tempted to find my old dummy wallet that I put in my back pocket. Looked real, but nothing much in it other than junk including airline drink coupons (expired) pretending to be cash. Other than the dummy wallet, I never carry anything other than tissues in my back pockets overseas. Front pockets, I’ve been known to put plastic grocery bags in them above contents to deter thieves. One of the best things to do is put the contents in a fanny pack, then wear it in front.

More soon, off to get a few more things done today.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders, Pt. 3

Following up on the original post and this post, I just did a quick mile ruck with an Osprey backpack (Aether 70) someone at Church has given me to try. It’s the same model I had tried out at the outfitters, though a different size frame and a few years old though unused.

To see how it did with some weight in it, I put a 20-pound barbell in the lower compartment, unsecured. About the worst place to put any weight; but, it was a quick way to test how much weight could get transferred to my shoulders. Especially since neither the hip belt or shoulder straps are fitted to me (yet).

I really like how the suspension system works, and know that if it were fitted to me it would be even better. The dealer can fit it to a person, even heat molding part of the hip belt system to give a custom fit. As it is, without any real adjustment to my frame, most of the weight (even when bouncing) stayed off my shoulders.

So, my next step is to see if the local outfitter will be willing to help me with this. If they are, first up will be making sure it is the right size frame for my body (person who bought it has a more slender frame) and that it can be adjusted to me. If it can, I’m likely to go with it for the trip. If not, I know what is needed and will work on getting it.

Onwards.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Dream Becoming Reality

Back in this post, I talked about my dream of doing a religious pilgrimage to Bulgaria and Mount Athos in Greece. After talking about it, things began to happen.

A very nice person stepped up and arranged a guide to assist me with visiting Mount Athos. They not only provided the introduction, but are covering the cost of having him assist and to travel with me to Athos and elsewhere in Greece. Another person stepped up and covered one leg of my airfare to get to Bulgaria.

At the funeral of my Godfather, the Bishop who presided over the service (who was a monk on Mount Athos) said he would be delighted to review my plans. This has now turned into him effectively being the spiritual guide for the trip, and he is also finding a contact for me in Sophia to take care of the practical details so I can concentrate on the spiritual.

A friend at Church heard of my interest in backpacks, and had a brand new back pack of the brand and style I was considering, that he had bought a couple of years ago and never used (tags are still on it). It and I are going on a hike tomorrow to see how it does. If it does, I have my “suitcase” for the trip.

My idea of a side trip to Romania has also gotten a push. The Priest at the Romanian Orthodox Church just got back from Romania and we are meeting so he can share information, including a Church I can attend while there. He’s also got lots of info on payment apps and other realities of modern travel. Hoping to meet with him soon.

The original plan of visiting a number of monasteries has changed to visiting just a few, spending more time at one in particular, and more time in Sophia for purposes of prayer and discernment. With prayer and guidance, things are shaking out and firming up.

I now have a brand-new passport (thankful I did expedited and got it before the shutdown). Which came in handy as I needed it today when I applied to the Greek government to visit Mount Athos.

As noted earlier, visiting Mount Athos requires advanced paperwork and permissions. First up, you have to get approval from the Greek government to visit, almost like a visa. Then, you have to get approval from Mount Athos and the individual monasteries you want to visit or stay at. Given the warnings about how long it can take to get the Greek government approval, I put in my request today via e-mail. Once that is approved, we can begin contacting the monasteries I’m interested in visiting to see if they will let me visit and/or stay the night there. If all goes well and my plan is approved, I will be staying three nights on Mount Athos at different monasteries.

I have one monastery that I particularly want to visit, which is the monastery where my Bishop was a monk. I have another I am drawn to, but for it and the third monastery I will rely on input from the Bishop and my guide. The latter has a reputation of suggesting the right place for those he guides.

There are some very good deals on airfare popping up, and I will likely be purchasing my tickets here later this week or early next week. The original plan to fly into Budapest may be out the window as some really good deals for a round-trip flight to Sophia have recently popped up. I’m going to pay a little more and get tickets that are both changeable and refundable just to be safe.

I’m starting to look at the cooking lessons in Romania, and have had a very interesting one pop up that would have me spending a day outside of Bucharest in the country learning some more rustic dishes. Dishes that frankly sound delicious. Between that and the steam train excursion into the Carpathian mountains, it would be quite a nice adventure.

Also, I’ve located some cooking instruction in Sophia. Someone I wasn’t sure was still doing such lessons has said she is most willing to do the day-long course for me while I’m there.

I’m actually considering upgrading my cell phone so I can do better photography and video to share with you here and on X. My plan had been to stay with my current phone until it totally dies (or I precede it); but, as things go along, if there are funds, I think it would be a good idea. I will also have to get an international plan while I’m there.

Thing is, I hope to have everything paid off before I go. I’m going to put in a bleg here for you to hit the tip jar in the upper right so I can do so. So far, I’ve been able to keep the costs low. I’m planning on renting an apartment in Sophia as it will be cheaper than a hotel. I will look at all options as I just need a bed, a bathroom, and a kitchen to get by. And, yes, I will be there a few weeks.

If past experience is any indicator, food (other than the cooking lessons) should not be a huge part of my trip. I almost always ate for less than the per-diem allowed when on government travel, and I’m quite content many evenings to find some good dry sausages and hard cheeses on which to dine. I will have to eat out some, but you would be amazed at how reasonable it can be in Europe, particularly Eastern Europe.

There will be some train and bus expenses, but train prices in Bulgaria are not high, and even travel to Bucharest is quite reasonable. I will most likely have to take a bus to Greece, but it’s not a long ride and again the prices (now) seem reasonable. Once I have the airfare taken care of, plan to start buying train and bus tickets as I can. If I take small bites, it is easier to pay as I go.

For those who have been supportive of this, my thanks! To those who have helped me with this, my profound thanks! I hope to have lots to share, both in the planning and when the trip takes place. More soon.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders Pt 2

I wanted to follow up on this post and thank everyone who offered suggestions and advice. I can’t thank you enough!

Yesterday afternoon, I spent a good bit of time at a locally-owned outfitter with a gentleman who went over current load-bearing technology and pack systems. It was a bit eye-opening, and the days of simple hip belts and such is long gone. I actually got to try on a system or two, and then work out the system and pack for my frame.

I’ve got more reading to do and I plan to go to a chain outfitter this week or next to try on another brand of pack (and verify the size I need). Bit more research, but well worth it and some of these newer pack systems truly rock. Also looking into new passport/ID holders, billfolds, and the like. I’ve been using an ID holder I picked up at Camp Victory, Iraq, as my wallet since 2007, and it is time for something new. So, looking at waterproof and RFID-blocking options, of which the outfitter yesterday had several.

Oh, I should mention that the Osprey packs several recommended have an option for an attachable day pack that could serve as my carry-on luggage as well.

Thank you all for the inputs, and for the introduction to the newer packs and systems. Much appreciated.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Passport Away

Well, the passport application is now submitted via USPS. I made an appointment yesterday, went in today, and was done in about 15 minutes including getting a photo taken. Turns out my old passport expired a while back, so had to do a complete new application. I will note that the costs seem to have gone up since my last one, but not surprising.

Over the last week, I’ve had two people do some incredibly wonderful things to push my planned pilgrimage along. One person is arranging a guide and facilitator (also a translator) in Greece for Mount Athos. He’s experienced and knows how to work the system with the Greek government and with Mount Athos. Another person helped with some of the other travel.

There is more to come on this, stay tuned. If inclined, feel free to hit the tip jar, note it is for travel, and it will go towards it.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.