COVID times have disrupted almost every aspect of our lives. Even though we are seeing encouraging signs as more people are vaccinated and places of business are opening up…the world we knew has changed. I am optimistic for a return to what I love, seeing my family and experiencing amazing places and cultures. I love the thought of attending concerts in Vail again with my grandchildren (photo above). In the not too distant past I did almost anything to avoid crowds. It may sound crazy but I would love a few crowds today!

I want to travel to the Big Island again with the grandchildren.

I long to travel with our daughters.

When Marla and I went to Southeast Asia and Bali in 2019 with our grandsons, Paxton and Logan, we ventured to the Kecak Fire Dance at the Uluwatu Temple. Packed like sardines, the guards continued to let more people into the arena. I thought to myself, “This is crazy”, but could do this again and actually enjoy all of the people!

I remember thinking,…”Wow, this Nyepi (Balinese New Years) festival in Tegallalang, is a really, really crowded event.” Today, I might really relish a lot of people.

Of the crowds in Beijing’s Forbidden City, our guide said, “It is not too crowded today!”

Oh, how I miss a crowded restaurant full of people enjoying themselves. I love the energy of a fun Paris bistro.

I can’t wait to visit Hawaii again to see my brother and nephew. Both of them are great chefs, interesting people, and love music.

We hope to recreate a dinner with relatives from Guernsey and Scotland soon! I’m optimistic for European travel this summer even though it is very restrictive at the moment.

Marla and I wouldn’t mind giving big dinner parties again!

Yes, I will have no problem joining the masses to see museum exhibits. I can deal with being pushed around a bit to see the “David” by Michelangelo at the Accademia Gallery in Florence, or seeing “Liberty Leading The People” by Delacroix in the Louvre.

I’ve already signed up for my next big group bike tour! Can’t wait!

Too many people? The Glastonbury Festival can hold over 200,000 people on multiple stages. Canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, it will be virtual this year and BACK AGAIN LIVE IN 2022.

For a taste of being with crowd,…a total immersion, check out The Killers at 2019 Glastonbury Festival, with Johnny Marr, formerly of the Smiths, sitting in and over 100,000++ crazy fans. I always wanted to attend, but watching it on TV sounds pretty darn good.

OK,…now that I have you on this crowd thing…let me give you one more from the 2019 Glastonbury Festival,…”The Foals.”

Photos: Dick Gentry, except #14-15.