Jenney's Half Century
Jenney's Half Century

Why am I celebrating my birthday this way?

December 8, 2023

The day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) I was death scrolling on my phone and pondering what I should do for my 50th birthday in 2024.  I really wanted a big party, but I need to accept that unless I throw it, it likely won't happen and I'll just end up disappointed - I've had way too many birthdays as an adult end up in tears because I'm the only one doing any celebrating. I am beyond tired of throwing my own birthday parties. So, how do I do something "big" and something I enjoy doing by myself?! I don't have the energy to plan out all of the details of a big trip, but a cruise..... a cruise might just fill the bill.

Out of curiousity, I Googled cruises and found that Norwegian had a really great sale going on and a new sailing class: the solo cruiser. I was curious where I could go for my birthday - I wasn't interested in the Carribean, but the Meditterrean intrigued me.  I've wanted to go to Greece for years, and over my birthday was a 10-day trip in the Greek isles.  That would do it. I can be in a place I've wanted to visit, I wouldn't have to figure out all the details - they would just drop me off in various ports and I only have to unpack once. With a balcony I can watch the water and the islands go by. 

I only had to put out a small down payment and select the most aggressive travel insurance in case my life goes sideways. I entered my credit card information and done. Wow. I'm going to Greece for my birthday on a 10-day cruise. That is big. That ought to be big enough to celebrate my 50th birthday. It doesn't depend on a single person showing up, so I don't have to be disappointed when 'other plans' come up.

I'm beyond excited for this trip!