70 in 70

This past year we’ve been celebrating a significant milestone: we both turned 70! Given our wandering lifestyle and previous adventures, some might consider this an amazing feat. To mark this event, we decided to try …

THE 70 IN 70 CHALLENGE. We were inspired by Terri’s awesome cousin, Gayle, who along with her intrepid circle of friends, introduced the concept to us. The gist of the quest is, in a nutshell:

Experience 70 new things in your 70th year.

We found the challenge fascinating and decided to embrace it … in our own way. Like most things in our lives we didn’t plan to get too intense about it. So we brainstormed ideas. This is what we came up with so far:

VISIT OUR 70TH COUNTRY. When we took our third RTW in the spring, visiting Japan and South Korea brought our lifetime country count up to 69 and 70.

TRY 70 NEW RECIPES. Terri made her first Greek Croustade, and James discovered Crack Chicken Chili! Right now we’re really getting a kick out of the Moosewood Cookbook: 40th Anniversary Edition by Mollie Katzen

READ 70 BOOKS. We’re surprised that it’s getting harder to find books we enjoy. If we start a book that’s not ringing our bell, we just move on to the next. The challenge is still ongoing. By the way, we both loved A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

GET RID OF 70 (MORE) THINGS. Given our pared-down lifestyle, this proved to be quite a challenge. But we discovered that our closets, drawers, and pantry offered some rich pickings. And many of the things we’ve had forever needed an upgrade – so we’ve been doing that, too. Goodbye old suitcase, hello new little backpack!

DELETE 70 POSTS. To update the blog we decided to eliminate posts that were unpopular, had few comments, or we just didn’t like any more. So long to “Slovenia Hallowenia” and several other less-than-stellar attempts.

And we’ve also committed to:

EMBRACE THE MAGICAL AND UNEXPECTED. A few days ago, on Christmas Eve of our 70th year, Terri stepped out on our deck … and thought that Santa was slowly gliding across the sky. She was gobsmacked to realize that it was the Starlink Satellite Train, and nearly gave James a heart attack yelling for him to come quick! We just stood in wonder and delight.

RECONNECT WITH OUR “FOREVER” BLOGGING FRIENDS AND REACH OUT TO NEW BLOGGERS. It’s so easy to get caught up in our own thing, so we’re working hard to reconnect and renew old friendships while developing new ones.

“Your wrinkles reflect the roads you have taken; they form the map of your life. My face carries all my memories. Why should I erase them?”

—Diane von Furstenberg, age 75

We couldn’t have done any of this without the love and support of our family and friends – and that includes you. We want to thank each of you for following along for another trip around the sun … and the world. You’re what makes our world go round. Wishing you a very Happy New Year filled with delight.

What about you? How do you celebrate milestones?

Wishing You Peace and Joy,

Terri & James

PS. The truth is that we’re not really certain where we are on the “70 in 70” count, but we sure are having fun. That’s what it’s all about.

Photo Credits: 1. Ian Schneider  2. Ax Sharma 3. Nina Hill 4. Susan Parent Callen

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Author: gallivance.net

We're Terri and James Vance - high school sweethearts who went on to international careers and became world nomads. Today, 65 countries later, we're still traveling ... and still in love. Check out Our Story for more of the backstory at gallivance.net.

64 thoughts

  1. If you liked A Gentleman in Moscow, have you read The Lincoln Highway, by the same author?

    Belated Happy Birthday(s) to you! And here’s to Happy, healthy 2024.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Yvonne. I fell in love with Gentleman in Moscow, and then read most of Towles’ books after. I enjoyed the Lincoln highway, but not as much as Gentleman. I’m finding more and more that the books I find entertaining must have a few characters that are likeable. And I couldn’t help but enjoy the adaptability and of joy of life the count showed all the through the book and Sofia was delightful. All the best for an exciting 2024 and thanks for continuing to follow along. ~James

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    2. Thank you for the recommendation, and much merriment for the birthday celebration 🎈 I’ve just finished the 4th installment in the Thursday Murder Club series, and am on the lookout for another series of books to read.

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      1. I think you’ll like a Gentleman in Moscow. It’s the best book I’ve read in a while, and I’d love to find more like it. As I said, I’m finding it harder and harder to discover books that I really enjoy. I’m not sure if it’s a lifetime of reading similar books, or if I’m getting more selective about how I spend my reading time (probably both). Either way, this book’s combination of interesting and likeable characters, Russian history, unexpected twists and turns, and a good, surprise ending was just what I like. I hope you enjoy it. ~James

  2. Happy 70th to both of you (70 years old, that is!)! I love the “Experience 70 new things in your 70th year” challenge! I will keep that in mind when I get there, as well, in another 6 years! Thank you both for sharing the world with us, and may the next 70 years be just as exciting as the last have been! Happy New Year!

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Anita. We had not heard of the challenge until recently and thought it sounded fun. We have a friend who is doing his “65 in 65” so you could jump onboard next year. It’s fun because you can make it as serious or silly (we joked about trying 70 pieces of candy!) as you want. Wishing you a Happy New Year! ~Terri

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    2. Happiness galore, and I, too, love the 70 new things challenge: have you considered trying a food related item, like trying 70 new dishes? Or maybe it’s just a few of the new experiences 😋 I also really like the simplification, so here’s wishing you a simple 2024!

      Reply

      1. It’s interesting you picked out the simplification idea. We’re not exactly strict minimalists, but we’re both very aware of clutter-creep, and are committed to staying on top of the problem. And this covers physical things as well as intangibles like blog posts, digital photo files, etc. Inertia is an easy trap to fall into, and luckily, we’re simpatico when it comes to keeping things simple. All the best for a fun and exciting 2024, and thanks for continuing to follow along. ~James

    1. Thanks Dhirendra. We’re happy that Terri’s cousin introduced us to the idea. It will give us something to shoot for and is a fun, positive way to think about a milestone. All the best to you for a happy, healthy, and exciting 2024. ~James

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      1. In fact James, you have provided us ideas for the future as we too are approaching 70(66 as of now)! Thanks for your lovely wishes dear! I will appreciate if you find time to go through my travel site anytime😃

  4. It’s not been a boring 70 years, that’s for sure. I hit 75 last month (or rather, it hit me, and I had stitches in my head to prove it) and Mick made 70 this year. I become increasingly aware that it could all end tomorrow so best get on with the day. Deleting a few posts might not be a bad place to start. Wishing you both another happy, healthy year ahead 🤗🤗

    Reply

    1. Oh Jo, I’m so sorry to hear about your head. That’s no fun, and I’m sure it was very painful – to say the least. Are you recovered now?
      I find it very difficult to believe you’re 75. You’re so young at heart and spirit that I’m sure that knocks at least 10-20 years off! You’re my role model. 🙂
      Deleting the posts was surprisingly cathartic. We had a great stroll down memory lane, and several good laughs. Wishing you a very Happy New Year filled with joy and adventure. ~Terri

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      1. Thanks, Terri. It’s still painful to yawn and eating can be more restricted than it was, but otherwise I’m fine, and feel relatively lucky. Onwards to 2024 🤣🩵

    1. Thanks so much Marina. You are so right that 70 is just a number, and neither of us is obsessed over it. Like most things in our life, we try to put a positive spin on it, and 70 in 70 seemed like a fun idea. All the best for an exciting 2024, and thanks for continuing to follow along. ~James

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  6. Awww guys you are awesome!! Happy 70th birthday to you both. You certainly don’t look your age. Interesting challenge, I will bear it in mind for when I get there 😀
    Wishing you health and happiness for the future.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Gilda, your kind words mean the world to us. I figure it’s a challenge you can tackle at any age – in your case “30 in 30!” 🙂
      We wish you and Brian and very Happy New Year filled with many more adventures! ~Terri

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  7. May you youngsters continue to find joy everywhere and continue to inspire as well as interest your readers.
    We also find inspiration in a 98 year-old friend who still moves forward. Perhaps if we tell him about 70 in 70, he will shoot for 100 in 100. On the other hand, Alie may not be pleased if I go for 80 in 80; she says I am already CDO [OCD in alphabetical order} and don’t need new projects. 😁

    Reply

    1. Ray like most people our age, we have flashes of the idea that it doesn’t seem possible that we’re 70, but neither of us dwell on it. Our attitude is that we just make the adjustments that we have to, and keep doing what we like to do. 70 in 70 seemed like a fun idea, and as a couple it helps to have something we both enjoy. All the best to you and Alie for an exciting and healthy 2024, and thanks for continuing to follow along. ~James

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  9. A great photo of the two of you! Congrats on your 70 milestone. You are both living proof that you don’t stop having fun because you get older, you get older because you stop having fun. Here’s to another year of adventure and fun. xo

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Darlene. I love your “stop having fun” quote. As most people learn as they age we’re finding there are certain physical changes that happen which are out of our control. But, one thing we can control is how we see the world and our attitude about life in general. We’re definitely in the “glass half full” camp, and that’s what keeps us going. All the best to you for an exciting 2024, and thanks for continuing to follow along. ~James

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  10. Love the 70 in 70 idea. Aging is an absolute privilege and should be celebrated! I suspect both of you do a wonderful job of doing just that. Wishing you both another wonderful year around the sun, filled with adventure and precious time spent with those you love🥳🎉🥂❤️

    Reply

    1. Aww, many thanks, Lynn. I love your line, “Aging is an absolute privilege and should be celebrated!” You are so right! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about that – remembering friends and family who never got to celebrate this milestone. It IS a privilege.

      I’ve always admired the title and emphasis of your blog – Life After 50. That says it all and embraces an important milestone in life. Kudos to you! Wishing you and your loved ones a fabulous New Year. ❤ Terri

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      1. It’s funny, I have often thought perhaps I should now be changing that title to Life After 60 but then think, that is where I started, so I’ll just leave it!

        Happy New Year!🎉🥂

  11. Fantastic! I turned 65 a couple of weeks ago, this may be my focus for 2024.
    I’ve truly done more and wilder since I turned 60 than I did in maybe the two decades previous, so I’m perhaps already living this philosophy.

    Reply

    1. Congratulations on reaching your fantastic milestone! We’re firm believers that you can’t let these moments pass without celebrating them. Wilder is good! Wishing you a Happy and Adventurous New Year. Do you have some fun travel plans? ~Terri

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      1. We’re currently in Barbados for 6 months, then back to Canada. But will fit a few other trips in there! If you look at my blog you’ll see some of my recent travels.

    1. Thanks Maggie, we really had a great year! Aren’t the Moosewood cookbooks great! I started cooking from their very first edition … and still have a few favorites to this day. We thought we were so avant garde in those days! 🙂

      Your adventures in Turkey have been fantastic! You’ve added lots of places to our bucket list for when we return. Wishing you a very Happy New Year. ~Terri

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  14. It’s amazing to know that you visited your 70th country in the year when both of you turned 70! That’s quite a milestone. I also love your approach to the 70 in 70 challenge: embracing it, but not taking it too intense. The most important thing is enjoying the experience. May 2024 bring you more meaningful and fulfilling travels wherever life takes you, James and Terri!

    Reply

    1. Bama, when we started planning our RTW, we wanted to experience several new countries – and we realized that our country count was going to include our 70th country – total serendipity! We had other new countries planned (Israel and Lebanon), but world events changed those plans. The “70 in 70 Challenge” has been fun and I would recommend the concept to anyone – 30 in 30, etc!
      Thanks so much for your new year’s wishes. We hope that 2024 continues to bring you exploration, adventure, and understanding. Wishing you all the very best, Terri

      Reply

  15. Happy belated birthdays! I have not been in blogland much in the last year and REALLY not a lot in recent months as we have moved, but you’ve inspired me to try to keep up at least some of the connections I’ve made here. I love the 70 in 70 idea (or whatever the age), and I loved A Gentleman in Moscow! Happy New Year to you both.

    Reply

    1. Lexie, we’ve moved so many times (27 times when we stopped counting), so I feel your pain. Whether across town or across country, moves are a pain. Where did you move? We live in Lexington, KY in a small rental apartment, and we couldn’t be happier. Our situation is so near perfect that we live in fear of moving again, and we butter up the landlord every time we see him. I hope you’ve settled in, enjoyed the holidays, and are all set for an exciting 2024. Thanks for continuing to follow along. ~James

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    1. Thanks Natalie. It’s been a fun, travel-filled year for us, so we’re thankful. Birthday milestones really are just a number, and 70 in 70 is a good way to make it positive. I wish you an exciting 2024 filled with all the things that make you happy, and thanks for continuing to follow along. ~James

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  17. This was such a lovely read – congratulations on your 70 milestone and I’m in awe of you both 🙂 I can only hope that at 70 I’m still travelling widely, living freely and loving life as much as you are.

    Reply

    1. Many, many thanks, Hannah. Your kind words certainly made our day. We decided long ago that “fun” would be our operative word: We’ll keep exploring for the sheer fun of it all. And from all of your exploits I would say that you’re well on your way to adventuring for countless decades to come. Wishing you a fantastic 2024 filled with wonder and joy! ~Terri

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    1. Thanks Liesbet. Given your lifestyle, I think we and everyone else could take lessons from you on new ideas and challenges. Our philosophy is that we can always stop, but won’t always be able to go, so what we do in the meantime is make the necessary adjustments, whether physical or mental, and keep moving. I think it was Neil Young who said it best: “I’d rather wear out than rust.” All the best for a safe and exciting 2024. ~ James

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  19. Happy New Year! Always love reading about your adventures near and far. I am getting pickier about books too. Sometimes I just re-read an old favorite!

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    1. Pam, I love to read and am always on the lookout for new authors. But honestly, I find myself starting lots of new books and giving up about 1/4 of the way through. I’ve thought about it and decided that after lots of years of reading, I don’t want just another ______ book. (fill in the blank). I keep a non-fiction (or two) going for interest, but fiction is truly just entertainment, and if it seems mediocre and doesn’t grab me, I just move on to something else. I’m glad to hear that someone else is getting pickier, and I’m curious what your thoughts are. ~James

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      1. I agree – don’t want to waste my time if it hasn’t grabbed my interest after a certain amount of time. Same with movies! I don’t even go to the theater anymore and rarely watch new releases unless it is something in particular that grabs my interest.

    1. Good for you Shane, that’s what it takes. Our philosophy is that we can always stop, but as long as we can go, we will go. All the best for an exciting 2024. And thanks for continuing to follow along. ~James

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  21. I’ve left the 70s behind, James and Terri, but I’m still perking along in my 80s.
    That’s a great list! Good for you guys. Peggy is just a youngster of 73, however, so we still get to celebrate seven decades. I’d say that pretty much everything I did in my 70s, at least relating to wandering, is reflected in my posts. The most challenging was my 750 mile backpack trek down the Pacific Crest Trail to celebrate my 75th Birthday.
    May the two of you have a great 2024 and a great ten years. –Curt

    Reply

    1. Curt, what an amazing accomplishment – 750 miles of backpacking! I still jog and cycle, so I have a little appreciation for what an accomplishment this is … at any age. You are living of the Neil Young saying: “I’d rather wear out than rust.” All the best to you and Peggy for a happy, healthy, and exciting 2024. ~James

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      1. Or Jimmy Buffet: I’d rather live while I was dying than die while I am living. Here’s to a full life that keeps on giving, James. The best to you and Terri!

  22. Pingback: How Good Are You At Predicting the Future? – The Endless Weekend

  23. Wow, 70 countries. What fun! A lifetime of learning this way. I also loved getting rid of 70 things. I used to be a bookworm as kid-teen. I did my English Lit. degree. However since then, I would be lucky if I read 70 books over last decade! Am a sludge in that way. Hope you drop by my blog home. Am getting back to it.

    Reply

    1. Jean, all I can say is thank goodness for ebooks. We’ve moved many times and hardback books get to be a trial to move. Also, as a minimalist traveler I’d be lost without my e-reader. ~James

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      1. Since I’ve had full-time job where last 3 decades out of 4 decades career, has been 80% computer-based, I prefer to read real books. However, I realize Kobo e-readers, etc. are wonderful. Sometimes I just get tired of e-devices. I’m glad you will happily absorb the reading well this yr. ..whatever you choose.

  24. Hi Terri and James, so nice to meet you both (virtually!) And congratulations on your 70th milestone together. What a fabulous way to celebrate, so very inspiring. Enjoy every day!!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Miriam. It’s always a pleasure to meet kindred spirits, and you and Doug, and the life that you lead definitely sounds similar to the path we’ve taken. We’ve been incredibly lucky to be able to travel for most of our adult lives, and having a simpatico partner makes it all so much more rewarding and fun. We’ll drop by your blog from time to time and hope you’ll do the same. Happy Trails. ~James

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      1. Absolutely will James. And yes, a simpatico partner definitely makes the journey so much sweeter. We’re both incredibly fortunate by the sounds of it. Happy trails yourself!! 😊

  25. Happy very belated 70th birthday(s) and congratulations on tipping over that 70th country!

    I’m certain that your active, worldly lifestyle contributes greatly to your health and longevity 🙂

    Sarah & I would have inadvertently completed your 70 new recipes challenge, as for several years now (I’ve not yet blogged of it, but perhaps I should) set ourselves the challenge of cooking a dish (or dishes) from every country in the world!

    We have one final country left (we saved Italy for last) and applied a few simple rules. The dishes would generally be the national dish of the country, or something we’d eaten in our travels. It couldn’t be something we already cook, and for certain cuisines we knew we loved, we’d sometimes host a dinner party, or make a full day of it (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) like we did for both China & Vietnam.

    It has proven a lot of fun. Some real gems, and a few epic failures! lol

    Reply

    1. Cooking recipes from every country sounds like the perfect celebration Chris. We’ve pretty much stopped collecting “things” from our travels, but food is certainly a great way to relive a trip. As I’m sure you’ve found, in some of the more exotic recipes ingredients are the challenge. That little bit of dried fish head can make all the difference :).

      We leave in a couple of days for a month-long trip to Turkey and the Benelux. It’s a wonderful time to be there and we’re looking forward to some of our old favorite spots. Hopefully the Israeli bombs won’t come searching for the Hamas leaders that are in Istanbul. ~James

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      1. Wonderful to hear!

        Love both of those destinations (although I’ve never actually visited the LUX part of Benelux)!

        Yes, exotic ingredients require patience for the smallest of seasons for locally grown niche goods, an expensive online order from abroad, or substitutions (you’d be amazed how hard it is to find Conch meat here in Australia), lol

        Safe travels,

        Chris

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