It was pointed out to me the other day that I have not posted for a while. A couple of reasons. Bugger me time flies, a severe case of the CBF’s. COVID and it’s associated isolation, and dealing with Parkys and employment and life in General.
No excuse, but I wil run with it. I think it was 2021 that I last put something up. I had been dealing with Parkys for about 8 years and was not enjoying adapting to my new life. I agreed to have an electrical implant inserted in my brain to assist the brain to release Dopamine, the natural chemical, that I was deficient in. The preparation for this procedure was about 12 months long and involved Psychological assessments, physical evaluations and geting my affairs in order. The whole episode made me fel like no other time in my life. I was not in control and despite aspirations, I was mortal.
The Black Dog came out to play and I was doing some silly things to try and feel good about myself. Some of these actions have cost me friendships, nearly the loss of my family, financial insecurity and me thinking of where it’s all going to finish.
Talking to Profesionals about my “plight”, once I agreed to the surgery I researched some items on You Tube and prepared my self as best I could for the couple of days at least in a Hospital bed. Believe it or not there are some funny stories associated with this time. Another time.
12 days after surgery I had the unit turned on and instantenously I felt the effects of the DBS unit. At the time of having the unit swithced on I was consuming 12 – 15 tablets a day, having a sleep whenever I could. Including at work, pulling over to the side of road on the way home and always having something to eat in the car. The moments after the unit was turned on were the happiest of my recent years. I wanted to run, drive, play golf everything. Game Changer.
I will go into more detail later as I think I may have some tips for those that aren’t quite feeling ok but don’t want to go to the doctor.
One thing I have found as I get older and greyer, but still manage to travel to places, is that I am asked about countries visited. Sometimes I am not even asked I just contribute.
My good lady and myself, were fortunate to visit 10 counries in 9 weeks in 2023 and two asian countries in 2025.
So what I am doing here is giving my recommendations for some spots to visit, eat and things to do. While hopefully not spending too much money.
EUROPE
Must go to Brugge (Venice of Northern Europe). Home of Belgian Beer, Waffles and Chocolate.
Amsterdam. Look both ways (Head on a swivel) Pushbikes. Looked nice but cold and didn’t feel safe. Just me?
Budapest/Prague/Vienna. Just do it. tourist heaven,
Switzerland. Don’t care where. We did Lucerne, Lausanne and the peak at the top of our list for ever, Grindewald and Jungfrau and Lauterbrunen. Must be on any overseas European holiday. Pricey but every picture is a postcard.
Check out @youngystragicaltours on instagram for proof.
As you might be aware, My good lady has an intolerance to Gluten. This was not an issue when we were on a tour, but by ourselves it was problematical. Language wasn’t really an issue as was smoking venues. In Paris, we were staying only a few hundred metres from the Eiffel Tower (could watch the nightly light show from bed), and we found a GF, Non Smoking Restaurant around the corner,who recognised us each night and would greet with a glass of Champagne or stronger.
We then boarded a small bus tour #backroadstouring and saw the France we see on Australian TV. The tour took us to Normandy (5 June we visited), Wine growing areas where the wine is matured in a cave. Another one of my must se and stay places HonFleur. Spectacular.
As was the Cotswolds in England. Our last stop before coming home. We stayed in a pub outside of Oxford (built before Cook discovered Oz) and used this as a base for day trips to Cardiff Wales, Stratford on Avon, and other sites from BBC TV series.
That’s a start. Thanks to all who still find me slightly amusing with my story telling. I’m coming good so lookout
Youngy's Yak 