This is a good way to begin retirement

Back about three years ago, Karen met with an advisor and they worked out a plan that would let Karen retire in the next three years. Yesterday was the day when that plan came to fruition.

Earlier in the year when we were planning the trips for 2020, we did not have anything booked for Karen’s birthday this year. After much thought and replanning, we decided that we should go to Maui to celebrate Karen’s birthday and retirement.

Because we had a 6:45am flight to Calgary with WestJet ($535.61 CAD / person), Karen, Paula and I decided to stay in Toronto last night at the Hampton Inn & Suites – Toronto Airport ($170.82 CAD).

We got to the airport giving ourselves what we thought was enough time. But between the complications of checking in at the kiosks and the line up at Tim Hortons, we only had about fifteen minutes before we had to board.

The flight to Calgary was uneventful and we even managed to land a half an hour earlier than expected. Once we finally got through security (not sure why we need to) and customs, we headed over to the Aspire Lounge to spend a couple of hours relaxing before our next flight.

Beautiful morning

Hello Calgary



Aspire Lounge in Calgary Airport

Very relaxing lounge

Top shelf alcohol

 

Karen waiting for the next flight

Even though the flight to Maui was only six hours, it seems much longer. It was long enough for me to watch most of “The Irishman”. We landed at 4:35pm local time to a very warm 31°C.

Karen and I went and got the rental car (Alamo, booked through Costco, $624.24 USD, 817 miles driven) while Paula picked up the luggage. We made a quick stop at Target to check out the Christmas decorations before stopping at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop for dinner and some pies to go.

We are staying at our favourite place, Noelani Condominium Resort ($3476.13 USD) in unit 102. Paula is staying in unit 219 since she will be leaving Maui earlier than us. More on that later in the trip.

I am sitting on the couch, with the patio doors wide open and the sound of crashing waves. I sure am going to sleep good tonight.

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