About

Impressions of a Roaming Boomer – My Profile

With a website/blog URL of “Wanderlust Encounters” and a blog title of “Impressions of a Roaming Boomer”, you may already think you know a bit about me… right?  Well, read on and see if you’re right….

After roughly 30 years of various roles in the corporate world and as an entrepreneur, I decided to do things a little differently this time, by combining two of my fun passions, writing and photography (see My Portfolio). My creative side has always enjoyed art and photography, from creation to appreciation. Additionally, I enjoy writing in many forms, fiction, business writing, poetry, technical writing, and so on. So, blogging seemed like a good fit… let me know if I was right.

Where it began… I am the oldest of seven boys and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the 60’s and 70’s. If you are not aware, a lot happened during those decades – much more than the Pittsburgh Steelers winning 4 Super Bowl rings during the 70’s. 

Growing up during the Vietnam War era of the 60’s and 70’s gave me a broad appreciation for what was going on in the world outside of Pittsburgh. World events, like the war, hit us on television every evening with the “dead and wounded statistics”, along with coverage of our allies and enemies; protests happening around the globe; and the constant US government propaganda of “why we have to stop the spread of Communism.”

The 60’s and 70’s also brought the Rock and Roll Generation, called “Classic Rock” today. An incredible genre of music with a gospel and folk music foundation. Add to those graphic and emotional anti-war ballads; music from the psychedelic and drug culture; don't forget Motown and the “soul” sound; and finally top it off with Disco and lighter rock of the 70’s. Quite an uplifting and “revolutionary” mix for a kid growing up in the inner city of Pittsburgh.

Underlying Rock and Roll music, the counter-cultural “peace and love movement” – Hippies vs. The Establishment – was a widespread cultural revolution, in 180-degree opposition to the beliefs and practices of our parents’ generation. Forget any trust in government and politicians - after all we were lied to throughout the Vietnam War as well as all of the lies about the assassinations of JFK, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and RFK. This movement was a rebirth of freedom and self-expression, in all ways, shapes, and forms.

All of this contributed to who I am today and what you will read in this blog. I had a strict upbringing in an Italian Irish, Roman Catholic household. In 1928 (see this Blog), my father immigrated from Italy, settled with his family in Pittsburgh. He was an unskilled laborer, who dropped out of middle school to support his family.

While I was growing up my family wasn’t as poor as some and my parents were able to keep a roof over our heads, bellies full, and shoes on our feet, on my Dad's income. I learned right from wrong, at times reinforced by a belt or a swift kick in the ass. In fact, I had incredible parents who knew how to parent – they were our parents, not trying to be our friends.

Since I am now on the path of experiencing retirement (whatever that means and whatever form it takes), I have time for travel and my other pursuits and passions.

My intent for this blog is to write about places I experience, the sights, sounds, food, people, cultures, and more – along with my opinion (IMHO), the good and the not so good (see all of my Blog posts). My photographs will support what I write about, what I recommend, what I like, what I dislike, and what my opinion is of my encounters… my Wanderlust Encounters, see what I did there?

Those of you not wanting to read my blog, and you Gen Z’ers, Gen X’ers, and others who are "reading challenged" due to time spent in our public school system, go here to look at a few travel photos… which, if you like what you see, you are able to purchase photographs in many forms, styles, and sizes, the choice is yours.

I promise that 90% - 95% of this blog will focus on my travels - the solo travels of an average guy from the Baby Boomer Generation - and the people, places, and things I encounter in my wanderings. However, be prepared for my musings, thoughts, and opinions about a variety of topics and current events. Like you, I feel very strongly and have opinions about many things going on in our world today. Primarily, this blog is about my travels and experiences, not about current events, unless they affect my travels or plans for travel. If that happens you will know about it, trust me. Did I mention that I am opinionated?

That’s a little about me and what I intend for this blog (see my Blog posts). If you have any comments or even recommendations, feel welcome to send me a note below expressing yourself (send me a quick message). I look forward to hearing from you and will make every effort to respond.

Travel, Celebrate Life, and Have FUN!

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