Darlene, 100 countries by 70!

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Paddling close up

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As I slid into the chair opposite Darlene, I realized that she embodied the person I wanted to become.Attitude: Darlene is satisfied (for the moment) in her accomplishments and happy to focus on her goal to visit 100 countries by the time she turns 70.  Darlene, age 67, is well on the road to achieving her goal -- she's off to Ethopia this fall.Passion: After 22 years of working hard running her event production company, she packed it all in and went on an around the world trip with her husband.    Darlene started traveling at a young age.  Her first trip was in 1972  visiting India and Nepal after the Vietnam war to study Buddhism.  Her ideal happiness comes from traveling and being able to ask the question, "What the heck is that"?Fashion: When our conversation turned to fashion (as it always does with me), Darlene said traveling has been her fashion inspiration.  She loves finding interesting fabrics and designs in the world markets.  "Vietnam and Korea have the best designs and fabrics!" Our American markets lack creativity and diversity for Darlene, so if she does shop at home it's at Goodwill, Salvation Army and Thrift Shops!Age: At 67, How does Darlene stay young?  Besides traveling and hanging with her husband and friends, she takes to the water.  Twice a week for the past 20 years, Darlene is out on the Bay with her outrigger paddling club.This Pro-Ager considers herself a "citizen of the world" and is happiest on the road, meeting new people and immerseing herself in different cultures.