As Villa Vie Odyssey was preparing to embark on its seven-day transatlantic crossing, America was waking up to a new reality. (It was actually a surreal awakening for many.) We’d held late-night election watch parties in our shipboard lounges that Tuesday, and somber conversations at mealtimes the next day.
Many were just trying to make some sense of the strange times in which we find ourselves.
During our days at sea, I spent lots of time alone in the panoramic Observatory up on Deck 8, watching sunrises and sunsets, flying fish and leaping dolphins and the rolling waves. I was thankful that the waters had been somewhat calm for our crossing. But I was thankful for so much more. It occurred to me that we were safe. I thought of the countries around the world that would be affected by this election.
In my own country, I thought of the future for women, immigrants and all minority communities; for health care and education, social security and so much more. I thought of my granddaughters and their stateside futures.
Refuge amid a sea of troubles
While it’s true that the majority of Villa Vie Odyssey residents are Americans and may still be affected in some ways by anything taking place in our home country, the fact remains that our new home is right here aboard this ship.
The rest of the world may be going to hell in a hand basket, but we’re in this weird, Noah’s Ark kind of reality.
Of course there’s still concern about our retirement accounts and social security, any remaining real estate holdings, etc., not to mention family members still residing stateside. New decisions will have to be made, especially for those who may one day return to the States. But at the end of the day, for now anyway, somehow we’re safe.
During the pandemic, I retired and made the decision to leave the United States and move to Italy. I documented the journey here for Dispatches, and even wrote a book about the process. It was difficult at times, given COVID restrictions and Italian bureaucracy, but it was a decision I never regretted.
And I wasn’t alone.
During and after 45’s presidency, there were many who felt they just had to leave. The great American exodus had begun. The trend is gaining traction again since this month’s presidential election, and expat destinations around the world are taking notice.
Villa Vie Residences is no exception.
The launch of their new marketing campaign sounded amusing at first blush. But Skip Forward, one of the options in the company’s new Tour La Vie program, offers the opportunity to spend the next four years aboard the Odyssey, rather than in a country rocked by fear and political turmoil. There are also one-, two- and three-year options, dubbed Escape from Reality, Mid-Term Selection, and Everywhere but Home, for those who may just need a shorter break to figure things out.
An escape from painful reality
While the timing may be perfect for those truly disheartened by the election, the company said the
program had already been developed before the race had been decided. So, who might be a candidate for what sounds like a drastic decision? Certainly anyone who has already considered relocating, and probably anyone else who is untethered by career or other obligations.
I’ve already heard a few residents who are remote workers mention how glad they were to have taken the leap and gotten settled before all the current madness erupted. As so many expats will testify, making a move is doable. But when it comes to a temporary escape, using that time to sail around the world while getting your bearings in this new reality may make even more sense.
Villa Vie’s November 7 news release announcing the new program described its global journey that includes 140 countries, with a starting price of $49,999 per year and the flexibility of beginning the four-year adventure at any port.
By definition, the escape we’re talking about involves avoiding the real-world stuff that is just too difficult to deal with right now. But we all know the music will have to be faced eventually, especially for those seeking just a temporary escape. Also, there’s no doubt the new administration’s agenda will include unthinkable decisions that will have long-term, even permanent repercussions. But, in the interest of immediate self-care and peace of mind, a respite may just be the order of the day.
Okay, so maybe I’m a little biased, since (a) I’m already enjoying life aboard the Odyssey, and (b) if I still lived in the United States, I would definitely be among those clamoring to get out right about now.
But, even objectively speaking, for those who feel the need to make a move now, and are in a position to do so, it just makes sense to find the easiest means to that end.
Just sayin’.
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See more about Carla’s Odyssey cruise here in Dispatches’ archives.
Carla Bastos is a former journalist and newspaper editor. An American expat in Italy for several years, she now makes her home traveling the world aboard Villa Vie Odyssey.
