|
If you are simply dreaming about traveling around the world after retirement, chances are that you will never do it. Today let's hear from a retiree who is actually committed to action. And he has a word of advice for those who try to follow his example. It may be everybody's dream to travel around the world at a certain point in life, but few actually commit themselves to action like this man does. "I got this sticker from Munich, Germany; this from Itay, this from Pompeii, and this from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Such stickers are available at camping sites in Europe, but not in the U.S., Australian, and New Zealand." Sixty-year-old Lai Chang-hsin, a former high-school administrator in Pingtung who retired in 2006, spent the past few years realizing his lifelong dream of world travel. So far, he has already visited Italy, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Last year, he even completed a 90-day biking trip across the United States. And he's currently on another cycling trip in China, riding from Xiamen to Beijing over an expected duration of three months. For a man who is already a grandpa, Lai's perseverance and stamina are truly amazing. "Despite being a grandpa, traveling around makes one feel young." And he said the key to realizing his dream lies in planning ahead and taking action. "Don't wait until retirement. Start planning now! And put your plan into practice. Because by the time you retire, your thinking and fitness will change." "So you've already planned what to do when you turn 61, 62, 63, and 64?" "Yes. Always make plans for your life. You'd feel it's so great to be alive!" And Lai's passion for cycling has attracted other retirees to join him. Together they formed a team called "the Miracles," and frequently went on a joyride. "Off we go, Miracles!" "How do you feel?" "Great! Fantastic! Would you join us too?" "I'm so happy!" "Do you feel tired?" "Not at all, I'm very glad." While some retire early to become traveling cyclists, others turn themselves into farmers. Eight years ago, former engineer Chen Chi-cheng gave up an annual income of 2 million NT dollars and retired from TSMC at the age of 45. He then set up a farm in Hsinchu's mountain areas, spending more time with poultry than people. "Are they your best friends here in the mountain?" "I talk to them from time to time." Unlike his days as an engineer, Chen's life no longer needs to be regulated by schedules. "I often lose track of time here. Nowadays I have meals only because I'm hungry, not because it's time for a meal. It doesn't work that way here." "So it's pressure free." "Right." But that doesn't mean Chen has little to do each day. "My life may seem simple for others. But when you are actually in it, there are actually a lot to do. Each day quickly passes by. Eight years have gone by in a flash." Chen's love for country life is shared by Li Tien-cheng, a 57-year-old former manager at a travel agency. After his early retirement, Li runs a farm in a mountain also at Hsinchu County. He said the best part of working here is not having to deal with people. "Working here, You won't be affected by other people's moods, Such as your colleagues', or your boss's. Weeding the field is a lot easier." But not everyone is so opposed to the company of other people. Hsieh Yu-wen, a retired military officer, has created a resort community with four other families in Penghu. These group of travel lovers met 12 years ago during a trip. And they have been so deeply bound by their friendship that they eventually decided to spend the rest of their lives as neighbors. Together they bought a piece of land in Penghu, and started to build the houses of their dreams. "This is my house. It's yellow, Provence-style. I like the feel of Provence-yellow." Hsieh said there are a lot of benefits of such an arrangement. "Living here with a group of friends, We can give each other instant help. Our children don't have to worry about us. They can focus on their own careers." And these friends are already talking about things they want to do together in 20 years. It's always great to be surrounded by your true friends, and perhaps especially so in the later stages of life. ◆ 追蹤更多華視影音及圖文新聞：
1.用Plurk追蹤華視影音及圖文新聞：追蹤
2.用Twitter追蹤華視影音及圖文新聞：追蹤
| 
相關新聞