As most of Europe fights the spread of covid 19 and the variants, the use of the vaccination QR code has been used to restrict access to many places and the rules vary from place to place, with inside dining vs outside dining center stage. If you do not have a code then you might be able to have a covid test within a certain time frame. For a while the vaccination cards were allowed, but there is a big move to only accepting the European QR code.

The problem is that a foreigner, a traveler, a digital nomad, can not get the code easily. In Greece for example, you have to apply for temporary citizenship, which takes a month, then order a latest shot, be it booster, or second dosage, etc., wait for it, then ask for the QR code, which in total time can take several months. Most travelers do not have that much time to wait.

With many countries attempting to lure digital nomads to their country, this is a big roadblock in doing so. The long lines at testing centers around most towns is growing because people have to go to work, they have to eat, and shop. The one thing good about being a digital nomad is that you have the freedom to select where you live and can do so where the rules and laws do not hinder you from living a good life.

Hopefully a more integrated system will be developed so that those depending on the tourist traffic will not be hurt by imposed restrictions such as this. With so many changes in the law it is so important to follow the countries you want to visit, and make sure you have exit pans in case the laws shift against your movements.

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After spending over a month is Athens Greece, I love this town in many aspects, but thought others coming to Athens Greece might need to know what I really liked and did not like while living there. This is definitely one city you need to come and enjoy as the people are friendly and the food is fantastic, and you have so much history all over the place. The scenery is amazing so bring your cameras. We do our best to blend in as locals, to see what the real Greece is like.
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Hello guys and hope everyone is doing great. We have been in the Czech Republic for a month, and now in Croatia for a month, with several side trips. It is great to report how eastern Europe is opening up and everyone is ready to welcome the tourist back to their country.  We have noticed how many are hoping for the best and while a few restriction on wearing mask, etc.  exist, they are not fully enforced. The vaccination certificates we have is all we need to go anywhere. The places we have visited are very friendly and eager to open up. We will be getting the booster shot soon and working on that now.

We will be soon going to Montenegro where we will be for the month of November, then on to Albania. These countries are very hilly so we are glad we are staying in shape and up to the challenges ahead.  We foresee no problems in border crossing at this time at all.

Learning to speak Croatian has been a challenge but worth learning at least a little makes for a richer experience. This language is also spoken widely in the next several countries we are visiting, so we hope to get better and better at it.

I have a ton of photos to process and will be adding many soon.

I hope you follow along our adventures as we navigate the world.

Johnny

This festival that has grown over time actually started around 2000 years ago and was known as the Celtic festival of Samhain and meant to be the time of celebrating the harvest where colorful costumes which were usually made from animal heads and furs and were worn so that children were taught not to be afraid of the dark by building large bonfires. It was Pope Gregory 111 that designated the date of November 1^st to be the official date, but the night before was known as the “all hallows eve” which over time evolved into Halloween.

The wintertime was also known for the time of deaths as when the weak often died during the cold winters. Thus, the celebration became the gateway between the living and the dead. In Mexico today the dead are honored and celebrated during this evolved tradition there, much like the ancient Romans did to honor the dead.

The Irish tradition of knock a dolly, where kids would knock on doors and quickly hide before the owner came to the door evolved into the trick or treat tradition known in America.

Party time with elaborate clothes for adults is one of the latest trends as well as buying tons of candy for everyone, but even on a more recent note is the dressing up of pets with special costumes being the latest trend.

Who loves the 60’s music of rock and roll. If you love having a place to see all of your great music, check out my playlist, but first see this latest video on rock and roll from the 60’s here https://youtu.be/FHOXqhVijmg