@goblue61 ---Once again, it sounds as if our journeys have been similar. When I had my back issues I had an option of a fusion, as several disks were bulging/herniated, or simply dealing with the one area L4-L5 that was causing the most pain/severe sciatica. He recommended a laminectomy to open the space where the nerve was compressed, and to clean up the disk there. It was a great decision. It alleviated my sciatica, which had made my teaching job so hard, and was life changing.
While I still have some discomfort from the other areas that were not repaired, I don't have anything I can't manage. When I began having the hip pain, they did an MRI of my back to see if it really was a hip issue. The MRI showed nothing had worsened in my back---things were very similar to what they had been after my surgery, and they couldn't say 100% but thought it unlikely the back issues were the cause. Thankfully, they were correct. I imagine at some point back issues will surface again, but I am hopeful I can stave them off by working on my core again, once this hip has recovered.
This past summer I was able to visit Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. I am always in awe of the history in these places, and also the impacts that man, as a result of war, has had on them in so many of the places. But Italy remains one of my favorites. Maybe because it was the first country I was able to plan my own trip to, complete with week long airbnb stays in places so I felt like I could be more settled, and really get into the area/culture. Do you plan your own trips, or take tours?
I have only visited the Northern Coast of the Dominican Republic, mainly in the area around Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete, as well as a jaunt down to Samana to do whale watching. I like it a lot, because it is quite authentic----tourist mixed in with mostly people who live there year round---unlike an all-inclusive area like Punta Cana. I think it depends on what you like to do. I'm sure the more touristy areas of Punta Cana also would be beautiful, in that you can take many excursions from there. Definitely check out the DR if you ever have a chance!
Isn't it fun to be able to be thinking ahead to our future travels?!?! I only wish I could retake that trip to Europe, with a good hip this time, instead of dragging my bad one around. I'm sure my son and his wife wish the same;) However, even with all the pain, it was an incredible opportunity!