About the book

Retire and Go is about our nine months abroad (2009-2010). 

It seems as though we were on more than a journey; we were on a pilgrimage. That is, to deepen the understanding of ourselves in the context of radically different social norms, languages and cultural mores. 

“As millions of individuals retire each year, retirement provides an opportunity for a fresh start. The possibilities are endless—even on a budget—for those prepared to open their minds and dream big. Russ and Emily Firlik, who had just retired from teaching, dared to rethink their more traditional retirement plans to embark on 9 months of slow travel in Rome, Florence and Paris, keeping a strict budget in mind, guided by their passion for the fine arts, history and culture, and to foster new and different perspectives. The book is a memoir and travelogue that details the author’s personal travel experience and includes insights and instructions for the thrifty long-term traveler. It will inspire others to dream- Retire and Go, and plan their own adventures, while helping them with the practical details of sticking to a budget and anticipating the unexpected.”