As I sit in Boston Logan airport, having zoomed through security thanks to TSA Pre Check, I find myself on the cusp of a new journey. Since my last performance with Boston Ballet on the 27th of May, things have been a veritable whirlwind of activity, with unexpected feelings of liberation and lightness.

Sharing in my final bow were friends and family on either side of the curtain. This scary moment unfolded into a beautiful one, filled with so much appreciation, love and support. I could not have asked for a better experience and feel so lucky to have ended this part of my career on such a high note.

With July just started, I already feel like so many incredible things have passed my way…A retirement party surrounded by friends, family and charcuterie....

Epic meals in between weddings on the West Coast....

I am now officially ready to take this next flight. My first stop: Scotland. For a much-needed and total, disconnect. I don’t think you can get more remote than Tiree, a tiny island off the west coast of Scotland. After a week of visits to the island’s only pub, many family meals and bike rides around the island, I will be ready to head to France.

Here I will spend a week split between the foothills of the Alps in Valence and the romantic bustle of Paris – stay tuned for one particularly extravagant lunch at Camélia. From Paris on to Munich where the one and only Justin G. Leone will be my fearless guide through the culinary corners of Germany. Finally, I will have done well to situate myself on a Yacht in Croatia for a week of sun-kissed, coastal exploration.

As you can see, ‘retirement’ suits me well. Mind you, ‘retirement’ simply paints too black and white a picture and I prefer the word ‘transition’, for now. Upon my return, I hope to have sifted through some of my most immediate ponderings. Although I know, I will not return with a concrete and clear path – I think it is realistic to aim for a fresh perspective; an appreciation of all that I have experienced and all that awaits ahead.

While my identity as the foodista ‘on pointe’ may shift throughout this process, I am dedicated to my anecdotal writings and intend on continuing my self-professed food blogging. In what form, with what name and to what effect? These are all questions that remain, at this present point, unanswered. But do follow my instagram feed: rachelonpointe as I will be committed to making everyone as jealous as I possibly can, for the next 6 weeks:)