Welcome indeed and thanks for the inspiring post. As it turns, out I am able to retire in June as well and am in the process of deciding what to do with some extra time... :)
Very impressive, too, that you are an Escoffier International Culinary Academy graduate.
All the best!
Keep busy. Keep Alive. Find something usful but fun to do that comes from your heart. I spent most of my life in Broadcast and TV. I loved it. It was never about the money, I would have done it for free. So now, after retiring from radio I have an Internet radio station to keep my feet wet and involved.
Good luck with your future retirement. Life is GOOD!