The world continues to be their oyster as well as the seas and oceans across the globe.

Eskaton Village residents Jose and Barbara Kirchner have lived their dreams and their dreams continue to draw them to some of the farthest parts of the world.

“We’ve been to 90 countries and all seven continents,” said Jose Kirchner, a consultant for human behaviors. “Both Barbara and I are master scuba divers and have dived in 32 countries. We’re also National Geographic Lifelong Explorers.”

Semi-retired, the couple have no plans for slowing down. Their next trip is planned for dives in the Caribbean.

Jose was born in Mexico City with dual citizenship through his American mother. Barbara was born in Connecticut where she was the first in her family to earn a college degree. She went on to also earn a master’s degree in education. Ironically, the couple met on a tour bus in Japan.

“I applied with the department of defense for a teaching position,” Barbara said. “I taught in two schools in Germany and one on an Air Force Base in Japan.”

Jose had joined the Air Force and was also stationed in Japan when he met Barbara. Within a year of meeting, the two were married.

“Our anniversary is April 28, 29, and April 30, 1966,” Jose said. “We were married three times in three days. We had a civil ceremony, one on base and one at the United States Embassy. It was required when you married overseas.”

Jose said this gives him a little leeway to remember their anniversary on time.

Coming back stateside, Jose was stationed at McClellan Air Force Base and went to college on the G.I. Bill. Barbara landed a job with the Rio Linda school district where she worked for 29 years. Holidays and vacations remained a time for exploring the world.

From the Killing Fields of Cambodia to mosques in Saudi Arabia, Jose and Barbara’s quest to see more has never diminished.

“One of our favorite cruises was to Antarctica,” Barbara said. “We explored for 22 days with Russian researchers. Our favorite author Peter Matheson and our favorite artist Robert Bateman, were also on board.”

The Kirchners said they both have been awed by all the cultures and venues they’ve visited.

“With all the differences in language, culture and beliefs that we’ve seen, we’ve also seen a lot of similarities,” Jose said. “What’s important to people largely remains the same. Their value of what’s best for their children can be seen everywhere. When you get to know other people you then personalize them and barriers fall.”

The Kirchners recently moved to Roseville’s Eskaton Village where they stay active in the retirement community.

Jose volunteers as a docent at the Maidu Center and works part time as a consultant in the field of work place human behaviors.