Final Thoughts on Europe and Travel
As I reflect on the last month spent traveling, I am aware
of how simple it is to be in the moment when everyday routines and
responsibilities are left behind. I love what I do in my everyday life but
notice that I am thinking about what is next, what I must do tomorrow, who I
need to call or email, etc. I am a big believer in living consciously yet despite
my best efforts I am not in the moment all the time.
While getting to know my travel group I was asked “what
would you say has been your biggest adventure?” My response, without
hesitation, was “My marriage and family.” My trip to Europe was a great little
adventure but I think the greatest adventure is taking place in my everyday
life and relationships. Some of my most significant life-long relationships are
with my sisters.
I’m glad I got to share this European experience with one of
my sisters. Irene is a great travel
partner. She is always ready to join in, like when she went for a midnight swim
with all her clothes on in Cinque Terre because everyone else did it. Sometimes
we compliment each other perfectly. For example, she does not like the sugary
crust on crème brulee and I do. Other times we are opposites. She is always too
warm or hot. I often feel cold. Sharing a hotel room for three weeks meant that
when I felt like I had slept in a refrigerator she was perfectly comfortable
and vice versa. I suppose it would be good for us to keep perfecting our traveling partnership. Wink wink!
My favorites things about Europe: Best food, best pastries,
best prices, best people , Italy, Italy, Italy! I knew I would love Italy.
Switzerland is the most expensive. Germany is the cleanest. Art and architecture
is beautiful throughout the countries I visited. I learned a lot about each
country and their people. I am inspired to explore art in our country. I learned I truly enjoy group travel. I would
love to return to Italy and France and to explore other countries like England,
Spain, and Greece. However, my summer travels have not ended. I am packing my suitcase once again. It’s
time for Mexico. I will be visiting my parents in the “Villa.” Dad is 90 years
old and Mom will turn 82 on August 7th. I am traveling with three of
my sisters and my son Ben too. We will be in Mexico for Mom’s birthday.
I will blog about Mexico in the next couple of weeks. I am
also considering starting a blog about my experience as a forty-something
year-old (barely) college student. For those of you who don’t know, I’ve
decided to go into mental health counseling. I returned to school over a year
ago and will attend University of Washington this fall. Another blogging idea
is to start a blog about self-care, as one of my sisters suggested. I have
worked in the natural healthcare field for the past fifteen years and I am a
voracious reader on this subject. This is one of my passions. I am a
proponent of “Healthy Selfishness.” I have always believed that only by taking
care of ourselves (first) can we have anything to offer anyone. These are my
thoughts for now. I have enjoyed writing this blog and I appreciate your kind
comments and words of encouragement.
