Well April is here and it is hard to believe that we have been back from our trip for four months already. Where did the time go? The memories of everything that we experienced are still fresh in my mind and I often play them over to enjoy and savor. When I think about Europe I want to go back to see all the places we never got to see, to revisit the ones we did, spend more time absorbing everything that Europe has to offer. What an incredible culture, the history is so strong, so visible, old places with so much of the past evident in the present, so much to learn. But for now I will be content to have seen what we did. I know that we will visit again some day and that there will always be more to learn, to do and to see there.
As for Africa, wow, so much to see there. We only spent one month in South Africa and since it was focused mostly around time with family we did not do too much exploring. There is a lot to see there too but the continent is so big I think we would need much more time to explore. Our safari trip was the most memorable time we had on the whole entire trip and so I imagine doing that again, for longer, would definitely be on top of our list.
Everyone is curious to know what the highlights of the trip were and to be honest there were so many it is very hard to pick them out. The traveling, moving around from place to place, in taxi's, on trains, was probably the most challenging with a group of 6. But those are the times when we learn how to tolerate each other and get through tough times. Then come the good times, like laying on the grass under the Eifel Tower, sitting on the Spanish steps, mesmerized by the beauty of the Sistine Chapel, and in awe at the Trevi Fountain. Highlights are everywhere when you are surrounded by so much beauty and art.
I think one of the things most fascinating about the trip was the traveling. Being able to get on a train or plane and traveling to another country, another continent, another world. And then, there you are. Another culture, another language, all so foreign, so new and so exciting. I think this was the most fascinating for the kids to see and experience. How other people live, how the world is so diverse and yet....at the end, how much we are all the same. This I would hope is something that stays with them through their life. I believe if we can carry that thought, that we are all the same, into our lives and look at everyone in this light we would have a much happier world today. I hope this is the gift I could give my children. For them to learn how to live in this life, together, in peace and harmony.
With much gratitude, for all that is in this world of ours, this beautiful, amazing, wonderful planet that we call home, and for everyone in it, thank you. xx
