"In my day, I battled dragons
Walked with giants, ruled the seas
And all the riches known to man
Belonged to only me
What am I now? Fragile and lonely.
In the shadow of my glory
Robbed of everything by time."
I judge the quality of publications for Columbia University and recently read the poem above written by a student. I thought it ironic that a young person could so eloquently capture the feelings of the people my age who often lament the loss of their physical prowess, mental acuity and financial freedom.
I recently dined with a large group of babyboomers who spoke of nothing else but their physical problems. The common denominator was that none were resolvable only controllable, and that was anger provoking to each of them.
These people had been movers and shakers in their lives. They had been problem solvers and now they couldn't fix the physical problems that plagued their lives. They were angry because they'd been told they had to accept and live with their conditions--resign themselves to the fact that aging was robbing them of their physical and even mental well-being.
When I was in my thirties, I vividly remember thinking, as I listened to older family members conversing about their aches and pains, that I would never make that the focus of my discourse with other people. But like all the others vows rooted in ignorance and inexperience that I made in my youth, I now know that it is hard to be our best when we don't feel our best.
In my thirties, I was strong and pain free. I danced and exercised daily with ease. I juggled the myriad repsonsibilites of family and work without forgetting a thing, and I slept like a baby.
I didn't know what it was going to be like to have trouble even opening a jar or medicine bottle. I didn't know what it was going to be like to struggle with walking sometimes much less exercising because of an arthritic knee. I didn't know I would someday toss and turn trying to find a position that wouldn't aggravate my fused neck and allowed me a quick retreat to the bathroom for the umpteenth time.
Yes, welcome to aging. Is the trade-off for a weakening body and brain greater wisdom and a firmer focus on that which is really important in life? I don't know. I talk with friends and the answers to the "big" questions in life still seem elusive and the difficulties in relationships still loom large.
Is there any compensation for losing our physical and mental strength? One great sage in his late sixties, whom I well respect, suggested that losing all that makes us vital allows us to let go at the end.
I'm not sure losing our faculties is God's design to ready us for death, but I have seen enough people, who had been giants in their day, lose their strength and their desire to battle dragons, and as soon as they did, they sought a heaven that promises a new body, a life without pain, and eternity with our maker. Their eyes were focused only on God.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Java Junkies Can Relax
I love coffee and can drink it in any form--hot or iced, and black, creamed or flavored. I felt compelled to stop drinking it on a regular basis, though, because I had been convinced it caused more harm than good physically, so I approached coffee like it was a dessert (only on occasion).
Now, they tell us that coffee is not only good for us but those who drink lots are better off than someone who drinks only one cup a day. Don't you wish these doctors would make up their minds. Honestly, there's a very clear reason they call medicine a "practice".
Many new studies confirm that coffee is a rich source of nutrients and anti-oxidants that destroy damaged cells, lower cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes, colon cancer and Parkinson's disease. If that weren't enough, coffee treats headaches, helps control asthma, lifts mood, and reduces cavities.
Prevention Magazine says:
1 cup per day lowers your risk of early death from all causes by 37%.
2 cups per day reduces your risk of death from heart disease by 25%.
3 cups per day slashes your risk of dementia and Alzheimers by 65%.
4 cups per day makes you less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
If this news weren't good enough, The Harvard School of Public Health recently published a study indicating that drinking caffeinated coffee is the most beneficial choice, so unless you suffer with insomnia or high blood pressure, drink your java in its high octane version to benefit fully from its anti-bacterial and anti-adhesive properties and to dramatically decrease the incidence of gall bladder disease and gall stones in both women and men.
Two studies have shown that individuals who drank two or more cups of caffeinated coffee per day were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than individuals who drank no coffee or a small to moderate amount.
The studies also indicated that regular coffee drinkers score significantly higher on cognitive ability tests, spatial awareness exams, IQ tests, and short term memory studies, and the effects of coffee on an individual's cognitive ability appear to be even more pronounced among women and the elderly.
And a study of more than 45,000 men conducted over a 12-year period showed the amount of coffee consumed was inversely related to their risk for developing gout.
There are so many reasons now for drinking coffee that it would be almost irresponsible not to indulge again, and don't dump those grinds after you savor that first cup and pull the plug on the pot. Use them for a great facial scrub before applying make-up. The anti-oxidants in the grinds reverse skin aging for men and women, and the texture sluffs off dead cells. The coffee grinds also leave a natural oil that lubricates the skin.
Well, I don't know about you, but I'm firing up the pot again tomorrow morning.
Now, they tell us that coffee is not only good for us but those who drink lots are better off than someone who drinks only one cup a day. Don't you wish these doctors would make up their minds. Honestly, there's a very clear reason they call medicine a "practice".
Many new studies confirm that coffee is a rich source of nutrients and anti-oxidants that destroy damaged cells, lower cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes, colon cancer and Parkinson's disease. If that weren't enough, coffee treats headaches, helps control asthma, lifts mood, and reduces cavities.
Prevention Magazine says:
1 cup per day lowers your risk of early death from all causes by 37%.
2 cups per day reduces your risk of death from heart disease by 25%.
3 cups per day slashes your risk of dementia and Alzheimers by 65%.
4 cups per day makes you less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
If this news weren't good enough, The Harvard School of Public Health recently published a study indicating that drinking caffeinated coffee is the most beneficial choice, so unless you suffer with insomnia or high blood pressure, drink your java in its high octane version to benefit fully from its anti-bacterial and anti-adhesive properties and to dramatically decrease the incidence of gall bladder disease and gall stones in both women and men.
Two studies have shown that individuals who drank two or more cups of caffeinated coffee per day were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than individuals who drank no coffee or a small to moderate amount.
The studies also indicated that regular coffee drinkers score significantly higher on cognitive ability tests, spatial awareness exams, IQ tests, and short term memory studies, and the effects of coffee on an individual's cognitive ability appear to be even more pronounced among women and the elderly.
And a study of more than 45,000 men conducted over a 12-year period showed the amount of coffee consumed was inversely related to their risk for developing gout.
There are so many reasons now for drinking coffee that it would be almost irresponsible not to indulge again, and don't dump those grinds after you savor that first cup and pull the plug on the pot. Use them for a great facial scrub before applying make-up. The anti-oxidants in the grinds reverse skin aging for men and women, and the texture sluffs off dead cells. The coffee grinds also leave a natural oil that lubricates the skin.
Well, I don't know about you, but I'm firing up the pot again tomorrow morning.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Cairo in the Summer
Well the verdict is in and it is unanimous---I am not a third-world kind of gal. Spending time in Cairo during the hottest possible month convinced me that life is easier and more productive when people can at least escape 115 degrees into a home or work place that is air-conditioned.
The problem is that, in most third-world countries, people cannot afford to air-condition their homes or work places including, if you can believe this, the capital city's biggest and most important museum. Except for the room in which the King Tut exhibit resides (by the way amazing to see in Cairo), the rest of the museum was sweltering, and, ironically, we had saved it for the afternoon believing that at least it would be cool after a full day of being outside visiting the Pyramids, the Sphinx and Old Cairo, all of which were truly a miracle to see.
I have never really thought about the importance of air-conditioning before, but I am a firm believer now that it can change people and ultimately a society. On a small scale, one is better rested, in better humor and more motivated if they've slept in an air-condtioned room. I know because I have had to, in my lifetime, toss and turn rather than sleep in a room without. On a large scale, if people can escape the heat, they can work harder and be more productive, particularly in the afternoon, when life shuts down because the heat is so oppressive.
I was frankly shocked when I visited Cairo. The people are literally and figuratively hot under the collar, and the place it showed itself most was on the road ways. Driving in Cairo is truly death defying. There are no street lights, signs or respected lanes. If there are three lanes, the drivers operate as if there are five. The beeping and shouted insults are incessant, and pedestrians walk out into the road as if there are no cars bearing down on them at high speeds and intent on stopping for no one. I spent all my travel time looking out the side window at the sights. Looking out the front window was too terrifying, and I'm not afraid of much.
The city was filthy, not just with the layers of brown dust that blanketed everything, including what little there was in the way of plants and trees, and the layers of black grime spewed by cars not governed by exhaust laws, but with the trash that was strewn everywhere--along all the streets, in the parks and rotting in the buildings that were brown concrete boxes colored only by laundry flapping in the dirty wind.
Generally speaking, the people looked and acted as sour as their surroundings. Despite tourism being important to the economy, this was not a service oriented locale. Even if there is the promise of additional payment, I felt I was an imposition rather than a prospective customer, and at every turn we had to be concerned about being taken advantage of.
But in a way, I couldn't blame them. Many were poor, some so poor, in fact, that they have moved into the crypts in a cemetary that was thousands of years old. Can you imagine having a grave in your bedroom?
Poverty doesn't necessarily equate with unhappiness, but struggle at every turn to live life in a hard environment takes its toll, espcially when there is no promise of change.
I have been asked if I would have chosen to go again, and my answer is a resounding yes. Visiting massive monuments that date back thouands of years and speak to the sacrifice of the human beings who constructed them, sailing on the Nile River where the basket holding Moses was found, and walking among camels on a desert so stark and awesome that other experiences pale by comparison were just a few of the reasons for doing so.
Would I go again in the future? Well...I always wanted to visit Egypt and now I have, and, as I feel about all my opportunities to travel the world, I am grateful to have seen it and to have been with family members living there now, but it is checked off my bucket list.
If you're contemplating going, I would suggest going in November through March, taking one of those hand-held fans, and choosing accommodations with air-conditioning.
The problem is that, in most third-world countries, people cannot afford to air-condition their homes or work places including, if you can believe this, the capital city's biggest and most important museum. Except for the room in which the King Tut exhibit resides (by the way amazing to see in Cairo), the rest of the museum was sweltering, and, ironically, we had saved it for the afternoon believing that at least it would be cool after a full day of being outside visiting the Pyramids, the Sphinx and Old Cairo, all of which were truly a miracle to see.
I have never really thought about the importance of air-conditioning before, but I am a firm believer now that it can change people and ultimately a society. On a small scale, one is better rested, in better humor and more motivated if they've slept in an air-condtioned room. I know because I have had to, in my lifetime, toss and turn rather than sleep in a room without. On a large scale, if people can escape the heat, they can work harder and be more productive, particularly in the afternoon, when life shuts down because the heat is so oppressive.
I was frankly shocked when I visited Cairo. The people are literally and figuratively hot under the collar, and the place it showed itself most was on the road ways. Driving in Cairo is truly death defying. There are no street lights, signs or respected lanes. If there are three lanes, the drivers operate as if there are five. The beeping and shouted insults are incessant, and pedestrians walk out into the road as if there are no cars bearing down on them at high speeds and intent on stopping for no one. I spent all my travel time looking out the side window at the sights. Looking out the front window was too terrifying, and I'm not afraid of much.
The city was filthy, not just with the layers of brown dust that blanketed everything, including what little there was in the way of plants and trees, and the layers of black grime spewed by cars not governed by exhaust laws, but with the trash that was strewn everywhere--along all the streets, in the parks and rotting in the buildings that were brown concrete boxes colored only by laundry flapping in the dirty wind.
Generally speaking, the people looked and acted as sour as their surroundings. Despite tourism being important to the economy, this was not a service oriented locale. Even if there is the promise of additional payment, I felt I was an imposition rather than a prospective customer, and at every turn we had to be concerned about being taken advantage of.
But in a way, I couldn't blame them. Many were poor, some so poor, in fact, that they have moved into the crypts in a cemetary that was thousands of years old. Can you imagine having a grave in your bedroom?
Poverty doesn't necessarily equate with unhappiness, but struggle at every turn to live life in a hard environment takes its toll, espcially when there is no promise of change.
I have been asked if I would have chosen to go again, and my answer is a resounding yes. Visiting massive monuments that date back thouands of years and speak to the sacrifice of the human beings who constructed them, sailing on the Nile River where the basket holding Moses was found, and walking among camels on a desert so stark and awesome that other experiences pale by comparison were just a few of the reasons for doing so.
Would I go again in the future? Well...I always wanted to visit Egypt and now I have, and, as I feel about all my opportunities to travel the world, I am grateful to have seen it and to have been with family members living there now, but it is checked off my bucket list.
If you're contemplating going, I would suggest going in November through March, taking one of those hand-held fans, and choosing accommodations with air-conditioning.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Happiest of Birthdays
We have just celebrated one of the happiest occasions I've ever known--the first birthday of my first grandchild, and, if that were not enough, I got to see the heart beat of my second grandchild on that same day.
What a miracle a grandchild is---the source of love, laughter and pride with none of the responsibility or hard work, and what hard work it is. I'd forgotten just how "on" I was as a Mommy.
It's not so much the constant nursing and feeding, or the soothing and rocking, or the education and exercise; it's the not knowing fully what is going on in that sweet, little body--the high temperature, the piercing cry for no apparent reason, the unclear reason for a change in schedule. It's downright scary--terrifying really as you don't want a moment's discomfort for that darling baby.
The compensating factors for the concerns that come with parenthood (and grandparenthood when we hear about the high fevers or the terrible falls that we can do nothing about) are the snuggling after waking up, the outright laughter at some repeated silliness (in my case, it was sticking out my tongue repeatedly and playing peek-a-boo), and the full blown smile when they see you.
There really is no greater joy except perhaps to remember those same things about your own children. My granddaughter looks just like my daughter and when Lily turns a certain way or makes a certain gesture, she takes me back to being 28 and in love with someone in a way that is totally indescribable--boundless and breathtaking.
I still feel that same beautiful love for my daughter, but because of the boundaries that come with maturation and the changes in relationship that come after children marry, the expression of that love has changed.
But as I watch my daughter express her love to her daughter in much the same way that I expressed my love to her, I am transported and truly amazed at the miracle life can be.
What a miracle a grandchild is---the source of love, laughter and pride with none of the responsibility or hard work, and what hard work it is. I'd forgotten just how "on" I was as a Mommy.
It's not so much the constant nursing and feeding, or the soothing and rocking, or the education and exercise; it's the not knowing fully what is going on in that sweet, little body--the high temperature, the piercing cry for no apparent reason, the unclear reason for a change in schedule. It's downright scary--terrifying really as you don't want a moment's discomfort for that darling baby.
The compensating factors for the concerns that come with parenthood (and grandparenthood when we hear about the high fevers or the terrible falls that we can do nothing about) are the snuggling after waking up, the outright laughter at some repeated silliness (in my case, it was sticking out my tongue repeatedly and playing peek-a-boo), and the full blown smile when they see you.
There really is no greater joy except perhaps to remember those same things about your own children. My granddaughter looks just like my daughter and when Lily turns a certain way or makes a certain gesture, she takes me back to being 28 and in love with someone in a way that is totally indescribable--boundless and breathtaking.
I still feel that same beautiful love for my daughter, but because of the boundaries that come with maturation and the changes in relationship that come after children marry, the expression of that love has changed.
But as I watch my daughter express her love to her daughter in much the same way that I expressed my love to her, I am transported and truly amazed at the miracle life can be.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Flying High?
I've spent the last six weeks traveling--by boat, bus, train and plane and all of it went well except the flying. Forget that they don't feed you any more, even on fairly long trips, and you need to take out a second mortgage to buy airport meals. Forget that the seats are shrinking so dramatically in size that when the person in front of you reclines, their head is in your lap, and forget that we're required to report hours before the plane may take off on time. These problems now pale by comparison to the crazy thing that just happened to me.
They actually put me on a plane going to the wrong city! Despite being at the right gate and on a plane with the right flight number, they sent me to Cincinnati instead of Dallas. Who knew such a thing could happen?
And the worst of it was that there was no apology or even concern that there were no more flights out to take us to the correct destination (there were of course several of us to whom this happened), that I had to spend the night in the wrong city, and that I missed an important meeting the next day. Instead, if you can believe this, I was met with irritation at having to deal with the problem they created for us.
How could this happen? Imagine, if you will, five gates crammed together filled with thousands of people all waiting for various over-booked flights, one plane after another being delayed for the big excuse now--mechanical problems, and gate employees who are on automatic pilot when they answer questions, because, believe me, I even verified repeatedly that they were putting us on the right plane.
Now...I certainly don't want to fly on a plane with mechanical problems, but, in my case, a trashcan latch was broken--seriously! Hundreds of people were delayed, inconvenienced (one couple lost all their vacation trip connections), and left stranded because they couldn't figure out how to stow trash generated on a two-hour flight that wasn't even going to serve drinks.
What to do? They have us over the proverbial barrel--don't they? If we need to get someone far or fast, we must fly. And, for the most part, one airline is indistinguishable from another. If they have too many flying (and since they overbook, they often do.), they can throw you off the flight. They charge you now to carry the clothes you need to travel, and now they can send you where you don't want to go!
Anyone have any solutions or are we truly out of luck if we can't travel by land or sea--the only industries which still seem interested in customer retention or service.
They actually put me on a plane going to the wrong city! Despite being at the right gate and on a plane with the right flight number, they sent me to Cincinnati instead of Dallas. Who knew such a thing could happen?
And the worst of it was that there was no apology or even concern that there were no more flights out to take us to the correct destination (there were of course several of us to whom this happened), that I had to spend the night in the wrong city, and that I missed an important meeting the next day. Instead, if you can believe this, I was met with irritation at having to deal with the problem they created for us.
How could this happen? Imagine, if you will, five gates crammed together filled with thousands of people all waiting for various over-booked flights, one plane after another being delayed for the big excuse now--mechanical problems, and gate employees who are on automatic pilot when they answer questions, because, believe me, I even verified repeatedly that they were putting us on the right plane.
Now...I certainly don't want to fly on a plane with mechanical problems, but, in my case, a trashcan latch was broken--seriously! Hundreds of people were delayed, inconvenienced (one couple lost all their vacation trip connections), and left stranded because they couldn't figure out how to stow trash generated on a two-hour flight that wasn't even going to serve drinks.
What to do? They have us over the proverbial barrel--don't they? If we need to get someone far or fast, we must fly. And, for the most part, one airline is indistinguishable from another. If they have too many flying (and since they overbook, they often do.), they can throw you off the flight. They charge you now to carry the clothes you need to travel, and now they can send you where you don't want to go!
Anyone have any solutions or are we truly out of luck if we can't travel by land or sea--the only industries which still seem interested in customer retention or service.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Cell Phone Magic
5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do
For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.)
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.
Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.
Check out the things that you can do with it:
FIRST
Emergency
The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.
SECOND
Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone:
If you lock your keys In the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
THIRD
Hidden Battery Power
Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.
FOURTH
How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
And Finally....
FIFTH
Free Directory Service for Cells
Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem.. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411 (800)FREE411 , or (800) 373-3411 (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.
For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.)
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.
Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.
Check out the things that you can do with it:
FIRST
Emergency
The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.
SECOND
Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone:
If you lock your keys In the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
THIRD
Hidden Battery Power
Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.
FOURTH
How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
And Finally....
FIFTH
Free Directory Service for Cells
Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem.. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411 (800)FREE411 , or (800) 373-3411 (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
A Journey Shared
Being able to travel is a true gift and even a privilege since we are not all able.
Travel is the opportunity to experience the beauty of another's world--their landscape, their art, their history, and their culture of course, but more than that, it is the opportunity to understand what they are proud of and why.
Spain was magical--steeped in legends, mystery and even magic (the street actors stood for hours in positions not to be believed). I stood in the room where Queen Isabella paid Christoper Colombus to go find America. I stood before a church so massive and magnificent that it was impossible to believe human beings created it,and I stood before God's greatest creation--silver mountains dipping into a sapphire ocean.
Travel to Spain was a treat for the sences. I saw flowers blooming like pastel whipped creme. I heard bells peal in a tower 300 feet high. I touched smooth mosiacs that dated back to the 12th century, and I tasted perfect paella, sweet sangria, and crunchy churrohs coated in chocolate.
Clearly, my trip was amazing. It is doubly special to share the experience with others during the trip and with others afterwards. It magnifies the experience and cements the memories.
If I've peaked you desire to hit the road or airways, I'm thrilled. There is so much to see and experience throughout the world, and you can do it the 5-star method, back-packing it, or any number of ways in between those two extremes.
And even though I love every minute of travel, I am equally thrilled to hear a US customs officer say "Welcome Home!" to what I believe is the best country of all--America.
Travel is the opportunity to experience the beauty of another's world--their landscape, their art, their history, and their culture of course, but more than that, it is the opportunity to understand what they are proud of and why.
Spain was magical--steeped in legends, mystery and even magic (the street actors stood for hours in positions not to be believed). I stood in the room where Queen Isabella paid Christoper Colombus to go find America. I stood before a church so massive and magnificent that it was impossible to believe human beings created it,and I stood before God's greatest creation--silver mountains dipping into a sapphire ocean.
Travel to Spain was a treat for the sences. I saw flowers blooming like pastel whipped creme. I heard bells peal in a tower 300 feet high. I touched smooth mosiacs that dated back to the 12th century, and I tasted perfect paella, sweet sangria, and crunchy churrohs coated in chocolate.
Clearly, my trip was amazing. It is doubly special to share the experience with others during the trip and with others afterwards. It magnifies the experience and cements the memories.
If I've peaked you desire to hit the road or airways, I'm thrilled. There is so much to see and experience throughout the world, and you can do it the 5-star method, back-packing it, or any number of ways in between those two extremes.
And even though I love every minute of travel, I am equally thrilled to hear a US customs officer say "Welcome Home!" to what I believe is the best country of all--America.
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