Our grand tour continues to roll on. Lessons have been learned: a month is too long in any one location; the ’Translation App’ only really helps with menus; don’t accept roses from a stranger – they aren’t ‘free’; ALWAYS get the audio add-on at museums/churches, so worth it! and finally, I can’t seem to stop buying the ‘just right shoes’ for each country. Imelda’s got nothing on me. Pitiful. We continue to mail extra stuff home – which is extraordinarily expensive.
Eternal question – why does Europe have something against sheets? Bedding here consists of a flat or fitted sheet on the bed and a duvet. No top sheet. We haven’t seen a top sheet since we left the USA in August. The pillows are very hit or miss too. (Tip – Very much a hit at last hotel Stay KooooK Bern City.) We miss, miss good pillows.
We’ve been in a church almost everyday since we began traveling. Old, gorgeous churches are everywhere. The history. Faith reflected through time. The divine spaces due to the many footsteps and hearts drawn in. We are gobsmacked anew every week. Another fascinating piece is how visitors get to interact with the church.
In Switzerland, land of the Reformation, one is granted much more access to all the spaces whereas in France the velvet ropes keep you at a distance. This contrast is so revealing in terms of ‘what does faith mean’ in each country.
We have been to eight countries thus far. We have learned about other cultures and most importantly about ourselves. This journey has been life changing in so many ways. We have found absolute gems and some ‘meh’ locations. All of the experiences expand our inner spaces to seek more.
Our pace is about to pick up. We are shortening our visits in each spot to about week or even just a few days until the New Year. Presently we are in France, then onto Netherlands, Germany, Portugal and Spain. Winter Markets, World Heritage Sites and port cities invite us to explore. The adventure continues!
Project Empty Nest 