Retrospective

A long trip is good every once in awhile. It acts as a sort of reset for the brain. Old routines, habits, patterns and feelings are challenged and new ways of seeing and thinking appear as valid alternatives to what one may think is the correct, or best method of living on this planet. What seems important from the comfort of a couch and TV may suddenly become trivial. What seems trivial, may become important. One's mind is opened to new possibilities and the understanding of other peoples' behavior becomes more clear. I say long trip because it takes us a week just to get in the mindset of being free of the old and adjust to the new. Another couple of weeks allow the traveller to complete the transformation from a "clockfollowingeatcertainthingsontime" person to a vulnerable, curious, adventure seeker suddenly once again seeing the beauty in people, events and places of all stripes and colors. Mark Twain said it best when he wrote "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."

A couple of things we noted as different here in the States stand out and deserve some attention. Most noticeably, the traffic. It flows smoothly here with little or no tailgating, that is nice. There are interruptions in the flow of traffic here because of stoplights; that is not so nice. We encountered only a handful of stoplights in Europe and those were in the heart of cities. Most intersections are roundabouts, a smooth orderly way to keep traffic flowing. Signage is international, graphic, and standard. Once learned it is easy and sensible. Much, less important information, is painted down on the pavement out of the drivers direct vision. Important signage remains on poles but the result is a less cluttered and easy to understand environment for the driver. A "pedestrian crossing" sign does not have to compete with "no parking between 6 am and 9 pm on Wednesdays except for holidays" sign. Also, most businesses, stores and shops are closed on Sunday as well as between 1 pm and 3 pm during the week (including grocery stores!). These periods of down time give a more relaxed feel to life and are easy to accept because of the universality. Friends, families and couples can be seen enjoying each others company during the closed times and even construction workers are seen napping, laughing or just talking for a couple of hours during the day.

Using our Garmin GPS loaded with a Europe card was an absolute joy and pleasure and a must for anyone contemplating driving in Europe. We took roads, alleys, and farm roads through tiny villages, past magnificent chateaus, and through woods and forests we never would have seen had we stuck to using the map. It was helpful in locating all the things a traveller needs to locate quickly and easily. Finding grocery stores, ATMs, gas stations, toll roads, campgrounds, hotels, parking and museums would have consumed way to much valuable time without it.

Our travels were made easier with help from many people and we want to express our deepest thanks. Thanks to you, the reader, for providing the inspiration to keep up with this blog.  Wrting is easier when there is a possibility someone might actually read it. Extra special thanks go out to my brother David and his wife Tina, our friends Lynn & Donel, my overworked business partner Marion, and Bobbie's Pilates subs Susan, Christina, & Sherri for covering for covering our backs so well while we played. Thanks also to the many anonymous people we met on the trip who offered a smile and help when it was needed. We will endeavor to pay it forward when the opportunities arise.