Taking a trip... ?
Callanish Stones
UK
The Callanish stones on the Isle of Lewis date from roughly 2900-2600BC, around the same time stones were being brought to Stonehenge. Legend says that the pale stones are the remains of the Giants who refused to convert to Christianity, Saint Kieran turning them to stone in punishment. I include the Callanish stones rather than the more famous Stonehenge for several reasons. Stonehenge is easier to visit but gives a far less satisfying experience. You can walk amongst the Callanish stones, touch them, and feel much like the original worshipers would have. At Stonehenge you are bombarded by the noise of two major roads. While on the Isle of Lewis you can see the hundreds of other standing stones which litter the fields and hillsides, so it’s well worth a visit.
Editors Note: As a child in the seventies in England, Stonehenge was a fascinating place. With far fewer cars than today, and the ability to still walk among the stones themselves, it was a place of wonder even for a young child. It’s a shame it’s been so diminished by time and ‘progress’.
We have a search engine at my work called BING.
Everyday there is a picture of a faraway place, exotic animals, bizzarre fact with amazing photography. If that doesnt ring in your ears as "Why don't you go there someday?" While you are sitting at your desk trying to pry open the minds of adult learners... nothing will.
Allies two friends from HS have spent the last 2 years living overseas. They have taken trips to far reaches of the globe. Places that don't sound attractive to visit, but when I see the photos or google them, I am intrigued. I haven't been anywhere, like that.
I've been to all the family locations, and had a great time, no slam intended on my traveling companions thus far.
But what is to be said about the grand tours of the WORLD, that I havent even thought about?
Kathy P and her Ally went to Italy, and NOT on a bus trip!!! They had locations and days tobe in certain cities, but they chose when and where. And found a place to visit, by accident.
Can you imagine, someone stumbling upon Forty Fort PA by acciddent and finding it interesting?
hmmmm, is our place of residence of any "value" or "interest" to the GLOBE?
Well.... honestly .... No.
Thats alright, I dont want to LIVE at the Acropolis, I just want to SEE IT.
So how does one decide where they want to go, how do I sort through the BING locations of the world and decide "Yup that place will have a profound effect on my view of the world and its people."
My other friend Jenny went to Israel with her future husband. The pictures she posted were truly magnificent. The religious significance of these locations and the magnitude of the masses affected through thousands of years BECAUSE of these places she visited. I can't imgaine visiting and NOT being changed.
How about Rome, The Pope, The vatican, THE ART! The food, the people, the all encompassing vision of sitting by the fountains, watching people of the GLOBE walk on by.
I imagine our trips to NYC are as close to GLOBAL VISIT I have come close to.
People from around thre world want to visit there. Which is obvious by the languages you can hear just sitting having coffee in the morning in Times square. Since Molly's apt is only a few blocks from there we have been fortunate to be able to go a few times a year and just MIX IN.
I want a trip of a lifetime someday.
I would love to see Greece. Historically siginificant, beachy, romantic, good food.
Ireland/Wales/England. Again a historic draw for me, amazing museums, ties to family heritage and castles. Good beer and even better bars with singing. A definite MUST SEE and DO EVENT.
I would love to go to Italy. This is a museum trip, a feeding of my apetitie for beautiful artwork. religious significance and anticipated respect for family, tradition.
Or maybe thats from watching too many Godfather movies.
WINE, cheese, beautiful landscapes, TUSCANY.
Coastal waterways, ahhh.
I mentioned to Sara the other night that we are going to NYC one weekend this year. Absolutely doing it.
She sort of scoffed. But you know what? We have to. There comes a time in life when some of us have to say...
"You can do my job for two day."
"No one is going to fall THAT far apart that It is irrepairable upon my return."
Sometimes the the thing that is irrepairable is us, without some time to figure out what we are in this world other than, Mom, Wife, Daughter, Driver, Teacher, taxpayer, frindly neighbor, porch sitting American, Christmas shopping, gift wrapping, horn blowing, cat box changing Suzie.
Is there more to what or who I am than that?
Have I explored all of my contributions, or is there some gift to the world that I haven't tapped into yet?
Imagine, we travel to Italy and sit at the little table, have a glass of wine, we watch the "beautiful" people of the world saunter on by, what will happen to us? Will an international global traveller vapor set us apart from the drones back in the good old Fort? Would we return more aware, more respectful of the grandness of the world? Will people see us different, as the two from the "FORT" that left their hubbies at home to find themselves in Europe, Asia, Africa? and now we ARE aware? Of IT?
Ahhhggh I don't need or want to be anything more than what I am supposed to be. But really, is this it, Am I everything or is there something else I am missing. Would a global trek uncover my uncanny ability to.... connect?
Its all fluff, bah humbug.
I'm good in the Fort. I like my kids and family. They are pretty cool.
My jobs, they give me a chance to SEE people change their lives, and I get to play a small part.
The life I have created is pretty good,
But a Tibetan Monk, in person, in Tibet?
A night under the stars in Africa, like Meryl Streep in Out Of Africa?
A cold beer in a huge glass at a bar in Ireland singing songs I dont know?
Walking a mile or two of the Great Wall OF China?
Floating along in a Gondola in Venice?
Thats pretty cool, huge, and a slice of Monday Morning boredom.
How about a little Dunkin Donuts Decaf at the FF roadside umbrella tables? NOW THATS EXCITING!!!
Comments