Time to travel

Ah home! Love that first shower, unpacking my things smiling as I find my hairbrush stuffed hidden in the side pocket; found now after I bought another one along the way. I look over things I gathered along the way-- laughing wondering why I was so sure I couldn't live without some of them. Next looking through pictures while the real images are still fresh and trying to remember the cool air, warm sun, smells on the streets, and feelings of experiencing a new place...

"Memories were like sunshine they warmed you up and left a pleasant glow" -Moon Over Manifest

Something new.. a week off in February-- ski week... brings time to travel. I wouldn't consider myself a traveler but with two friends Kat and Teresa plans were made and off we went to Barcelona!

Cheap travel-- stay at a hostel... Somewhere along the way I missed that part of college life, staying in a hostel in Europe, but not to worry going to experience it now with a couple of seasoned travelers. A shared room with bunk beds, lockers to put your things, a shower the size of a telephone booth, and friendly people that acted as if you were a long lost relative. I must admit the small, tight, community living was a stretch for me but I soon discovered that I had an up close picture of true travelers; those headed out the door with not much of a plan, money but a whole lot of hope and adventure. A young girl from Poland traveling alone here for the weekend to, "see the city." Another young girl from England who had stayed here before and was just wanting to come back and see favorite places. Another young guy from England, spending a couple of months traveling, sat on the bunk bed near us trying to make plane reservations for his next destination. I admired their bravery and courage--

With highs of 17 degrees in Switzerland my goal was to find a bit of sun... Check! It was a week of learning about an artist named Gaudi; looking for his connection of nature and God in his work, warm chocolate and churros, cobblestone streets, Spanish Guitar concert, the beach and sea air, castles, new heights, Spanish food-- language, walking...shopping....walking....shopping.. Bright colors and loud music of Carnival --dancing our way home a couple of nights, time to find a favorite afternoon spot in front of a cathedral with a Starbucks hot chocolate and take it all in...

In those peaceful moments in a new places made me wonder about traveling and belonging... A thought came to me that I had jotted down as I thought about what that means.... "Being open to connect but grounded in self." Maybe each part helps the other-- Another thought as I take out that last load of laundry and take a moment to listen to the quiet of my apartment, just me as the traveler... I remember,

The soul travels;
The body does not travel as much as the soul--- Walt Whitman, Song of the Open Road

Ponder the path of thy feet!


My new starting line-- travel with hope!