I will need to renew my passport in 2026. As I packed it away this week I was curious. How many stamps – thirteen. I’ve only had one destination on a bucket list, Florence, Italy, and I made it in 2023. My travel has been to serve. I’ve been surprised by these destinations and the opportunities that accompanied the travel. I have not been to that many countries in the past nine years but I have been places I never imagined. You don’t need my itinerary but here are a few memories of things I enjoyed on God’s green earth. Greece has more history than I have seen anywhere. The ruins and monasteries are remarkable. What is really fascinating is that whenever a new building project begins, it is very possible that more history will be discovered. There is even a view that no digging happens in these sites but they stop construction and cannot keep up with the preservation. The museums are all full and there are so many museums no wonder the tourists continue. The United Arab Emirates is very exotic and hot. I did see a camel but mostly mosques and malls. Only 20% of the people you see are native to the area because of the huge influx of workers and professionals. I had watched a blog by a local family before traveling and their destination was the mall every night. It is a social event and they even sell Porsches at the mall. Whoever does the laundry is amazing as the well-dressed men in white always look perfect. The ladies are covered in black but under the sleeves you see sparkle and gold. They are able to socialize with other women without the coverings. It is dry there but the manmade lakes and architecture is remarkable. The gas stations with the mini-marts are all identical. The Czech Republic was most interesting. Prague is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. There is a sadness and ultra privacy coming out of communism as before 1989 your neighbor could be the spy next door who turns people in for any seemed infraction. People rarely have guests in their homes and the older people look at the ground and don’t trust strangers. There were many lovely people I met but they were exceptional. Prague is easy to navigate and food is affordable. Germany is not my favorite place. I was happy to return to Berlin in 2024 after a first visit in 1978. The history, the wall, the hard/harsh language, the size of Berlin was intimidating. It is worth visiting every scary historical site from Hitlers time to feel the weight of murder for horrific reasons. I will not plan to return. People are good everywhere but that is a hard place for me and I had a hard experience there. Switzerland is the most charming country I have ever visited. The landscapes and people are so charming but it is more expensive than the U.S. You can walk meadows and climb hills for the rest of your life. One mention is the national churches which are similar to the same system in England. At Christmas, some friends and I at Lake Thun visited two churches and the pastors were women, the trees decorated identically, the same program with no uniqueness or variety. I find independence in U.S. churches to be more authentic. No one is the boss of us! Lastly – oh the alps, chocolate, and pastries. That reminds me of France. I’ve not traveled far but visited Paris in 1978 and 2023. It is the only place where I’ve lost my way in the underground. The tubes are threatening if you are unfamiliar. I did love the celebratory mood. Paris is connected to love and the people are open and looking for friends. Watch your money. If you are an obvious American, you may not get the correct change. The Monet Museum is the best. I don’t need to return but seeing the rest of France on a roadtrip like we did in 1978 would be interesting – especially to follow the coast. I was excited for London and valued the historian there who gave the best tours on our day off. I spent an entire day by myself in the War Museum looking for a photo of my Dad. I saw people doing what he did as a control-tower operator during WWII but not his photo. I also looked for a home owned by a local friend here but it takes over an hour to cross the city. Fun on busses. Charming places to tour and excellent coffee. It was very cold and that was limiting. England is special because my family roots are from Wales. You would think language would be easy but in the busy parts few speak the native tongue. Immigration was happening when I first visited. Albania is unique. I’ve heard there is still corruption following the communist takeover. The people seem shorter and the men have a similar bowl haircut. I’ve never seen such unexpressive clothing. My favorite part is in the north, Shkoder but Durres is supposed to be a beautiful coastal town. The roads were messy and the family feuds continue. I’ve never seen homes wrapped in barbed wire before. The reason is protection. 83 Leks equals one US dollar so a cappuccino took about 400 Lek and the coins are so tiny. Construction has been rapid since Albania’s post-communist era began. Some are statement pieces but quality is a challenge. By my Realtor standards, some buildings, age 10, looked shabby more like 40 years. This country is rough around the edges but I am very grateful for my time there. Lastly, Italy will always be my favorite. Florence would be my home if I did not have children and grandchildren here. They are my heart but I remember my parents telling me that I liked Italian food and history and all things Italian when I was a child. That surprises me but it fits me. God does not make mistakes and I believe I live in the best place. I was in Bari in 2017 and have now been to Rome twice. Oh the graffiti is as bad as Greece. I like the people and the variety. The north and south feel like two different countries. I would not know that had I not visited. I have been to Canada and Mexico but not much to say as I’m expecting a phone call soon. The Caribbean is so worth the visit and I’ve been able to tour but not work and serve in those places. Well, the passport is packed away for now. Not only is where we travel interesting but the why. Had I not felt led to go, I would have missed a lot! Thank you, Lord, for making so many beautiful people in beautiful places. I know I forgot something but the phones ringing…
