Does a "new friend" have to be a person?
A few couple of weeks before coming back home from Europe, I found a NIKON at the PX for half off. I had my "point and shoot" camera, which I love, but this was the real deal! Our last trip was back to England. Across the English Channel and to Dover Castle. I placed the strap over my neck and took my "new friend" with me. I have a lot to learn about it, but so far I'm lovin' it.
NIKON
I think my NIKON took some mighty fine pictures!
Dover Castle was having "character days", when we went. The castle came alive, as members of the Royal Court of King Henry II met visitors at the "Great Tower". Knight School and Siege Practice was taking place, and if you have ever been to England you know what a show they can put on. The "Great Tower", or castle, is 83' high and 100' square. The walls are 21' thick. The inside of the tower is recreated to reflect how it was when first completed in 1180-1185 A.D.
Pictures, left to right, starting at top -- characters of King Henry's Court, flowers lining path, Roman lighthouse and church, the Great Tower, underground secret medieval tunnels (also have underground hospital in the white cliffs of Dover and secret wartime tunnels... amazing!), firing hole, and white cliffs of Dover.
Did I say why I love Dover Castle and the history surrounding it? If you do family history research, you'll understand why. King Henry II is a g....grandfather (1133-1189). The great medieval fortress was created by him. And, another important King, Edward I (Longshanks) (1239-1307) was also a g....grandfather. It is both fascinating and exciting to learn where my roots came from. You can too at familysearch.org. It made my trip to Europe and visiting specific sites much more meaningful knowing who my ancestors are.
Britia had a huge smile on her face as I sat down beside her on a bench outside the Freiberg, Germany LDS temple. I'm a friendly person and immediately started a conversation. I asked her all kinds of questions... her name, where she was from, and what brought her here. She smiled and politely attempted to address my questions with the small amount of English she knew. Even though she was anxious to talk, she struggled with the right words. But that didn't matter! Not to either of us. We connected instantly, even with the language barrier. We chatted back and forth. I in English, Britia in Czech. We laughed in our attempts to understand each other. It wasn't long before Michael, a friend of her's, joined in on the conversation. He spoke English very well and proved to be a great translator for both of us. I learned about their roots in the Czech Republic, their faith, and their desires to come to America. It didn't take long for us to became fast friends.
I recently spent 2 /12 months in Europe and made lasting friendships along the way, even if for a brief moment. Like the young 16 year old girl from the Netherlands working at the campground we stayed at, the Australian couple and Canadian woman who were on a tour with us in Toledo, the old gentleman from Ireland that took us on a "jaunting car" ride (horse and box) and entertained us with singing and stories, the high school students from England on a field trip, a young mother from Columbia sitting next to me at a "jousting" event, the young family from Jerusalem touring Austria, Mary from Egypt who married a soldier friend, and countless German citizens both on and off post. And, last but not least.... Celia, our delightful French girl and exchange student who is staying with my daughter's family. She is my newest friend.
The world is small these days. Traveling throughout Europe gave me great pleasure in meeting new people and forging new friendships. The world is full of wonderful people! I have learned we are much more alike than different. You can find a "new friend" anywhere!
Meet as Strangers... Leave as Friends!
Britia had a huge smile on her face as I sat down beside her on a bench outside the Freiberg, Germany LDS temple. I'm a friendly person and immediately started a conversation. I asked her all kinds of questions... her name, where she was from, and what brought her here. She smiled and politely attempted to address my questions with the small amount of English she knew. Even though she was anxious to talk, she struggled with the right words. But that didn't matter! Not to either of us. We connected instantly, even with the language barrier. We chatted back and forth. I in English, Britia in Czech. We laughed in our attempts to understand each other. It wasn't long before Michael, a friend of her's, joined in on the conversation. He spoke English very well and proved to be a great translator for both of us. I learned about their roots in the Czech Republic, their faith, and their desires to come to America. It didn't take long for us to became fast friends.
I recently spent 2 /12 months in Europe and made lasting friendships along the way, even if for a brief moment. Like the young 16 year old girl from the Netherlands working at the campground we stayed at, the Australian couple and Canadian woman who were on a tour with us in Toledo, the old gentleman from Ireland that took us on a "jaunting car" ride (horse and box) and entertained us with singing and stories, the high school students from England on a field trip, a young mother from Columbia sitting next to me at a "jousting" event, the young family from Jerusalem touring Austria, Mary from Egypt who married a soldier friend, and countless German citizens both on and off post. And, last but not least.... Celia, our delightful French girl and exchange student who is staying with my daughter's family. She is my newest friend.
Writing prompt # 1: A New Friend
The world is a lot smaller when you go out to meet it! It's actually smaller the more you avoid it. I admire your courage. You got your ability to talk to anyone from dad.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Home Carol! I've missed you!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a grand time. How blessed you are that you have the opportunity and the disposition to travel. I was immediately drawn to the upper right hand picture of the church. Half off -how could you pass it up??
I didn't realize tour ancestors are English -and Kings at that.
So I will bid Your Majesty good night! :) :) :)
Thank you Maureen! My trip to Europe was just lovely, but it's also good to be home... on American soil!
DeleteWow, sounds like an amazing trip! I dream of traveling somewhere, anywhere, outside the U.S. Preferably somewhere with castles!! How neat that you were able to track your ancestry and actually experience some of the wondrous castles that your ancestors actually lived in. What a cool feeling that must have been.
ReplyDeleteThis is on my list!! I would love to tour the tower...so long as they don't lock the doors. ;)
ReplyDelete