The Old Jewish Cemetery

In a distant land, across the sea,

Lies an old Jewish cemetery that came to be.

A mystery unfolded in the city of Prauge.

Centuries of burials; twelve layers deep.

Tombstones marked with only a clue 

Of the person buried beneath the dew.

The sacred grounds remain undisturbed by man.

As a symbol of respect for the Jewish clan.

Only the earth bears the right of passage

To move a tombstone from it's place.

With all the twisting, falling and leaning

Makes one wonder, can their dead ever rest!

The Colonel and I were in Europe last year. We celebrated the New Year in Prauge, Czech Republic. On the first of January we took a tour of the old city, which included the Old Jewish Cemetery. This is where my 7th picture was taken. The cemetery was full of mystery and intrigue. I had never seen anything like it. With the unorganized placement of markers and tombstones sinking, leaning, and falling into one another, it left me wanting to know more.

Information is not readily available at many European historic sites, so I went on-line to learn more about my visit. If you want to read about and see more pictures of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prauge, click HERE and HERE.

Where were you at last January?

Writing prompt #3: Choose the 7th picture you took from last January and write a poem.

Hosted by

Mama Kat's Pretty Much Famous Writer's Workshop

Room with a View

First night we stayed in Switzerland was high in the Swiss Alps. My hubby paid extra to get a room with a view! I was very excited! It was quite an adventure getting to our place high in the Alps. The GPS took us on a bumpy, one lane dirt road that twisted and turned into places I thought we would never get out of. 

After we reached our destination, in Hasliberg, we found our hotel. A note was left at the front desk telling us to call when we arrived. The gentleman came right away and when we told him our troubles of getting there, he said "it was unlawful to travel that road." Well... I'm glad we didn't run into any lawman! Thanks GPS!

We were given directions to get to our room with a view. We had to go through the dinning area, through a door, down some steps, up some steps, through another door, down a long dark hallway to the end of the very end of the building. All I could think is... "it better be worth it!"

The room itself, was a huge disappointment. We paid top dollar for a dump! Welcome to Switzerland! But we had a view! From the sliding glass window we had a view of the Alps. We opened the curtains and the sliding door, which led to the deck. Soon the night breeze filtered in, cooling the stuffy room. I undressed and hopped into bed. I was lying in my undies admiring the view, when I heard some people walk down the deck toward our end. 

They wanted to take in the view. "Hey.... that's our view!" We paid good money for this view. I was quite annoyed. They stood outside admiring the view, while BLOCKING MY VIEW!

Until... they turned around and saw me all stretched out on my bed, lying in my undies! It didn't take them long to skedaddle back to their side of the deck. "Serves them right for trying to get in on my room with a view!" 

Room with a view--Hasliberg, Switzerland

View from a lovely B&B we stayed at in Iseltwald, Switzerland

Writing prompt #4: Write a blog post inspired by the word: travel

Hosted by 

Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop

Six Word Fridays: One Bump... Again!

I've got goose bumps already... just

thinking about going to the top

of the Swiss Alps! In fact,

I'm terrified! I am so afraid

of heights. But I'm not about

to let Adventure down. After all,

it's 007 we're going to see!
The one and only James Bond!

Here we go! It's straight up.

We'll climb over 12000 feet high.

Wow! Is it ever hard to 

look straight down. And I'm

not getting any sympathy from

Mr. Adventurous himself! That's my hubs.

See that building on top of 

the cliff? That's not the top,

 far from it! Oh... my heart

 is skipping a beat. Just breathe.

Every time we catch a clip

It's another bump on the ride

to the top. I'm amazed at 

the villages that have access from

tram only. And look... they go 

to the very edge of a cliff.

That's insane Who does this?

We stopped just twice, and now

we're on the last leg of 

the ride. Even though it is

the 1st of June, there is

still lots of snow for the 

skiers delight. I can't believe we

are almost there. I'm counting the

seconds as we travel through air!

Passing near cliffs, over water falls

and fields. Watching farmers hoe gardens

was quite the sight. So far

below our ride in the tram.

The Swiss Alps are a beautiful

sight. They are majestic, rugged, and

speak volumes of stories. I've never

seen anything like them before. I 

was filled with wonder and awe 
at the top as I looked 
all about in every direction. How 

grateful I am that I braved 

this one ridiculously straight up the 
mountain, 

 tram ride of my life!

The first James Bond film debuted 
in 1969. It was all for 
you... 007! That I made that 
hair raising, goose bumpy, forever long
ride to the top of the 
Alps. Well, and for the adventurous 
hubs. And, I kind of liked it, too! 

As you can see, I posted on the wrong word. Wow! 
How did I miss that ONE! 
I'll get on board next week!

one bump

Six Word Fridays: Chasing a Rainbow!

I found my pot of Gold

in Ireland! Not at the end

of a Rainbow, but in mystical

gardens and secret passages. In tall

stone towers and narrow dirt roads.

Over bridges, under waterfalls, and hidden

places where fairies dance and play.

Among the flowers, on the stream.

Shamrocks bidding me a good day.

Chasing a Rainbow was in vain.

It was in front of me all

this time! They say it was

the luck of the Irish that 

blessed my way. I found a 

wealth of treasure, lucky for me!

I recently spent 2 1/2 months in Europe with my husband. Ireland was a highlight of my visit. The B&B's we stayed at were by far the best in Europe. The food was excellent. The Irish are very friendly and helpful. And the countryside is breathtaking! Green everywhere! Narrow country roads, stone fences, thatched roofs, ruins and castles are a must see on a trip to Ireland. We visited the south and west coastal areas. We went to Ireland the first of June. Couldn't have asked for more perfect weather conditions. Recommended places to visit -- Blarney Castle and gardens, Kilarney National Park, The Cliffs of Mohr, and the Ring of Kerry. We are already planning a trip back. Next time we'll go to Northern Ireland. Can't wait!

By the way... it's good to be back!

chase

New Friends

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.

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.

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!

Writing prompt # 1: A New Friend

Hosted by 

Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writers Workshop

The Places I've Been

Traveling has given me experience and memories I could never get otherwise. I have learned new cultures, tasted new dishes, and have come to appreciate the differences and similarities that we all share. Traveling has opened my eyes to the world we share with people that are just living their lives, like us. I started doing trips, several years ago, after becoming an empty nester. And I love it! The states first. And the last two times have been to Europe. The Col. is stationed in Germany and we are taking full advantage of it. I stayed three months with him, from Oct. 2013 to Jan. 2014. I will be going back in a month and will stay another two months. 

I love Europe! The history is old and fascinating, the architecture is beautiful, and the food is divine! I love the fresh markets. Pastries, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables. They know how to eat and be healthy! Cathedrals, churches, bell towers, and clocks are in every town, every country. They are all so unique. My favorite sites are cemeteries and graveyards. They are peaceful, serene, and beautiful!

I will give you an overview of each country I have visited. The Col. has seen much more. I don't think I will ever catch up!

Germany -- 

• The people are very friendly.
• The language is challenging. 
• The food is delicious. My favorite dish - Garlic Soup! And the spread they put on sandwiches is to die for. I think it has cream cheese in it.
• It is a very clean and beautiful country. No trash anywhere.
• The people dress very modest. No tatoo's, no bulky jewelry. Refreshing!
• They follow rules to a tee! And, they let you know if you aren't. 
• They love to take holidays! And party! There is a festival for every occasion, every season, every chance they get. They just got through with Carnival and will soon be starting their Spring Festival's. I was there for Christmas and their Christmas Markets are so amazing. I had never seen anything like it before.
• Ever heard of "linger longer"? Well, don't be in hurry for your waiter to bring you the bill when eating out. Germans love to linger, talk...and talk... and talk... and eat cakes and other desserts and drink coffee after a meal. You can be in a restaurant for a few hours! They are never in a hurry. Unless it's on the Autobahn! 
• The people are very traditional. Soft spoken for the most part and very polite. 
• There are hiking trails everywhere. And, yes... I bought me a hiking stick! It's hand carved out of wood and the top is a man's face with a bell on top of his hat. He reminds me of St. Nick!

My favorite big city in Germany is Berlin. They call it a mini Paris. It is very beautiful. There are so many interesting museums. The Wall (Iron Curtain) that divided the east from the west still has sections standing. My favorite catherdral in all of Europe is in Berlin. It has it's own graveyard in the basement, and the tower view of the city was amazing!

My favorite small town is Dinklesbulh. It is a quaint Medieval town, still surrounded by the original wall and towers. People live in houses that enter in through the old wall. It is so cool!

Czech Republic --

• It's an interesting mixture of the old folks who were under the Russian rule, and the younger generation that has fully embraced Western culture. 
• Most of the younger generation speak English and are very helpful and friendly.
• The city is so beautiful! It has nooks and crannies, arches, secret passages, and cobblestone throughout. There is a pleasant surprise around every corner! 
• My favorite place to eat was in Prague. An underground Medieval restaurant, complete with a seven course meal, belly dancers, and entertainers that sang and drummed.
• You can still afford to shop there and it is fun! There is even a large outlet mall outside the city that is so American. So you get the old with the new. I love Prague! 

Italy --

• My favorite country in Europe!
• The people are aggressive and loud. But... oh so fun!
• Can't understand a thing they say. They talk very fast, or it seems to me. 
• They drive very fast!
• They honk!
• It is a very colorful country. 
• The buildings are old, colorful, and pretty much run down. 
• The northern landscape is breathtaking! Huge canyons and gorges. Tunnels. Mountains. Rolling hills of grapes that never end. Italy is so green and beautiful. 
• The architecture is so old, worn, and simply beautiful!

Two things in Italy that are my all time favorite sites in Europe -- the Protestant Cemetery and the Catacombs. 

France --

• The people are stuffy and unfriendly. As a tourist, I would strongly suggest learning some of the language. Otherwise, you won't get very far.
• No smiles to be seen. Sad.
• Paris is a large dirty city. It was my least favorite place to visit. The Col. and I spent Christmas there. They called it the city of lights. We wondered why? If they want to know what lights are, come to Vegas!
• Moulin Rouge, the play, was over the top! I had to get used to the topless dancers. The costumes were colorful and stunning! The entertainment was the best I'd ever seen.
• Climbing the Effiel Tower and cruising the Seine River were well worth it.
• The pastry shops are divine!

Northern France... Normandy, was a much better experience. It is well worth making the trip to experience the sites and history of D-Day. Visiting the cemetery and beaches were a very humbling experience.  And, I loved the fishing town we stayed in. Trouville. The seafood was so fresh. Snails are quite the delicacy. I did not go there! The French countryside was just beautiful! Cows and sheep grazing in the fields. Cottages that I often dream living in. The roads were narrow and winding, up and down rolling hills. Just like a country side should be. Wonderful!

England --

• The people were so refreshing to be around. English speaking! We didn't have to struggle to communicate with them.
• Loved the chatter. Chatter everywhere! Happy chatter. Loud chatter. Lots of laughing.
• Love the English accent. It sounds so proper. I have a friend who is from England. I could listen to her lovely and adoring accent all day long!
• The people are friendly, helpful, and very layed back. I felt at home.
• I was constantly aware of all the colors and styles of coats the women wore. I really wanted one!
• Fish and Chips... so awesome!
• London is full of energy and excitement. 
• Loved the double decker buses, taxi's, post boxes, and telephone booths. 
• The architecture was amazing!
• I learned a new phrase... Mind Your Step! Used at every stop on the tube (Underground). You can't get it out of your head while there.
• The Lion King, a broadway play, was very entertaining. I loved the costumes.

I loved England! My favorite place was the London Dungeons. An interactive history play that takes you deep into the dark places of London, starting with King Henry VIII. It was a thrill. I also loved the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge, as well as the river cruise on the Thames. We will be going back to England. So worth it!

Switzerland --

It was our route to get to Italy. We counted 60 tunnels going through Switzerland. We went through the longest tunnel in the world, I believe. It was 12 miles long. Amazing! 

Switzerland is a very beautiful country. I love the huge mountains. The roads hug cliffs, overlooking lakes and gorges. The site is spectacular! The Swiss people must have been very isolated from the world before they built roads. As we came upon a tunnel, we could see houses, barns, and churches right on top of the tunnel. Amazing! We are going to spend more time in Switzerland when I go back. 

Austria --

Another route to Italy. And, a very long tunnel. We couldn't read the language on a sign before entering the tunnel. We started through when all of a sudden the window fogged up and we couldn't see a thing. Both the Col. and I had our heads out the window trying to make our way through the dark. It's funny we didn't hit on-coming traffic! That was a very scary experience. Austria is very mountainous and beautiful. One of the prettiest castles we saw was just off the highway.

I have so many pictures, that I can't possibly share them all. But I did pick a few and combine them into collages. Hope you enjoy them!

I love castles. And I like the ruins of castles, even better! 

Above (left to right), Germany - Neuschewianstein Castle (this is the castle that Walt Disney patterned Cinderella's Castle after in Disneyland), Hehentwiel Fortress Ruins, Meersburg Castle, Obernammergau Castle, Austria Castle.

There's a church house... or two or three, or a cathedral in every town across Europe. Some are very elaborate, others are simple (that is, by European standard). They are usually seen in the center of the original town square. All the Christmas Markets were centered around the square.

My favorites: Cathedral in Berlin, Germany. It was not so over the top gold-laden and painted. It had warm woods and a beautiful staircase. I especially liked climbing to the top tower. The views of Berlin were spectacular! St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England. We went very early in the morning and had the grounds all to ourselves. It was heavenly and just beautiful with the early morning sun shinning on it. I especially enjoyed seeing all the smaller church houses out in the countryside as we drove to our varies destinations. They were all a beacon of light. Always with a clock on the tower and usually a bell tower. I just loved hearing the bells go off on the hour when we were somewhere near. Just heavenly!

Church houses (left to right) - St. Paul's Catherdral (where Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married). Milano, Italy Catherdral. Another view of St. Paul's Catherdral. The Vatican in Vatican City, Italy. A country church house. An angel statue on top of the tower - Cathedral in Berlin, Germany.

My all time favorite small town in Germany - Dinklesbulh. And Rothenburg. They are the old traditional Medieval towns. Surrounded by stone walls, towers, and a walk on top of the wall. Yes.... you can walk the entire city on top of the wall. The path dips under arches and has time worn, smooth pot holes along the way. There are towers and gun holes all around the wall. You can tell the old wall has been around for centuries. It is so cool! There are stairs to climb and views to take in. It is so spectacular. 

The door you see on the top left hand side lead to a house located just beyond the old stone wall. I met a nice woman coming out of her door. She walked with me for awhile telling me all about the town and a little of its history. I made a new friend that day!

Clocks are everywhere in the Czech Republic. They are all different and so neat to look at. The above clock is in a collection of Astronomical clocks on one of the many old towers in Prauge. The city itself is breathtaking. Beautiful buildings, cobblestone paths leading to secret out of the way places. I couldn't get enough of it!

The home you see, bottom left side, is a bed and breakfast we stayed in. The house has stayed in the family for generations. The old gentleman grew up with the Russian influence. He said it was a good day when the Czech Republic became independent. 

Italy - deserves to be spotlighted. Every single place we visited was so spectacular. If I had a second home, I would definitely choose Italy!

Cemeteries were at the top of my list! I just love them. Most of the time, they are located on church grounds. And the grounds are just beautiful! We were at a cemetery in Germany on October 30, the day before Halloween. There, the people who had lost loved ones, were taking care of the graves. Planting beautiful flowers and sprucing them up with simple decorations and mementos. It is a tradition on Halloween every year in Germany to pay respects to the dead.

The photo in the middle on the left side is an interesting cemetery. It is in Prague, Czech Republic. It is ancient. The headstones were just stuck in. Now they have sunk and formed a nitch for themselves. On top of one another. Tipped forward and backwards. Moss growing all over them. It is so cool!

My favorite is the Protestant Cemetery in Rome. The cemetery is located just outside the ancient wall of Rome. Christians could not be buried in Rome. Their bones were thrown over the wall, hence, the Protestant Cemetery was born. It is filled with the most beautiful statues and memorials. Most are famous poets and scholars. The site is breathtaking. I could have stayed there all day long! The weeping angel is my absolute favorite statue. I was so moved when I saw her. I can't get enough of angles since my daughter's life was taken a year ago. 

The Catacombs of Rome is another favorite. The feeling underground was hallowed. It is a story of Christians, underground secret worship, and faith that mean't everything to them. Even if it mean't death. It makes me feel so grateful for my Christian upbringing.

Cinque Terra. I love this place so much. The homes cling to the cliffs and lead straight into the sea. You have to park at the top of the town and walk down. There are about 5 towns that you can only access by foot or boat. We took a boat to another town and walked back on the boardwalk hugging the cliffs. It was so spectacular! I loved the boats parked outside of homes, rather than cars!

Taking care of bathroom needs was quite the experience! A hut with a hole. You squat and pull a hose down to spray yourself off. No toilet paper here!

Venice. I so love this place, too! It was so romantic. The only way to get to Venice is by boat. It's a city of old stone and rock in the Venetian Lagoon. Amazing! We were escorted around the city's canals by a gondola. The traditional flat bottomed boat used to get around for centuries. 

Florence. Amazing! It was fun browsing the shops along the cobble stone streets. The most remarkable thing...the bridge you see in the picture has houses built right on it. In the middle of the bridge are shops. I couldn't get over how the homes were supported. None other than a few boards!

Verona. So romantic! It is home to Romeo and Juliet. The balcony you see is Juliet's. And, yes! I stood there as my one true love spoke sweet nothings to me from below! Anyone can write a love note and attach it to the walls leading into the home she grew up in. 

The other really neat thing about Verona - It has the most amazing Colosseum. It is intact for the most part. You can walk around in it, on all levels. It was so neat! If you want to see the best, I'd skip the Colosseum in Rome and see this one. Much more friendly. No one to bother you. And you can walk in the arena, sit on the stairs, walk in the large hallways, and get lost in another time. Rome's Colosseum is in ruins. They charge to get in and most of it is roped off. Very little to see and experience. And, there are so many people, it's a nuisance to go to.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is incredible! Makes you wonder how it has withstood this position for centuries. There are a lot of stairs going to the top. But, we did it and it was worth it!

France

The Effiel Tower was cool! It was just our luck not to be able to go to the top. This was only the second time that it happened. Gale force winds closed the top of the tower down. We had to settle for the second level. 

Normandy - a trip well worth the time, money, and effort.

Just beautiful! Peaceful. Serene. The museums were very educational. The American cemetery was so well kept, crosses in a perfect row in every direction. Anywhere you stand, you see the crosses in a V. Incredible. The feeling of reverence was overwhelming and pervaded the entire scene. Walking the beaches and cemetery was humbling. My hubby has served in the Military over 30 years. His dad severed in World War II. My father served in the Korean War. It makes me so appreciative of what our veterans do in preserving our freedoms so tirelessly and unselfishly.

The map above shows the landing beaches. We were on Omaha Beach.

Trouville - the fishing town we stayed in. Normandy.

London - a great place to visit! When we were there, we happened upon a Red Carpet debut for The Wolf on Wall Street. Yes, we did see Leonardo DiCaprio! On the big screen. We couldn't get up close enough to see him in person. Wow! wouldn't you know. We travel half way across the world to see this! I had never seen anything like it here in the states, so that made it fun!

And no... I didn't watch the show, nor will I! 

Pictures above (starting at top, left to right). The London Eye, telephone booth, The Underground (tube) sign, Big Ben, Tower bridge, and old post box.

The Swiss Alps are breathtaking. We rode the gondola to the top and enjoyed the view for awhile. I couldn't believe how high we went!

The Col. and I. Thanks for all the lovely and memorable trips! Your'e my Number 1!

What countries have you been to? I'd love to hear!

Writing Prompt # 3: What countries have you traveled to?

Hosted by

When in Rome...

The last time I took a vacation was in Europe. I just got back from a three month stay with the Colonel, who is stationed in Germany. He works four days on, and then has four days off. You can bet when those four days come.. we go exploring like there's no tomorrow!

Keeping the pace we did for three solid months, I can tell you... I was more than ready for a vacation from the vacation!

Taking a vacation is not without its nerve-racking, stress elevating situations. For me, it is the 

TRAFFIC!

First thing when I got to Germany, the Col. made sure I took a driving test so I could drive myself around.... and that mean't on the Autobahn! Are you kidding! But I did as I was ordered. It was the hardest driving test I have ever taken. After one hundred questions and two attempts later, I finally passed the test. Talk about stressful. 

It's a different experience driving the Autobahn. So... I learned real fast, you never, ever drive in the left lane. That's the fast lane. If you do, be prepared at any moment, for a speeding car to instantly show up from no where, ride your bumper, chase you down the freeway at speeds of up to 120 miles per hour or more, until you get out of the lane! But, you can rest assured, Germans follow rules. And, they are very insistent that other drivers follow the rules, too. If you are caught making a right turn on a red light or some other minor traffic infraction, you can be sure they will let you know right away. They madly honk their horn while shaking their finger at you, until they know you understand that you didn't follow the rules!

Italy is a different story. No one follows the rules! Because there are no rules! Driving in Italy is an experience out of the twilight zone. We drove to Italy, starting in Rome, on one of the Colonel's four days off. Yeah... and the statement really is true...

When in Rome... do as the Romans do!

There were no lane indications. The traffic would often get 7 cars wide on, what we would call... a two lane road. There were cars (mini.. even minier than smart cars!), buses, rail cars, taxi's, mo-peds, bicycles, pedestrians .. all vying for the same space. Honking, yelling (Italian flair!), flashing lights, butting in, squeezing in, weaving in and out of traffic, slithering down the middle! You name it, the Italians knew every trick there was to driving. But, it was weird. They seemed to take it all in stride. Just another day on the roads in Rome!

I thought I had seen it all until we got to...

Milano

The Col. was driving and we were trying to get to the center of the city to see some sites. Cobblestone streets and all, we ended up on rail tracks, following a rail car. We... or rather, I, started to panic when I saw that the tracks were on both sides of the road, side by side. I thought for sure we were in the wrong place, at the wrong time, when I looked behind me and saw another rail car following us down the road. We were caught in the middle! "Oh no!" I thought for sure we were going to get smashed! But, it wasn't only a minute later that more cars, taxi's, people on mo-peds, people on foot and on bicycles were coming up and down the same road as we. It was crazy, insane! I had never seen anything like it in my life. No lanes, no rhyme or reason to the flow of traffic. Seven vehicles wide on a small two lane cobblestone street, and no indication of a dividing line. I couldn't believe my eyes!

All I could think of was my mother and how glad I was that she really didn't have any idea WHAT she had sent her youngest child (my brother), just 19 years old to... years earlier when he left our home in rural Utah to serve an LDS mission in Milano, Italy! If she only knew!! 

The traffic experience in Europe is something I will always remember... and probably treasure when all is said and done. I will look back on it and have some good laughs as I think about the memories made in another place, a land far away. 

I am very lucky! I have the best of both worlds.Traveling and getting to vacation in other parts of the world, meeting new people, learning new cultures... well, I wouldn't trade it for the world! 

And... when I need a vacation from the vacation, I get to come home. Home... nestled among the trees in the orchard, out in the country. No rail cars, no mo-ped, no buses, no busyness. Just me and the soft sound of a gentle breeze!

Roma

  Milano

Home

Writing prompt #3: Write a blog post inspired by the word: vacation.

Hosted by