Some Thoughts

Hey folks!

Id like to give you a little update in words today. (Plus some shots after)

The last couple weeks have been really hard. Ive been tired as heck. Mostly its mental fatigue. Travelling through Eastern Turkey with Greg was really a highlight of my trip. The utter joy of being immersed in a culture was truly a gift. When you experience something so amazing you wonder when the crash comes. The crash for me was Greece.

Greece is beautiful. The country is full of jewels to be found. Sadly my mind wasnt into it. Coming across the border I tried to hitch to the nearest bus stop and was met with a rude awakening, im back in civilization. Nobody cares about you, your nothing. Welcome to Europe. Into the masses, lost. Becoming lost in the crowds again was really something I wasnt prepared for. I found myself really disliking other tourists. I listen to the way they talk, act, and travel. Was I like that? Am I like that? Ugh!

Coming from the Middle East and Asia people have these open hearts. Where else in the world do people run across the street and hug you. Where else do women grab your head and rock you like a lost son. Utter acceptance and welcoming is something I really miss. My attitude for Greece was this: Get in, take the photo, get out! I was about 5 min from cancelling my entire Europe stint and heading to India. Seriously.

Where is my high? Have I left the joy of Asia? The answer is probably yes. Thankfully I entered Italy for one of the best couple days of my trip. Im not sure how to explain how the last couple days have gone but ill try.

Think back to a day when you were so overwhelmed with joy and awe you had to weep. Being utterely and completely humbled is not something that comes easy to me. Rome has shown me reasons why there is a God. Rome has shown me the image of God in man. Rome has shown me beauty beyond words. Think of a song that makes you cry, a person that makes your laugh, or a smile from the person you love. Rome tops all these emotional highs.

Travelling alone is something many people cannot do. Sometime you go days without speaking, laughing, or interacting. You are given lows and highs so extreme you experience things with new eyes. I am certain many people saw the same things I have in the last couple days and didnt even think twice, that makes me sad.

That said ill leave you with some photos that can barely scratch what ive seen. Many of you have been to Europe before and can understand the awe that I have experienced. Im glad my experience is sharpened and peaks much, much higher than the average 2-weeker.

Miss you guys,

D.