Perhaps my obsession with logistics is a consequence of years serving the construction industry. Whether art or science I cannot say, but I love all that is involved in organizing and implementing a complex operation. From our first trip abroad, I have thoroughly enjoyed planning our European adventures.
Each of our trips has had an innocuous start. Our first trip to Paris was a result of a visit to a friend's mountain "cabin" near the Piscah National Forest in NC, admiring photos of our friend's family hanging in places of honor above the fireplace. Most of the pictures had been taken in Paris over several generations. Ron was surprised to learn I had never been to Paris, that I had never been abroad at all. And so the travelling commenced. Another trip was inspired by a photo of an ornate gate in an article about Pilsen, in the Czech Republic. We decided to find the gate, and ended up on a two week trek with our three youngest children. Then there is the inspiration each spring and summer provided by the stages of the Tour de France, and the Giro D'Italia. Ron faithfully follows the worlds greatest cyclists through cobble-stoned villages, up and over mountains, across rivers and around farms and vineyards. Hmmm, that place looks interesting...
The Dolomites. Cinque Terre. Mont Ventoux. Each trip starts with one idea, one dot on the map. And then we add another dot, and another, and we start connecting the dots.
Our time in Paris has been a logistical challenge on a number of fronts. We have taken many trips, and seen a great deal of France, Germany, and Austria. We have visited family and friends, and we have hosted family and friends.
However, we are striving to be a different type of traveler, and a different sort of host. In the simplest terms, the dots we are trying to connect are not merely trains, metro stops, and places of interest. We are also trying to connect dots of a different nature altogether. Language. Culture. Behavior. Beliefs. Knowledge. Attitudes. Values.
Connecting with people is the hardest connection of all, in any language, in any place, and at any time. We humans have so much in common, but the patterns of living we have developed, the way we express ourselves, the culture of our societies born out of need and circumstance, these things will separate us if we cannot recognize and respect them.
We announce who we are with every "bonjour", "pardon" and smile of thanks. We reveal our character each time we decide whether to offer an assist on the steps as a fellow human being struggles with a suitcase or stroller. By not eating,drinking, or talking loudly on the subway, we show respect of Parisian culture. We can be the ugly loud American, or we can be the grateful courteous guest. One to another, with every action, we express love or we express hate. There is really nothing in between.
Therein lies the challenge and the opportunity when we travel. Connecting dots. Bridging barriers. Or not.
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