… and So the Adventure Begins

APRIL 30: Those of you who have been following my blog postings know that I gave Maria my last U.S. dollars in exchange for her beautiful apartment (I actually ended up paying $203.78 for three weeks lodging in Athens, Greece!).

This meant that when I arrived in Philadelphia on the flight home I had no U.S. currency. Of course, I knew that I could use credit cards in the airport either to buy a meal or use an ATM machine.

As I rested during the 4-hour layover, I noticed something shiny on the floor beneath a seat. I checked it out and it was a shiny new U.S. nickel. The message on it (for me, of course) reads “In God We Trust: Liberty 2022”.

I believe this trip did more than end boredom. I believe it set me free. Free to be the adventurous woman I am. Free to explore a world without boundaries. Free to see the world as an unlimited source of good.

Things that I already knew in my mind, and heart, were made very real. People who were strangers, were not. They truly were friends that I had not yet met. There was no fear … only curiosity — on both sides.

People on the streets and trains were curious about America, and eager to practice their English. In return, they met my needs for guidance and some tangibles — bottles of water twice, transportation to my hotel in Volos, etc.

My new friend Thanos, owner of Migniardise Coffee Shop at Veikou 30, Athens, Greece gave me a nice bottle of red wine in gift bag to bring home with me. I passed it on to Maria since I’m not a big wine drinker and didn’t want the hassle of finding room in my suitcase. He is a treasured part of my memories of Athens.

Of course I didn’t give everyone my address, but anyone who befriended me will always be welcome in my home.

The future? For now, Lee’s Summit is my home, and I love it here. Will it always be? Only time and experiences will tell. Maria helped me realize how blessed I am living in the U.S. And I have to agree. In comparison to Greece, America is new / Greece is old. America is modern — appliances, cars, homes, etc. Greece is a cultural treasure.

Life in Greece would not be friendly to me; though the people were.

Maria convinced me to join AARP (she used to work for the organization) as a source of deep discounts for guided travel. At the moment, my plans are to do one major trip a year, though probably two weeks instead of three, and one minor trip a year (I’m thinking Amtrak) to states in the U.S. that I have never visited.

I would say “Stay tuned for my next adventure”, but since it will probably be a year from now I will just let you know when it’s going to occur.

Love you all — and, yes, there will be a Greek themed party in the near future to thank my friends for all their love and prayerful support in my journey to self actualization.

Hugs,

Sharon