Egypt – Beauty is still present amidst the ugliness: Despite what the media has been portraying about this country, we had an amazing time sailing on a cruise ship from Aswan to Luxor.
Jordan – Peace and quiet: After being bombarded with beggars, noise and traffic in Egypt, when we arrived in Jordan, it was totally different. It was peaceful and quiet and everyone was very polite.
Israel – Simplicity: There were two sites where Jesus were buried. One was overly decorated with lanterns and temples etc. and the other was just a garden. I wonder what Jesus would’ve preferred?
Turkey – Love breaks through barriers: We stayed with my friend’s friend’s family who demonstrated incredible hospitality, despite us not speaking the same language.
Denmark – Noticing unnoticed effort: I don’t know if Danish people (who ride bikes and climb stairs everyday because of expenses) consider themselves to be physically attractive but lots of people do.
Germany – Unity impacts the world: We attended the protest against the tearing down of the Berlin Wall in Berlin, and people from different cultures and ages all came together and won the battle.
Netherlands – Brokenness: I felt a complete sadness walking down a street in the red light district. These woman needed something and I wish I could show them the love and value they have in Jesus.
Belgium – Celebration: A couple were getting married at the City Hall and were on the balcony waving at people. We thought they were royalty but they weren’t. It was nice to share they joy.
Switzerland – Equality: I’m a good budgeter and have saved a lot of money while travelling, but in Switzerland, I had to accept that things were just expensive. I will never have too much or too little.
France – Locals: Couch surfed in Lyon and the guy we stayed with was so hospitable and took us to amazing restaurants and bars. Such an asset to get a locals perspective.
Spain – Freedom: iPhone was stolen at a bar. Instead of being upset, I was free from social media and being distracted with my phone 24/7.
Portugal – Trust: Met a Brazilian guy in Madrid who was studying in Portugal. He invited us to stay with him and when we arrived, he wasn’t there. But we kept waiting and after 20 mins, he arrived.
Italy – Authenticity: Not a big fan of gelato in Oz but the gelato in Italy was INCREDIBLE! As well as Lasagne Bolognaise in Bologna and pizza in Napoli. Don’t judge until you’ve tried the original.
Greece – Generosity. Met a Danish lady who really poured her love to us. She paid for a private tour around the island of Ios and shouted us lunch and dinner and we only met her the day before.
Ireland – Parent appreciation: Stayed with my relos who have two girls (aged 2 and 5). Cooking, cleaning, entertaining, day trips, parties, showering, sick days & taking them to school…incredible.
Scotland – Good to listen but also form your own opinion: People told me not to visit Glasgow but I had a great time visiting galleries, seeing the university and wandering at my own pace around town.
England – Perseverance: I went to visit the collages in Cambridge but many were closed or you had to pay to get in. Despite the disappointment, I kept walking and around the back and got in for free.
Iceland – Rest: I was finally getting sick and exhausted after travelling for so long and my short trip and late arrival to Iceland, allowed me to spend the rest of the day recuperating at the Lagoon.
[Learnt lots but these are just a few. Photos are on Facebook if you want to see/visualise it more. Overall I learnt that God was present in all circumstances and allowed me to experience and observe all these things in order that I can grow and see him work in my life and in the lives of others.]
