Saturday, Jul 16, 2016
We were invited to Helmut and Trudy’s for lunch today. Helmut is in our Spanish class. He and Trudy are originally from Austria but have lived in Australia the last 43 years before moving to Cuenca. Helmut also invited Aurobindo, also in our Spanish class, who is our friend from Oklahoma, via Sri Lanka.
What amazing stories were shared of travel and adventure over the last 30+ years. I think living in Europe lends an advantage to travel, and affords a unique window to experience varied ways of life and living. What I find interesting is that many of the European countries are not larger than the individual states in the US.
So traveling through Europe, while a smaller journey in miles than traveling through the US, these countries have so much more variety in architecture, foods, and even customs than one finds driving through all the US states. Obviously the age and history of these European countries offers a deep richness that our 240 years as a country hasn’t afforded us.
I also appreciate the transportation methods and routes available through Europe. Either by bus or train or a combination of both, one can venture from England to India and have an adventure of a life time, really. For the wanderer at heart, Europe seems like a great playground.
What was really fantastic about our gathering was the sharing of our stories. Although our geography was different the themes shared similarities. Leaving home, looking for jobs, establishing careers, finding love and relationships, looking to live life in a meaningful way. People from all different parts of the globe, following different paths to find happiness, now sitting together laughing and talking with each other, sharing bonds of respect and even admiration for each other’s journeys. It doesn’t seem so hard to do.
We each have our own story, and through our own stories we have made sense of life in the best way we can. What strikes me most about our gathering is that we have allowed room for one another’s stories. We can share and identify with some parts, maybe not others, but we hold each other with respect, compassion, and an openness to understand.
Sitting around the table, holding this space with one another, the food tastes better, the conversation is richer, and the world seems brighter.
Chau.
…and the food was absolutely FANTASTIC! Our meal represented 3 countries – the soup from Mexico, the hot goulash from Hungary, and the dessert from Italy! And the company and conversation was great and so very interesting! Wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
I couldn’t agree more Heidi. 🙂
My wife and I are in the process of reading your blog from Day 1– we are up to day 70. I decided to skip ahead and check out your reflections at six months. Your Day 180 post really captures what I anticipate will be our biggest challenge when we retire and move (possibly to Ecuador) in 18 months. It’s been a real gift to see your experience unfold day by day. Thanks so much for taking the time to post.
We are coming to Ecuador for three weeks in late October, with the intent of checking out the greater Manta and Loja areas. Can you suggest any English speaking folks in those areas with whom we can connect to do a little recon work? Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.
Hey Todd,
Thanks for reading my blog. Off the top of my head I don’t have names, but let me ask around and see what I can find out for you. Good luck on your adventure!
Todd