European Capital Tour

2011 has been a year of much contemplation and confusion. Filled with risk taking, self exploration, and journeying outside of comfort zone norms and habitual manners. And what better way to ring in the half year mark with amazing friends and worldly exploration. Six months ago I was nearing the 3 month mark of living in France, and predicting a much different summer than this unexpected yet intensely appreciated summer of friendships, travel, and adventure.

The past month has been filled with overused and frayed city maps; lifestyles stuffed, refolded and rearranged in transitory bags; and an unconditionality encompassed with laughter, frustration, misunderstandings, fatigue and fellowship.

While words cannot capture nor express the intense emotions, perceptions and experiences of our voyage, I will try to describe and convey the trek of the travels between Anna and myself through pictures, memories and summaries of our European capital tour…

Our expedition began on July 9 where I met Anna at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. Despite my late departing and arriving train to CDG, and my hopes of welcoming her as she walked through the terminal gates, I was instead greeted by Anna who was relaxed and rested and ready to haul a backpack of yet unwritten experiences across new uncharted territory and terrain.

While 9 months may seem a short blip of time, when your last memory is of a smiling friend with barely there brown hair celebrating faith inducing and inspired clarity of health, to one who is one year wiser with a mass of twists and curls as if metaphorically demonstrating a transformative journey… words cannot express the heartfelt amazement and appreciation of life’s little gifts!