We are back from Greece and Italy and what an awesome adventure that was! Aside from the love-filled wedding, delicious food, picturesque views, and general spontaneity, my favorite part- as it always is when I've gotten to travel- was the cultural exchange. The fact that we as humans can connect even though we have vastly different upbringings, life experiences, and sometimes languages never ceases to amaze me! Here's a prime example: Todd and I offered our seats on public transportation in Rome to a couple likely in their 70s or 80s. After they accepted and sat down, the woman smiled broadly and began to chat us up in Italian.
We shrugged a few times to indicate that we didn't understand her and she didn't seem to care. She just went on talking
all in Italian for the next ten minutes! Once we all dropped our guards, something beautiful happened: we shared some laughs and an awesome memory. I so appreciated that our not speaking her language didn't disuade her from wanting to interact with us. Her husband looked at her at one point and seemed to say "you know they don't speak Italian right?". She nodded and kept right on talking. I strive to be like this woman when I'm old and I began my training regiment to get there years ago. :) Oh! We also tried a website called eatwith.com. It allows you to sign up for a meal at someone's house anywhere in the world. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Meanwhile, Syd had an ABSOLUTE BLAST in Omaha. She played, swam, and giggled away her days with both sets of grandparents, aunts and uncles, and six cousins. Seeing the way she was overjoyed each time we video chatted and got a picture made us second guess if she would ever want to leave there. So, we all got to have a wonderful adventure. Thank you again, Bubbe, for making this happen! You granted us a small miracle.
The reunion with Syd was awesome. It took place at the SF airport. When she saw us walking towards her, she let out a happy and loud scream! Then, she kept touching us to be sure we were still there. Since being home, she talks even more about close family members which warms my heart each and every time. Here are a few pics from our travels and hers:
