“Places I would go”
Sorry to be so confessional today with Geoff’s emails… (that’ll teach him to encourage me to blog…) But, again, in the way of explaining another aspect of how I have been affected here:
From Geoff: “So I would be nuts to worry that when you told me how much your life has changed in the last four weeks, etc., etc., that you’re thinking it’s going to be a downer to come home and be Mrs. Hempel, right?”
From me: “I want to come back. But I want to live a bit of a different life. Not for the main stuff, but for the stuff that fills in the cracks. I want to take Lila in the summers for a month away. I want you to come if you can for all of it. But at least for some. We’ll live in hostels with backpacks and on bread and cheese and oranges. I just want to roam around with her, chilling out in markets and in parks and at free museums and in the countrysides of different places.
From Geoff: “I’m all for roaming. Let’s do it. Places I would go:”
south pacific
canada/nova scotia
pacific northwest – portland, seattle
china
fiji
midwest rambling
colorado
portugal/spain
turkey
australia
azores
climbing mountains in maine
Any other suggestions?
Pleasant Bay, Novia Scotia
The Lake District, England
Both places for bike riding, hiking, boating, and good living. Jim and I have promised each other we will one day take the children. We did a lot of travelling before kids, but those two are definitely on my top ten list.
Can’t wait to see you! We miss you! And we are truly enjoying these posts. You are a talented writer and just look at how you have inspired these young writers by taking them on this trip. As my second grade students say, “YOU ROCK!”
Take care
Cath
Central and South America – specifically Guatemala. Ask Nick to tell you a bit about where I live. Santa Cruz la Laguna on Lago de Atitlan in the central highlands of Guatemala.
I am so struck by this posting. First, it reminds me of something I’ve learned since coming to Guatemala for the first time 3 years ago. Americans (read Americans from the US) don’t travel much outside of North America – and when they venture out, they tend to go to Europe and maybe Asia. And there are amazing places of ancient history, indigenous culture and natural beauty just south of the border!
I am struck too by your commitment to change the bits of your life – to see more of the world by choice, when you are still (compared to me) so young! YOU GO GIRL! If I had to live my life over I would make such travel choices much earlier than in my 50s and I’d drag my family with me.
And I am struck and so very grateful that you and Prof. Sullivan have given our kids the opportunity to have their eyes opened to the beauties and complexities of the world we all live in. I suspect all of them will continue to travel and seek out life in all it’s beautiful variety for the rest of their lives – as journalists or simply as travelers. What a gift!
You’ll all be home soon – suffering from culture shock I am sure. But you will all settle back into your routines. Hold onto the vision of being a part of the larger world. Maybe by doing so you can help change it for the better.
Jeanne
I take back Fiji.
Argentina!
Hawaii, New Zealand, Thailand, Spain, Greece, Ireland
But mostly anywhere that would be accomodating to an eager sister in law and her family.
xoxo
Then do it!!! Follow your dreams and make them realities. You, Geoff, and Lila can explore all those wonderful places. I have only traveled to a few countries when I was young, but to this day I carry the most amazing memories in my mind and heart. What a treasured gift you’ve given to all these students on this incredible journey….absolutely priceless…Thank you for helping each of them to experience and live their dreams. Thanks to Geoff and Lila for having such generous hearts to share you for a season of their lives. You will leave a permanent footprint on their hearts from this adventure of a lifetime. More importantly, I believe they too will have learned invaluable life lessons of helping and be generous of heart as they return home forever changed. We have been able to share in this adventure through your eyes, hearts and experiences all expressed in the blogs. So much talent……..each one so unique and yet together creating a beautiful story. Take heart as this is not the end of the journey, as Dr. Seuss’ book goes “OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!” and you will.
Sandy
You guys are my favorite. Please take Lila to all those places, and take tons of pictures.
Wow – this post really hits home because I”ve been thinking about this a lot for Zoe and Max as we’ve been running around the past few weekends with soccer games and dance, and so on. It feels frantic and I’m always yelling “Come on, we have to get going!” And I’m concerned is this how I’m going to feel all summer? I want to spend time away from this – to take time to just explore and learn and share, etc. To chill with my family – some times we can do this in the backyard, but backpacking in some distant land sounds wonderful
First, definitely come to Maine. It’s a beautiful place that I am proud to call home. Second, Timbuktu in Mali. I had friends in Ghana who ventured there and I am determined to some day go. It is the definition of traveling for the journey, not the destination.