Inspiration Abroad


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Last week we decided to book a trip to Europe (Geneva, Switzerland and Lyon, France) for the  Thanksgiving break.   Bill has work meetings scheduled in Geneva  for a few days, then we’ll head over to Lyon via rail for the rest of our visit.  I hope that we’ll be able to fit in our must-see destinations in eight days, but I’ve been having a tough time trying to sort it all out.   Part of me wants to book every single detail in advance, but the other part of me wants to take a more relaxed approach – maybe just show up and see what looks interesting.  

Either way I’m so excited to have this unexpected opportunity to get away with my family.   Although we love our home life, I equally love to travel, especially abroad (experiencing language differences, exploring both cities and countryside,  devouring exotic local fare…)  While traveling  I will often become completely absorbed by the environment.  Everything is intensified and I love the whole experience.  Even using unfamiliar currency is fun!  I love that the air feels and smells different, the sounds and sights of everyday life come alive – all causing me to see everything in a new light.  All of this fills my mind up with surprising insights.  And when I am tuned into all of this newness, inspiration always comes rushing in –  pratically tipping me over with its astounding force.   I live for these moments and I especially cherish being able to share them with my family.    

Btw, I recently made this necklace using a scrap torn from a vintage map.  It has that “let’s go and explore vibe” – something I’m always up for.



10 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. Becky, Your trip sounds wonderful! I love to travel abroad, too. We’ve been to Germany, England and Italy quite a few times. My husband has been all over the world for his job, too. We’ve found renting apartments is the way to go. It’s cheaper, more roomy (you can have morning coffee in your pjs, ha ha) and you can cook some meals to save money. You can even rent them for short stays – we did one in Venice and Florence for just a few days. I’m like you, I LOVE to plan things ahead and find if I do that, we have options and I can relax once over there. Anyway, HAVE FUN!!! And bring back some inspiration to share with us!

    Blessings,
    Lisa

    November 5th, 2009

  2. We had a visitor from Texas here last night, and he described going to Paris with his wife and then just driving west and stopping in little villages all along the way. They loved it….

    Have a great trip!

    November 5th, 2009

  3. Hi Becky! Love your necklace creation! You are so lucky to travel off and explore new destinations. I am green with envy. I love traveling too! The hubby and I went to Europe over five years ago now for our honeymoon. It was fabulous. I really loved it. We only had time to visit three countries in the short amount of time. And we traveled by rail as well. I loved using the different currencies too. Have a safe & fabulous time with your family, you lucky girl!

    Thanks so much for your sweet visit! I am so happy that you enjoyed my swap! Have a lovely day!

    Hugs,
    Lisa 🙂

    November 5th, 2009

  4. Your necklace says it all “Let Go and Explore Vibe”….that is how you should go, but it the organizer gene is kicking in , you could always book a couple of things to do/see.

    How exciting….I am thrilled for you and your family! What an interesting job hubby must have!

    Mine was teasing me last week, with the chance he
    might go to Australia his next deployment. It is too soon to tell, but I have always wanted to go there. I haven’t traveled as much as i would like, but I agree with the vibe, you stated.

    It stimulates all the senses…..have a wonderful time, your daughter is at that age, where this will really open up her world/mind!

    I’m excited for you!

    November 5th, 2009

  5. boy, do i ever love your vibes…..your necklace is fabulous!! and what a fantastic trip you have planned!! i had the unbelievable blessing of living in brussels for a year……i would go back tomorrow if i had the chance! enjoy your trip sweet gal!!

    November 5th, 2009

  6. your travel plans sound amazing and what a necklace. what i enjoy the most about traveling is seeing how much my son (2 years old) learns from our trips. enjoy it fully.

    November 5th, 2009

  7. It looks like everyone is on board and loves to travel. No beds to make, no meals to cook, eye-candy everywhere…what’s not to like right?

    November 6th, 2009

  8. Love the necklace and envious about the trip! I know you will have a great time.

    November 6th, 2009

  9. Lisa

    Enjoy your trip!!!!

    November 11th, 2009

  10. cheryl perreault

    Oooh la la Becky. I love your necklace and I am excited for you and your family ! We once had a foreign exchange student from Lyon… it sounds like lovely place. May your trip bring you interesting adventures, delightful sensory experiences and consequent inspiration for both art and life.
    Bon Voyage to you!
    Cheryl

    November 12th, 2009

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