If you hadn’t noticed, we’ve been making up this trip as we’ve been going. I’m absolutely loving this mode of travel since we’ve got a little more time. But it also means that as soon as we get somewhere, we’re trying to simultaneously enjoy where we’re at and think ahead to where we’re heading next. (On a side note, I can’t think of a better metaphor for life). But once I add in working part-time and my own personal travel journaling, I haven’t done nearly as much blogging as I hoped I would.

But we’re nearing the end of our trip now and I’ve been thinking a lot about what lessons our kids have learned from this experience. I’m excited about the exposure they’ve gotten to art and history and culture – it’s been phenomenal. But I’m even more thankful for the character lessons that traveling brings:

Adaptability… what do you do when all your plans and hopes fall to pieces and you have to make new plans? How do you look for new opportunities in those moments when all you want to do is fall to pieces yourself?

Compassion… how does it feel to be the person who doesn’t speak the language and doesn’t know how things are supposed to work and you just feel like the rock that’s gotten stuck in the gears? How amazing does it feel when someone reaches out to you in kindness and helps you figure out what you need to do?

Curiosity… why is this place the way that it is? How did it get that way? How is this place the same as home? Do you think the kids here worry about the same things? Laugh at the same kinds of jokes?

We’re in Aix-en-Provence now, enjoying some time with family. Aix is a beautiful city, and I love walking through the charming streets and admiring the architecture and fountains. But right now I’m watching the kids play a game of indoor basketball. And I can’t imagine anywhere that I would rather be.

*** once again, I wrote this a few days ago, and I’m posting late. We just arrived in Madrid for a (unfortunately) short visit before we start slowly making our way back home.

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