On my walk this morning I was thinking about this quote which I'll post below. It says essentially "don't wait to do the things you want to do..." That led me to think about my mom and how she always wanted to travel (and she did finally in later life) but the first half of her life she was busy working, raising kids, taking care of my grandma. When the opportunity came up she sent me to Europe instead of going herself. Traveling up til then was not on my radar nor was it a heartfelt desire like she had felt. But that first trip opened my eyes and ever since then I am ready to go anywhere at the mere mention of the prospect. When I worked at UCLA I had a friend in the department whose son was sailing around the world. He would send her long letters from exotic travels and she would share those wonderful adventures with me. One time he was in Bora Bora and I thought if only I could go there. Sometime later I was getting married and thinking about a honeymoon. I longed to go to Bora Bora but we didn't have the money for that. When our children were young we would spend summer and Christmas vacations in Ohio to visit Mike's family. I am happy we were able to take the kids to be with their grandparents. I especially appreciate this now that our children and their kids live far away. It means a lot to see the kids. But back then I wished, like my mother had wished for me that we could take the kids to other places. As time went on we took them many times to Hawaii but one year I guess it was a big anniversary I planned a trip to Bora Bora and finally we made the trip. It was a great time with naturally a lot of funny stories. Eventually I took Aria when she was 15 to Paris and then Athena to Italy when she was about the same age. Now both girls far surpass their mother as world travelers. I guess my point is that quote "Take the trip, buy the shoes, eat the cake" has always spoken to me. I have long recommended travel to everyone but especially when you are young. Take the trips, if you are able. There are such wonderful adventures and discoveries waiting for you.
Haleakala Volcano Sunrise
Tahiti airport Aria was in high school
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