March 18, 2023 

I wanted to finish up this series of the blog.  We are home now.  We got up at 5am in Rome on Tuesday, March 14th.  It was a long day.... Flying is always hit or miss. Or near miss.  Tuesday was no different.  We flew to Paris and deplaned hurrying to make our Paris to Seattle flight.  We had a 35 minute walk just to get to the "border" in the airport.  Wouldn't you know the border was "closed" due to the computers being down.  We had 45 minutes left before our flight left.  Luckily, the computers came up and we were admitted to France.  It's odd because we never left the airport.  When I tried to use my boarding  pass at the gate, it didn't work.  Bob's did.  The lady finally got me through.  All morning I had been convincing myself that I wasn't getting sick.  Maybe I convinced my mind, probably not, but I sure didn't convince my body.  Our 10 and half hour flight was not too bad.  The food was horrible, but that's not unusual.  I was having chills and stuffed up nose, etc.  By the time we landed in Seattle, all I wanted to do was take my clothes off and get into bed.  Our flight the next day to Pasco was brief and easy.  

We are recovering for the second time in two weeks from Covid.  Things are looking up, we are better each day.  Here's some random thoughts about our trip.  

We are so glad that we went to Egypt and Rome.  We have missed traveling and the fun and memories that are made.  We are so glad to be home also!   

We took carry-on luggage only and let me tell you, it saved the day many times.  We were on 11 flights in three weeks.  It made a huge difference in getting around. 

The whole Covid issue is very different in Egypt and Europe than it is in the US.  People outside the US have pretty much realized that Covid is here to stay, like many other contagious and non contagious  diseases.  (I'm looking at colds, flu, Montezuma's revenge or what have you.)  It's important to be prepared, have your medications with you, but go on with your life and enjoy your travels.  Being locked up in our homes is not healthy mentally, spiritually or physically.  We can get Covid (or the flu) at the local grocery store. 

Here's a photo I wanted to post but forgot. This is our guide Salah.  He was wonderful!  He's a native Egyptian, technically a Nubian, and has been studying Egypt and her history for over 30 years.  He's been leading tours for decades.  He tells us stories as we stand in the tombs and temples and makes us feel as if we are there 5,000 years ago.  Another reason I took this photo was because I wanted to show how unstable the floors and walkways that we traversed during our trip.  It was hard on our feet, legs, knees and bodies.  But again, it was so worth it.  

Travel is the best education.  You learn so much and not just about history and geography.  You learn how to cope with the unexpected.  You learn what is really important.  You learn that your life is no more important than anyone else's life.  You learn to take your turn and when to stand up for yourself.  And you learn one of my favorite sayings "How important is it?"   The important stuff comes to the surface when you least  expect it.  If more Americans traveled outside the US, we would all appreciate how lucky we are to be living in America.  

Take less stuff!  Except for your traveling buddy, no one will ever see you again, and who cares what others think?  Leave room for small trinkets and memories. 

Nothing goes as planned.  When you least expect it there will be a fly in the ointment.  Be flexible.  If necessary, wear a rubber band around your wrist to remind you to be flexible.  Embrace the oops and be proud of how you adapt.

Everyone everywhere is just trying to live their life the best they can, just like you are.  

Try new foods and drinks.  

Be prepared to catch a good picture and write some notes.  It's important.  

Memories are what make our souls wealthy.  Not things.  

Bob and I have been blessed to have been able to spend the last 40 plus years together.  Navigating a life that has been impressive, fun, scary, more bountiful than we could ever have imagined, loving, and just plain amazing.  

We hope you have enjoyed following along on our journey.  It makes it more fun for us to know that others are hanging out with us.  Thank you.  

"Where ever we go, whatever we do, we're gonna go through it together!"  

Love, Bc and Gc