My brilliant sister put it best when she stated, "I was talking to some people recently and said, ‘Want to know the secret to life? It’s gratitude.'" Indeed, Sis. Indeed. I simply couldn’t be more grateful. I think the expression goes, I could die of happiness. Well, I’m going to live of happiness.
I began typing this as I sat on a plane bound for Amsterdam. Grateful. I’ve always wanted to go to Amsterdam. And I did. I nearly cried as the plane took off and sat thanking God for all the gifts he’s bestowed upon me. I teared up when my plane landed in Nepal, overwhelmed by gratitude, again, loving that I did something I've always wanted to. And to think, just 6 years ago I could have never done something like this because I had a crippling fear of flying. Now, I regularly gaze upwards and wish to be aboard the airplanes I see crisscrossing the skies. Doesn’t matter where they're going.
I’m truly grateful for ALL the blessings I’ve received. Constantly thankful. There are major things like the monumental love of countless people. How loved I am. How grateful I am to know it. There are little things. The front row on an airplane. For a tall girl such as myself, this is Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket. The aisle seat. I can get up a zillion times, due to my water chugging habit, and not inconvenience the people around me. Aboard Turkish Airlines we were served Turkish delight as soon as the attendants were allowed out of their seats. An entire row to myself on my flight from Kathmandu to Istanbul. The seven hour trek was cut down to nothing as I curled up and caught some much needed z’s utilizing the gifts given in a small travel pack from the stewardess containing socks, earplugs, and an eye cover. It’s lazy days in bed reading, finding out my fave lunch spot is now open til 8:00 pm, iced green tea, walking in the park, always stopping to smell a rose.
I left America on a mission to find myself. I was going to travel alone to discover the answers to all my questions and reach enlightenment. You are welcome to image a coo-coo clock sound effect. Todd put it best when he said, “Lindsey, you’re trying to ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ your way around the world… but really you’re just traveling.” So how does one find themselves? And why do I continually think I must find myself? Again, coo-coo clock sound effects. Before my departure on this little journey, I had dinner with two of the most marvelous people I know, Trent and Vivek. As we savored a Denver evening on the patio of my favorite restaurant, we talked about the power of prayer. These two are not only friends but messengers as well. So as my travels began, I prayed.
My prayers were answered. I connected with Honza, a Drahota living in Prague. My heart instantly leapt with joy as I knew I’d discovered a kindred spirit and eternal friend. His smile lights a room and the brightness of his spirit rivals the sun. I think often of our short time together and eagerly await our reunion…. which will be soon.
I prayed the night I found myself alone my hostel in Budapest. I specifically booked this place because it promised 24-hour reception. This is important for a girl traveling alone. I was scared. Next thing I know, the door swings open and in walks a very kind Russian who asks if I’d have a glass of champagne with him. He explained it’s his last night, he’s catching a flight in a few hours and I agreed. Thanks to Goggle Translate for some assistance, we had a lovely chat and upon his departure, the older Frenchman staying at the hostel returned. Alone no more! The next day I sat in the kitchen of that same hostel and in walk two Dutch travelers. Together, we headed to the city square to watch World Cup matches with the masses. Then we shared a bottle of wine in a park next to the Danube. It was perfect. And it just so happened they were also headed to Prague the next day.
I found I don’t need to go half way around the world to know who I am. I already know. I completed all three “Eat, Pray, Love” parts in Prague/Budapest. When I arrived in Kathmandu I stayed a few nights and left. Because I can. In Nepal I was, once again, alone. My trust issues were at all time state of heightened awareness when I just couldn’t bare to put my life in stranger’s hands once again. I used AirB&B to book 5 nights in Kathmandu. When I arrived at my host’s home, he showed me my room and we took in the otherworldly views from his rooftop terrace. We talked about his arranged marriage, politics, and Nepalese customs over a traditional meal handmade by his lovely wife. My host's teacher friend stopped by to share our meal and once again, I was headed to see a school. This happens in nearly all the countries I visit. After spending the next morning in school, where the children were very happy and focused on their studies, we took his scooter to see some sights. We had lunch in Thamel and I did a little shopping. During our conversations he talked about moving to Europe and asked if I’d visit. I answered sure, it was a sunny day and I was having fun. At out next stop, The Monkey Temple, things got weird. He chuckled to himself and when I inquired as to why, "I told them you are my wife." They would give me better prices he explained and I laughed because it seemed to be working. When he moved a little too close and asked if I liked being called his wife, I no longer cared about making purchases. I requested a ride back to where I was staying and hopped a flight to Amsterdam the following morning.
My summer trip around the world was cut short. About ten days into my holiday, I received an email from Mom informing me there was to be an impromptu Drahota family reunion. Everyone knew I was traveling and it was understood if I couldn't come. My immediate response was: I will be there. Family first. This is one of the reasons for my trek to Prague, to see where I hailed from and learn about my roots. We found out about my aunt’s cancer just days before leaving. So one July morning, I awoke in Amsterdam and around midnight that same day I landed in Omaha. Imagine my excitement. But the truth of matter is: it’s people I want and need.
My time spent in other parts of the world and my homelands of Nebraska and the Czech Republic completely revived me. Before I left Denver, I was Eeyore about everything. I felt sorry for myself, sad, and a bit hopeless. After my trip, spending several days with my family, and weekend in the mountains with my friends, I feel alive again. The look on my cousin Alicia's face alone was totally worth it. Being four days apart, we have celebrated our birthdays together every year of our lives. This year we wouldn't have that opportunity... or so she thought. When I decided to come home early, I conspired to surprise her. She had no idea. I loved it!
While I really love looking around other countries, the answers I seek will not be found there. What I will find is fascinating people, scrumptious food, rich culture, compelling history, and more. Every country I visit provides me with the oxygen I need for my lungs. I inherit new knowledge and grow. I find peace. It is an addiction of the purest kind. To "find" me I must look inward. I look to myself and to those around me. I am my friends. I am my family. I am Drahota. I'm my grandfather. The man I have yet to meet. The man who sat on the curb next to his demolished vehicle and said, when approached by paramedics for help, "There are kids in the other car, go check on them." This act claimed his life. This act brought beauty to the world. Here I sit half a century later, having heard this story for the first time, and have a new hero. Drahota pride further etched into my heart as the same blood of this man flows through my veins.
I was instructed by my aunt to continue traveling this world. That is exactly what I intend to do. Her light and love surrounds the globe, thriving in our hearts. We gently close our eyes, grin to ourselves and feel her warmth every time the thoughts of her constant, ever-present smile come to mind.... And it appears often. Her smile illuminates and diffuses delight to anyone within her presence.
For Marge
