"Travel has a way of stretching the mind. The stretch comes not from travel's immediate rewards, the inevitable myriad of new sights, smells and sounds, but with experiencing firsthand how others do differently what we believed to be the right and only way."
- Ralph Crawshaw
On this trip, we learned so much of how things are not only done in other countries, but of the differences here in our own country. We were taken by surprise with all that we encountered and the new friends that we met along the way.
Daily in the funeral business, we experience customs and rituals of all faiths. And we see those that chose not to join a religion as well. We don't just bury people. We help the families to celebrate the lives of the one that they have lost, whatever life that was. Some are long, some are short. We don't sit and judge anyone. We respect the life that they chose for themselves. Then we honor that life by presenting a funeral custom tailored to the families wishes.
In life, I try to do the same. We are all free to chose our own destiny. To live as we see fit. The choices made by anyone, are no more right or wrong than the choices made by you or I.
I know that the followers of this blog, have a very diverse background and I embrace all of you. I wish that each and every one of you had been there along with us.
Since that wasn't possible, I hope that you enjoyed what I have shared here on these pages.
The cultures that we learned about on our travels will stay with us forever. This is what I love about travel. It changes you, in a good way. It broadens your view of the world as long as you take the time to leave yourself at home. Embrace the culture around you. Even if just for a day, take in the atmosphere of the place that you are visiting. Experience all that is out there beyond your front door.
In this festive season as you visit friends and family, do the same. Embrace the traditions and differences at their homes. No one is right, no one is wrong. We are simply enjoying each others company and learning to live.
Lastly, remember; "The road to a friends house, is never long."
- Danish Proverb
3 comments:
So glad you both had such a wonderful time. Here's to another trip soon!
xx
Very true Stew. Travel has a way of opening up one's mind and changing it slightly. It also can make one appreciate more where one lives.
very nice 'wrap-up' Stew!!
and even though i wasn't right there...on the cruise ship...floating on top of the ocean, where the bottom seems so endless...just floating...cruising along...with no land in sight...uh, where'd i put that dramamine...
just kidding...i had a nice vacation through YOUR eyes! :)
"You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist."
~Friedrich Nietzsche
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