Inshallah
Trip Start
Sep 19, 2010
1
32
Trip End
Oct 26, 2010
Denver, Colorado
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Stoned me just like jelly roll
And it stoned me
And it stoned me to my soul
Stoned me just like goin home
And it stoned me"
- And it Stoned Me, Van Morrison
At Aspen Highlands in Colorado's high country, there lives the coveted Epic Flag. The huge red flag with bold white letters announcing EPIC, is stored away until conditions are such, that it deserves to come out.
The EPIC flag denotes ideal winter conditions when the stars have aligned - light, fluffy snow falls in copious amounts, the weather is crisp, and conditions are safe - it's an overnight gift to skiers and riders. If used correctly, the flag is only seen a handful of times a season, so you know it's the real deal, keeping it special, and worth coming out for.
Well, I am flying my EPIC flag today. My six-week trip to Morocco, Egypt and Jordan exceeded all my expectations and was truly, epic.
Morocco moved me in unexpected ways. Egypt played with my sense of time, patients and commitment. And Jordan offered up a site I had only dreamed about. All of these countries put forwarded sincere hospitality, helping hands, tasty food, high mountains and sandy beaches, security and an education. It will live with me for a very long time.
I leave there with such a warm regard for their people, culture, landscape, religions, and attitudes. There are countless things to attribute to what made this such an incredible adventure, I calculated some if it:
Trip By the Numbers
38 - Days out there
9 - Plane rides
5 - Train rides
12 - Beds slept in
2 - Nights under the stars
6 - Mornings up before 5am
20 - Cities explored
4 & 6 - Guides & tour ops
8 - UNESCO World Heritage sites visited
175 - Call to prayers heard
3 - Cooking lessons
3,282 - Photos saved
32 - Blog entries
3 - New passport stamps
1 - Bucket list accomplishment
Countless - Phone numbers collected
Thank you so much for following me while I was out there. It was fun knowing that I had virtual friends traveling with me. I am home now, dealing with a very rude case of jetlag and a vacation hangover. I hope to resurface my old self in a week or so. Although, I don't think I'll be quite the same after visiting this very special part of the world. I was so lucky to have experienced it.
And a HUGE shout-out to my dear friend, Mary, who made the last two weeks the best they could be. No one could ask for a better traveling buddy. We hiked and snorkeled and ate and occasionally slept; we laughed until we cried sometimes. "Akhmed, will the snack bars still be open on the way up?" That will never get old. I love you sister.
If anyone wants to travel there, please let me know. I had the best guides and guardian angels watching over me, ensuring I was happy. I have no doubt I will return one day.
Inshallah. Xo KR
PS Next up: Another volunteer month in Costa Rica between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"When you hear that engine, when you hear that engine drone
I'm on the road again, and I'm searching for the philosophers stone
It's a hard road, even my best friends, they don't know
And I'm searching for, searching for the philosopher's stone"
- The Philosopher's Stone, Van Morrison
Best of the Pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=300395&id=633950714&l=2cabbbd340
Comments
Welcome home my friend! Your new friends in Room 1 await.
Welcome home, Kristin. Thank you for inspiring us, teaching us, and introducing us to a culture that is often filled with mystery and misunderstanding. It was a great ride for all of us who were with you each step of the way. xoxoxo
You're the best.
I saved over 6,000 pictures this summer in Italy, Greece, Turkey & Egypt. Three or four I consider worthy of NGM. You have many. You are very good. Submit, submit.
Ahhh, so sad it's over cuz I feel like I was with you ever step of the way. Inshallah, my friend.
What an inspiration you are to us at any stage of our journey on life's path - to have the courage to truly follow your heart's desire - Your song definitely will not be unsung
Thanks so much for taking me along on this magnificent journey. Here's to many more!
I don't know you, but I met your Dad on his travels in Italy. It seems you're carved from the same block. I loved following your travels (and his). Keep going!