Hodophile

It’s time for a new word and I am changing new word Monday to new word week. I made the decision based on rescheduling this segment a few times over the past weeks due to holidays and other events. I still like to continue this series, but from now on it will post during the week, on no set day. The only segment that will remain in a set schedule are Sunday’s Reiki healings at 7 PM PST to allow you time to tune in.

Today’s word reminds me of one of my passions.

Hodophile (n) one who loves to travel.

I am definitely a Hodophile and exploring new places brings out my inner child. The voice changes, there are gleeful sounds emerging from a place deep within, which remembers wonder and joy. It’s an exciting time for me, a time of gratefulness simply being allowed to experience that particular moment. It wakes my sense of exploration and adventure and it has given me wings in the past to master a few challenging hikes. It’s like the adrenaline carries me, utilizing strengths reserves I didn’t know I had. Nothing is like seeing an amazing place for the first time, especially through the eyes of wonder.

I can see clearly now

While I was in Germany last year we were able to watch some great bobsledding practice runs. Both, the men’s and the women’s team practiced that day, and for us it was a completely unplanned event. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I say “just” and yet timing is everything, isn’t it?

There was only a handful of people watching, mostly coaches, sponsors and a few spectators. It was a prime viewing event as we stood right next to the track with the bobsled rushing by us. A truly unique experience. ❤️

Wild beauty

Another shot from my recent trip traveling the German Austrian border. I was immediately intrigued about the jagged mountain range, although our trip took us the other direction, away from this wild beauty.

Our destination, Hallstatt was overrun by tourists, even this time of the year, which was surprising to me. I would later hear that there is an exact replica of Hallstatt in China and the tourists were here to see the original. We soon found ourselves seeking an area that wasn’t buzzing with quite as many humans. And guess what, that jagged, wild beauty seemed like a perfect solution. And it was.

This particular picture was taken at the end of the day when the clouds rolled off the mountains, leaving its breathtaking landscape in a mysterious and little eerie looking fog. Imagine the sound of church bells echoing through it all and you are literally right there.

Arriving in Germany

The flight was pretty smooth and went better than expected. My layover in Seattle flew by and before I knew it I was on the plane to Frankfurt. For the first time ever, I napped on the plane….here and there. I’m sure the days leading up to the flight, and the news about Moms passing left me naturally exhausted and tired. Perhaps I could have napped standing.

“Ok another part of the journey behind me” I thought once I arrived in Frankfurt. Off to the next one, claim my luggage which was one of the last suitcases to enter the carousel. All belongings in tow, I was heading for the rental car counter. Luckily I felt wide awake and any sign of sickness due to exhaustion was not present at all.

With the car located, I made the trip to my village with little to no problems and arrived in time to change, freshen up a bit, and off we were to the most emotional part…Moms viewing. All in all the day passed filled with adrenaline and my body was strong and supportive, knowing this was something I had to power through. Today my feet are swollen and I didn’t sleep all that much, but I feel rested and ok.

Mount Rainier

This picture was taken at the Seattle Airport while making my connecting flight to Frankfurt. What you see in the distance is Mount Rainier a active stratovolcano of 14,000 plus feet. As you can see it’s massive and above the clouds.

It feels strange to fly again after the scare coming back last year. I’m not sure what happened, but I barely made it once I landed and could hardly walk. It’s been a journey ever since to get back to health, so naturally it frightens me a bit.

I am catering to every whim to make sure my body makes it. It’s strenuous that’s for sure and I’m already feeling exhausted. It’s not like in the old days as I put these trips behind me without a second thought. I don’t make the long trips with ease anymore and I don’t like that they are soooo long.

I think I’ll do some Reiki in the plane and place some power symbols within myself for the long flight to Frankfurt, the car ride home and Moms Service tonight.

Picture perfect

A older picture of Lake Tahoe, bluest of blues besides Crater Lake, Oregon.

Golden Gate

Have a beautiful week everyone.

Picture from my recent trip coming back from Germany.

Am I there yet?

Man it’s a Long haul und yesterday on Christmas Day I flew back to the states. The flight went pretty smooth, except I was in a lot of pain and struggled with the stress of the trip.

Las Vegas took Christmas off and nobody worked the recheck counter for your connecting flights and luggage. So I had to check in at ticketing all over and yep drag the suitcase over a few flights and halfway through the airport. And I had the pleasure to go through security again and now lose my three euro water from Germany I wish I had now. All things considered I am ok, although I am not done while I am writing this and this post is scheduled for tomorrow morning. I still have a few hours ahead of me until I have finally arrived.

The silver lining is that things could have been bad and I didn’t even know. I was gone 10 month and I guess I can only leave for a max of six month with my green card before needing a reentry certificate. Maybe I got a little Christmas blessing and boarder patrol let me go without citing me. I have no clue how much that even costs and for all I know I could have been detained again like that time I forgot to bring the green card. I don’t ever want to experience that, that was a nightmare.

St. Michael’s

St. Michael’s church in Schwäbsich Hall.

Mittenwald Highlands

This place is near the Bavarian Stonehenge that I have written about. It’s an idyllic place for me where serenity and beauty peaks. These little barns store hay and other materials over the winter month and are beautifully dotted all over the landscape. A definite must visit place to see. 💙