Reflections on a Journey

Greetings! My trip to the Middle East and North Africa was magical, full of lifetime firsts and incomparable experiences. I swam in the Arabian Sea, the Dead Sea, and the Red Sea. In Qatar, I saw an exhibition of my favorite artist's work, sampled some of the best food I've ever tasted, and had the surreal experience of riding a camel in the singing sand dunes. In Dubai, I visited my dear friend Karin and indulged luxuriously at the astounding Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. In Lebanon, I witnessed my precious friend Hala’s nuptials, and danced the nights away with friends old and new. I wet my feet and hands at the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. I realized my dream of visiting Petra. I had a balcony overlooking the oldest and sole remaining Ancient Wonder of the World in Giza Egypt; I climbed that pyramid and wept tears of joy to behold such an amazing creation. I sailed down the Nile River. I was again overcome with emotion as I strolled through the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and saw King Tutankhamun's jewelry, arriving at the stunning realization that despite all the styles and creations I have beheld in my life, not one piece of jewelry I own or have seen is new invention; it has simply all been done before, thousands of years ago. I feel extremely thankful and lucky to have such inspiring and enriching experiences and not for one second do I take my life for granted. I am humbly, and deeply grateful for everything.

Nile River