Welcoming you home! Wow - what a great ride. So glad you connected with Nangsar and Joni, too! We're looking forward to your return...MISS YOU!
Anchorage just received record snow for April - well over a foot in some places - but it's quickly melting. However, can't promise the trees will be anything to look at in your yard, yet...
:o) Amy
Congrats! Ben, I'm so pleased you've been accepted into nursing school. The nursing shortage makes it even harder to get admitted because there's also a shortage of nursing instructors. The competition is fierce. I'll bet they saw the photo with the mud treatment, heard the Code Brown stories, and said "he's one of us!" I adore your trip and the stories, photos, and videos you send back. Thank you for taking me along with you via this fabulous blog. Love to Heather.
Israel - something for everyone I enjoyed reading your blog on Israel. My husband and I returned from a tour of that small, but mighty, country on 3/10/08. We landed in Tel Aviv and made a circuit through Caesarea, Tiberias, The Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, and back to Tel Aviv. A highlight was sailing on the Sea of Galilee, eating St Peter's fish, stopping at the museum to see the remains of the 2000 year old Jesus Boat. Awesome, was my husband's baptism in the Jordan River. Exhausting, was the climb up to the falls at EnGedi--a climb I won't do again, if I'm lucky enough to go back to Israel. Our tour guide, Amir, warned us it was a tough climb, but did I listen? (: Hot and dusty, was the walk through the ruins of the city of Masada, that Herod built on top of a mountain. Amazing, the ongoing archeology digs; some of which we were permitted to walk among. We strolled down the Avenue of Palms, where Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. We visited the Garden of Gethsemene, where He prayed to be spared the agony of crusifixion. We saw where it is believed He was crusified, entombed and arose, because of the skull configuration of the rock, as stated in the bible. We floated in the Dead Sea, where the salt content is so high, you can't sink. And, I'll confess, I bought the Miracle Mask made from the mud of the Dead Sea. It's supposed to have amazing qualities.
Thank you for allowing me to revisit my trip through your blog.
Hey you guys,
Can't wait to here tales from Israel. Me and Donna are going to make that trip someday. When I heard Steve's comment about you being a gifted writer, I sent your blog site to your English teacher, Ms Shows. Heather, you looked so cute sitting on that column. Blessings, wonderful surprises and adventures to you. I love you....Mom
Yumm Look at all the delicious food you're eating! You just had to take pictures and show us huh? That supper at the Athenian Agora looks pretty tastey... and those gyros! Man-o-man!
That picture of Ben on top of the hill with Athens in the background shows how huge the city really is! Wow, I had no idea.
Thanks for showing us the pictures and keeping us up to date on your round-the-world adventures!!
Wish I was there Hello Sweethearts,
Boy! I love those arches in the village near Radda. Someday I'm going to build my own arch. When I think of the rainbows in the sky after Mom's funeral, I don't wonder why people like them so much.
No expresso for me, but I would love to sit on one of those Chianti hills and sip a latte with ya'll. Oh well, guess I'll just do my dishes and change a few diapers and wash a load of clothes. When I finish, I think I'll sit down and eat an orange. Ned, I have those same thoughts when I eat oranges. I love you Ben and Heather.
This is nothing compared to Louisiana Well Well Well, I finally finished reading your novel. I must say you gals have done a fabulous job putting this story together. Even more fascinating though is the job God did growing this orange that I'm eating right now. It's incredible! The most fantastic orange I've ever had and I have had some great oranges. It's like a fruit circus that engages every taste bud. I felt a calling to send you guys a sliver but I fought it off and gobbled down the last one. Sorry! Anywho, Heather I'm glad you're keeping my bro safe and sound. It's got to be a ton of work. Now I'm starting to feel bad I didn't send you that orange sliver. That was a great job organizing that purse snatching event just to give Bennyboy a thrill. Enjoy the rest of your discoveries and give everyone you see a kiss for me (Even the dogs - Yeah, that means Ben too). Mom says to watch out for snakes and quit smoking that hash. Love you guys! God bless every one of your moments! Neddles!
112 Hello Again,
Careful in those cliffs...112 is the 911 number world wide!
There you two are...seeing the world...and your poor ole Aunt Linda is here organizing closets and drawers. It may sound like a mundane goal but I am only two days away from what everyone says is impossible, and that is a whole house that is organized from top to bottom!
I know what you are thinking...."Get a life and go on a trip!"
Love,
Aunt Linda
Rome and such Having a great time catching up with your blog. Ben, I didn't realize you were such a gifted writer. The account of the scooters was hilarious. After coming off my trip to S. America, I knew just what you were talking about regarding the roving packs of dogs. Heather-look out, that picture of you in the Piazza, it looks like that god is going to pluck you off the rail. Dang, I wish I had muscles like Laocoon, I'll do without the whole seas serpeant thing though.
Cat Burgler? No - Can't say I've heard that one. Hopefully its not as bad as it sounds.
Its fun to think that as I hear who all have traveled to these "centers" such as Rome or even more specific, the Roman Forum or Sistine Chapel, we have most likely walked the same steps at different times. And how many others have walked those same steps? I think that often such as at Old Faithful in Yellowstone or Mt Rushmore, etc.
I'm Back I"m Time Back in time...Italy, etc....those exciting travels I remember...all coming back, as I see yours and almost envy you two until I think I have had more than my share of adventures. Yes...more than my share. Here's a funny one. I am most likely the only person you will ever know who was molested by the cat burgler in Japan..or have I alaready mentioned that oft-repeated story? Oh, welll....elders get to repeat stories as often as they like. God bless you and keep you as you make memories. Love, Aunt Linda
Boy do I wish I could be with you in Rome- probably even more than you are wishing you had your Mom along for the adventures. I've loved your blog and the pictures are great. Vatican City was at the top of the list for me. Michelangelo's Creation of Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel makes you want to look much longer than the time you are allowed. You've had so many adventures and have so many yet to look forward to. I'm so happy for both of my dear loveones. Mom
A Long Way to Tip Blogging to Pretoria to the beat of a Smother drum,
The sweat of Rio de Janoria, prelude to the Euro Sun.
Dulce de Leche y montaƱas capped glaciery snow--
The earthenware, your footpath and a lovely place to go;
But, as Dorothy said of Kansas, when she'd seen enough of Roam,
"Be it ever so humble...I don't think we're in Kansas anymo!"
Bless me for a little spell, slottering myself.
Once a princess, always a princess... Yes...she is still the princess. If I had doubts I could put a pee in her sleeping bag to see if she'd notice. Being a nurse, she'd probably dream of work all night.
Thanks for the link! I'm so glad you sent your blog link to the family e-mail chain. I've enjoyed so much reading your journals. Wish I could join in on some of your little adventures, but reading your blogs is the next best thing! Keep your eyes open and your cash hidden! Love from Indiana!
What an adventure! It's so great that you guys are taking the time to share your World Adventure with us in this way... even when it's being a pain to do so! It's such a blessing to get an email saying there's been an update on your blog, and to click our way there to find out where you are next. So much fun to see your pictures and read your blogs!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
In the Caribbean the people selling things acted similar to the ones in S. America you described... then when we went to the Bahamas it was like you described in Lisbon! They're following you, and it makes it hard to relax. They were all over the beach too, trying to sell you something while you're laying in a beach chair. It was very different than the other islands we visited.
Drooling (slurp) Well, we may live in the most beautiful state in the U.S., but you have us drooling over your adventures, both in the mountains and in the culture. The food sounds wonderful as well. We were looking for a comment or two on the "S. America's magnificent waterfall", but perhaps we'll hear that on the next update. Keep taking those showers, get some rest, and try something new every day. Your Alaskan Parents
Great blog! This is so great that you guys are sharing your trip with all of us (less fortunate, non-travelling ones). It's so much fun to read the funny little moments of your trip and the things you are seeing and learning. I look forward to future posts, and know that Tiffany and I are thinking of you and missing you!! Can't wait to see you when you get home. Have a WONDERFUL time!! (I know you will)
Trip Dream Come True So glad to hear about your exciting trip! And to keep up with it.
Living each day to the fullest is a simple but profound concept. So glad you two realize that when time for prayer and meditation of the Word is abundant through the day by being God conscious every hour, connection with him helps us be "wise as a serpent, harmless as a Dove."Mt.10:16 .....Love, Aunt Linda
We miss you! Hi Heather and Ben, Good morning!
Krista, Gloria, Crystal and I just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and hope you are having a fabulous time! Be safe and at the same time let loose and have fun!! Think of our theme song everytime you miss work. Have a "crazy" good time!
We have lots more snow. It has been 7 degrees the past few days begining to warm up.
~Deanna, Krista, Gloria, and Crystal
judy
non-member comment
wow!
Our family is going this summer to Israel and we will be staying at the Y as well in Tiberius. Really enjoyed reading your post! Can't wait!