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Published: March 6th 2007
Three and a half months of traveling through Asia and everything goes smooth and comfortably...now I meet up with my family and it's chaos. I don't know what it is...maybe the fact that we went from two people to fifteen, or the fact that we are now in possession of three rental vehicles, or maybe it's just that everyone is newly excited to be abroad...whatever the case, there's something buzzing in the air and I think it's just the same thing that buzzes on Christmas, Thanksgiving, family birthdays, and anytime a bunch of relatives get together.
Dallas and I left Delhi on a bit of a bad note because we were both sick and sick is no fun. Not just because I was sick, but overall I was happy to leave Delhi. It was an incredible time, but I was so tired and all around worn out from India. It's not easy to be there with everyone staring, begging, crowding, yelling, pushing, shoving, etc. London seemed like paradise. We were so thrilled to be somewhere that was clean, organized, calm, sensible, etc. London makes so much sense. People slow down when you want to cross the street. They throw their trash in trash cans. They don't stare at you. Animals are kept on leashes. No cows on the street in London. But I have to be really careful that I don't compare the places that I've gone because obviously they are all so different and unique. India and London are not to be compared...but all that to say, London was a vacation from India. We couchsurfed with an Aussie named Murray who was really fantastic. He was very welcoming and hospitable. Definitely quite a character. We talked about everything from the proper way to drink Milo (a drink like ovaltine) to Native Americans to the Bible and church. He is such an interesting guy...it was a pleasure to cram into his little room with all of our junk. We both loved being in London. We went to about five museums and really enjoyed drinking coffe and bundling up in jackets and beanies.
After five days in London we flew to Frankfurt and spent about 15 hours over night sleeping in the 24 hour Starbucks in the airport, pleading ignorance when the barrista asked us in German to get up and leave. The next day we flew to Florence and had another fabulous time couchsurfing with an Italian woman named Emanuela. She is so great. She picked us up from the airport and was so interested in getting to know us. She really feels like family. She cooked for us and shared with us about Italian architecture. Hopefully we will have another chance to meet up with her this week while we are in Florence.
I only have a few minutes to finish this, but once the fam got here it has been nuts. The Newbolds and cars don't mix (It is true that I ripped the door off my dad's car and the day before they left, my mom took the bumper off the jeep) and nothing has changed in Italy. Dad ran the rental into a pile of rocks, ran over a nail and popped the tire, then the other rental went crazy too and we all had to pile in one van. Plus we don't know where we are going in Italy and somehow I have ended up playing tour guide even though I've only been here one more day than anyone else. We've been relaxing around Florence and seeing the sights. My parents and Dallas' parents are just a riot. It's nice to be with people who are newly traveling because they have definitely brought a new excitement to the whole thing. Everything we pass they oooh and aaah at...which is nice. We are blessed to be here together that's for sure. It's so refreshing being with my family again!
I have to get going, but I'll write another blog about Italy and tell more about all the craziness when I get the chance.
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Meagan Fowler
non-member comment
Fam meets Fam :)
So Awesome Bex! i love it!!! you and Dallas carting the families around Italy. I'm glad your travels are coming to end don't hate me...socal needs her traveler back :)