Professor Sharon

Lesson learned: Remember to remind yourself to appreciate what you do have…

One day on our recent trip to Portugal and Northern Spain with Odysseys Unlimited, we woke to a magnificent morning in the Spanish Prynees!  Literally – to overuse the word that does seem overused these days.  We’d arrived in night before to the Parador Bielsa.  It was dark, but we could tell from the small winding road the bus had to take at the end, and the smells and sounds of rushing water that the morning would bring a treat!  And, indeed it did!

After a delightful breakfast, we were off to a tour of Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, including a walk over a stone bridge built by man in the 6th century.

Some of our fellow travelers had been a bit ornery in the last day – perhaps they were getting homesick, or ill, or tired of being on the bus.

Whatever the reason, I found myself thinking and writing in my travel journal; “the attitude of privilege seems to be a tall wall with few windows for seeing others this morning.”   Here we were in likely one of the most loveliest places on earth – surely a rare place in terms of vegetation – and some were complaining.  I momentarily thought to agree with someone until I realized that here I was in Northern Spain in an amazing place on a sunny day with my beloved – what on earth was there to complain about?

I was deeply moved by the beauty of my surroundings and reflected on the thoughts and memories of the little girl I once was who dreamed of seeing the world one day.  Books in the library went home with me and transported my spirit.  Now I was in one of those places in body, mind and spirit…..I sighed and remembered to be deeply appreciative.

Beautiful morning…