Travel expands
The plane map gives you a bird’s eye view on the world, and clearly illustrates that travel expands the world. I took this photo of the map on the back of the seat in front of me as we flew into Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. It’s amazing that in less than 24 hours you can travel from Minneapolis to Warsaw, Poland. All that time in airports and planes is exhausting but it doesn’t compare to the grueling ordeal our ancestors survived when they immigrated to the United States. And many immigrants still make perilous journeys to come to our shores.
Arguing above the earth
I do have a thing or two to say about the guy sitting next to me between Paris and Warsaw. Since we almost missed the flight, my entrance to my middle seat was pretty messy. I had a hot coffee burning one hand, and a flattened croissant in the other. A backpack that barely fit under the seat in front of me, and a book containing my passport and boarding pass. I more or less fell into that middle seat, totally shattering the aloof personna I prefer to present to my seatmates.
Well, this guy took full advantage. He argued with me most of the flight, even spitting his hard candy onto my lap at one point. Topics ranged from youth development (where I’ve spent my life’s work) to immigration. Though he didn’t vote for 45/47, he didn’t vote for anyone in November 2024. I didn’t hold back on letting him know how much I detest what’s going on in our country under the current administration. But he’s a lawyer and a few other things, so I was interrupted and mansplained at every turn. However, I didn’t back down on sharing my opinions!
We had several hours in Paris before our plane left for Warsaw, and of course we sampled the capuccino. Like much airport food, it was a little disappointing. Then we hung out near our departure gate while stormy weather delayed our flight for more than an hour. We almost missed our plane, and would have if I hadn’t heard “Mr. David Tushaus and Ms. Martha McCormick, please come to the gate.” Did I say the French language is more relaxing to listen to than English? It made the Air France flights seem more civilized somehow. But also easier to miss.
Warsaw, finally
We spent some time in the Warsaw Chopin Airport getting situated with cell service and figuring out whether to take the bus or hire a car. They have an Uber-like service here called Bolt. But we decided to take the bus and walk to our apartment at Ikar Guest Rooms. It’s on a school campus, and it’s absolutely lovely. I can hear a basketball game outside our open windows on the top floor. After we unpacked we walked to a Kabab Place not far away. The food was kind of a panini-grilled gyro, and simply delicious.
There’s something I love about being in a place where you don’t understand most of the conversations happening around you. Probably doesn’t make sense, but it’s true. I guess it’s because being in such a place really shows that travel expands your mind. Travel expands your culture and creativity. Travel expands your world.
So excited to follow your journey. We are headed to Portugal in September.