Years ago when I first traveled to Europe while on leave from my military duty in the Middle East I saw it through the eyes of an innocent young adult. Europe was nothing like imaged from all my prior reading in books on the continent.

I flew into Germany, quickly purchased a dress, Birkenstocks, backpack and finally a train ticket. I stuffed my military uniform into a locker on the American Air Base and headed out on an adventure.
I had an experienced travel partner with me and we rode the overnight on a train to Italy to stay with his brother. I then jumped on a train alone, travelled on to see an Air Force friend in eastern Italy. Everything was new and exiting. The old buildings, the landscapes, the crazy mopeds driving on the busy streets.

I have retold tons of stories of that trip over the years to friends and relatives. The newness of Europe to me was full of adventure and I thought it would be my only opportunity ever to visit the continent. From where I sit today that newness and sharp edges are worn smooth with experience there are things I just don’t see of my adopted country of The Netherlands anymore.

This week the Hubby and I are hosting one of my best friends from my home town in Minnesota. Yes, there is a threat of war on our continent and most of us have gotten little sleep as prices rise, refugees are now entering the country and the news is constantly repeating the play by play of the war in Ukraine like some sports show.
It is hard for me to see things as exciting and new. But, my friend is seeing and experiencing Europe with and through the eyes of an innocent child. Everything is new for her, the old Amsterdam buildings, the windmills, the Dutch countryside and the wonderful robust transport system we have in this country and it has lifted the shadows of the overhanging news of the war.

We have nearly forgotten that a terrorist is holding us all hostage with his threat of nuclear button pushing or super sonic weapons. Life is going on even if it is more expensive each day.

For Americans to explore the past locations that our ancestors came from since the birth of the USA. It will be harder, as this war lingers, to do such things without anxiety. My hope and wish is that there will be a quick and peaceful resolution, but from my professional background, old fears whisper “it will be a long and difficult road” before peace.

My advise to all my readers, come to Europe, live the experience, don’t let a terrorist win! Experience the continent and Carpe Diem!

We all want tourist from other places to enjoy the European continent in freedom and to see it for the diversity it holds.
Prayers for the citizens of Ukraine.💙💛☮️🙏
© The Cedar Journal, 2022, all rights reserved.
Our continent is such a diverse and wonderful place and I’ve hardly visited more than a tiny portion. I hope your friend has a great time CJ, so much to enjoy in the Netherlands.
We must not let the moscow moron dictate fear to us all. Perhaps those in the States feel a wee bit safer being so far away but if the cretin loses the plot we are all in this together, nowhere will be unaffected.
I don’t do prayers but let’s hope this is settled soon. 💙💛
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I hear you. Most Americans don’t know or even think much about Russia, although he could land a rocket anywhere he wants. I know NATO is doing all it can to shore up any gap land or sea if he decides Ukraine is not enough. Although I feel he over estimated how long of a fight he would have with the Ukraine citizenship. 💙💛
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Absolutely! It’s not going his way so he just orders the destruction of Cities and their people. It’s disgusting and it’s cowardly and one day he will pay for his evil crimes!
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Yup! Evil never wins when faced with freedom and free will of the people.
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👍
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Glad you get the chance to show your friend around – I am sure having a knowledgeable person along makes the experience that much more wonderful.
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Mick and I have been trying to figure out how to safely travel again and it’s really challenging with both an ongoing pandemic and a madman at war. So glad your friend got there and you have this time together. Enjoy!
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I would suggest just do it. Make a backup plan if things get rough but you would have to do that normally. Travel is never without risk. Carpe Diem.
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Nice post, always enjoy your pictures.
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Thanks again for continuing to support our blog.😊
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