June 23, 1988
The next few Sidetracked articles are focusing on a recent trip to France. They are written in the form of a travel journal. One of the greatest things about being the executive director of Wonder Voyage is the chance to travel around the world. France is the 40th country I have visited. I must admit that I had a few preconceived ideas about France and her people. Boy, was I in for a shock.
June 23, 2010. Today, on my 22 wedding anniversary I have officially been married longer than I have been single. To be in love is to not be able to perceive life without the one you are with. That is a statement I believe in but it is counter balanced by the truth that we have only made it this far by the grace of God. Whether good or bad, the person you are with has had a great affect on who you are today. Through osmosis or constant companionship or proximity, Cheryl’s presence has transformed me. She brings a strength that causes me to believe I can do anything I set my heart upon. Once, I was a quiet and shy introvert. Now you can’t shut me up. Her transparency and candor has convinced me that life is too short and precious a gift to wear masks that hide our true selves. Compassionate truth, even when it is painful, is always better than a well intended falsehood. She has brought countless hours of side-aching head-pounding laughter. And miracle of miracles (and I know most will find this impossible to believe), after all these years I still have not heard her pass gas. Not a “twitter”, a “boof”, or a “fap”. She, on the other hand, has heard the gastronomical equivalent of Beethoven’s 9th- daily from me. Too much information?
June 24, 2010- We enter Paris tonight. Tomorrow we will enter into the heart of the city with our guide Pierre. Speaking perfect English, Pierre has been a travel guide for 52 years. His career, starting at the tender age of 22, has given him the opportunity to lead group tours in 72 nations on six continents. At 74, he has no plans to retire. The last 20 years he has focused solely on sharing the enchantments and secret delights of the City of Lights. As he leads groups, he grows giddy explaining the three primary aspects Gothic Architecture at Notre Dame.
Bon Jour Paris
He explodes in delight as he reveals Paris’ best ice cream shop. His pace is sonic as he leads us hastily through the Latin Quarter pointing out the finer details of French political life, throughout history and today.
I swoon in Pierre’s presence. Is this what a man crush feels like? Pierre is my Yoda, my Gandalf, and my Socrates. He is a great master in the (field, career, call) of my choice. I ask him a numerous questions. His passion for history, love for people, infinite energy, arresting directness, inexhaustible knowledge and quick-witted humor is all captured in the twinkle of his eye as he shares with me his love-affair with Paris.
I often say, I can see myself leading pilgrimages for the rest of my life. But until this point, I have only spoken by faith. Now that I have sat at the foot of the master, I know my statement is reality. The love of travel and leading others in exploration is enough to keep me from retirement. Pierre has given me a gift unlocked for but delightfully embraced.
