With the morning light peeking through the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine…the Phoenix sculptures suspended above us…we welcomed Paul Winter’s 19th annual Summer Solstice Celebration in NYC.
In darkness the music began…softly at first and then as the first morning light of the summer brightened, the music gradually increased in volume as well. Given the spatial placement of the musicians, above the Phoenix sculptures, Winter described the event as “one of our most unique events yet in the Cathedral, and perhaps the most profound.” Truly an experience to just sit, feel the music and reflect upon my last two weeks of travel in Morocco.
You know those travel experiences where everything goes right and ten years later you don’t remember a thing about them? It’s interesting because it’s those uncomfortable moments, those in your face experiences, we remember the most. The ones where you’re stretched, where you’re out of your comfort zone, and challenged to the max. I remember vividly walking through pigeon shit in my bare feet while visiting Jain Birds Hospital in Old Delhi, India, or smelling camel sweat…all night long…on the blanket while sleeping in a tent in the Sahara desert, or climbing two steps and resting on the third…all day long…as we made our way along the Inca trail towards Machu Picchu…those are the trips I really remember.
This was my second trip to Morocco, this time visiting the northern part of the country. A trip that will be remembered for a long, long time. Sick for five plus days, lost luggage for three…many days were a struggle, yet an adventure in a country where time stands still. It’s often different cultures, different traditions and different lifestyles that teach us humility. This kind of travel continues to make me a stronger individual and adds more lessons to the “travel lessons learned” for the future.
So stay tuned for Morocco…
And thank you mother nature for another summer solstice!
It’s good to be home!
Glad you are back safe and sound… I can’t hardly wait to hear all about your second trip to Morocco. So looking forward to seeing you soon frissy, very soon! XoXo
I can only imagine how breath taking the phoenix sculpture was with the stained glass windows and sun light coming through. Sounds like a pretty incredible experience, my sweet. Sorry to hear you were sick for 5 days and had some difficulties with luggage etc. What doesn’t break us…….. makes us stronger. 🙂 Looking forward to hearing about the different cultures and lifestyles you experienced on this adventure. Love you more than words can ever begin to express! xoxoxoxo
Welcome Home Dear Robin!
Beautiful sculpture with the stained glass.
I am so sorry to hear you were ill during your trip and your luggage was lost.
You’re so right about remembering the parts of your trips and life that take you out of your comfort zone.
I am glad you are back safe and sound and hope you are feeling better.
Sounds like your 2nd trip made quite a few memories for you. I look forward to learning more about it.
I was in your ‘hood today, Beacon Theatre and back on the West Side Hwy. One day our paths will cross, hopefully soon.
Love you and am so glad to hear from you. I’ve missed you. Life is not the same without you!
xoxoxo
Sick, lost luggage…and a stronger woman than you already were! This is what we all love about you, Robin. Thanks for sharing. I’m really looking forward to more….
” I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference”
(The Road not taken by Robert Frost)
Wishing you many more trips (without being sick and lost luggage!) Enjoy the long days, the short nights and the summer !
Sounds great – but summer solistice always makes me sad … especially this year, because somehow summer didn’t really happen in Germany …