My journey is challenging but not overwhelming.

There are many people who speak English in Europe, and there are many people who don’t speak English in Europe. I seem to find the ones that don’t…especially when I am lost. Sometimes I can’t help but just laugh! There have been so many profound moments on this journey… Sometimes the moments are quite simple, yet make me wonder.

When I was in Germany, I contacted one of my hosts by cell phone and let them know when I would be arriving. The husband told me that his wife would meet me at the station, the train station. I asked what she looked like so that I could identify her. The man replied, she has dark hair and is 1 m 70. I wondered still how I would identify her.

On another topic, the minute people discover that I am from America, they ask me about Trump. Did you vote for Trump? Do you like Trump? Do you know Trump? The general idea that I get from many Germans is a correlation with Nazi and him. In France, the sentiments are less harsh, as I saw many advertisements stating that Trump was good for France. No matter what the view, Trump is a name strongly known throughout Europe. 

I am meeting so many people. One of my hostess belongs to a hiking club, and the members came over for a visit. I enjoyed hearing them converse in German. They speak so fast; I am amazed they can understand each other.


In Trier, the oldest city in Germany, I met a woman in one of the stores. She told me her greatest gift is her positive nature.
 
 At one of the train stations, I met a nurse who went out of her way to help me find my way. So many kind people on my journey.

I have had many inquiries from the locals about my journey. They seem to be surprised when I tell them no hotels are involved. 

A few nights ago I stayed with a journalist and a psychologist. He likes to make people laugh and uses humor in his writing. At the same time, he delivers a message.

Everywhere I go I learned:

1. There are good people all around.

2. It takes energy to do what I’m doing… Navigating trains, language, adapting to new people and environments...Constant stimuli at least 18 hours daily.