My Experience Traveling with J, K, A, Ja and E

Written by Gail St. Clair, aka GG

 

Having recently returned from my travels in Turkey and Greece with our “around the world” travelers, John, Kelli, Ainsley, Jack, and Eliot, I feel compelled to share some of my observations. First of all, traveling around the world is definitely a full time job! I observed John at the computer very early in the mornings researching places to stay, sights to visit, and writing entries for their blog, Exploring the Marble. Kelli worked behind the scenes on all of this as well. Their planning was very fluid and productive: just witness my trip which originally started out to be a visit to Athens and mainland Greece and turned into a visit to Turkey, the Greek Island of Samos, and Athens. I loved every moment.

Ainsley, Jack, and Eliot have each grown and matured during their travels. Ainsley did a great job directing us to the street that our Student and Travellers Inn was located on in Plaka, Athens after our long ferry ride from Samos. When I reported this to Claire Dugan, she replied “Ainsley is just like her Mother”. Ainsley was our wonderful tour guide in Ephesus as well. She does a fine job of managing her clothing and her back pack; she fits an amazing quantity of clothes into her stuff bag. I loved bringing books for her to read; she devoured them all. Eliot and Jack also loved reading their books. Jack kept remarking about how much he appreciated my bringing his books.

Jack’s fertile mind has created an imaginary island called Dancho, replete with detailed maps and distinct provinces. Jack’s attention to detail is incredible. Each of us had to select a province in which to live. He told me before I arrived that he was looking forward to telling me some of his favorite stories from the trip. At dinner one night he entertained us with many tales. I am amazed by level of detail the children remember about their travels; their minds are like sponges. Unfortunately, Jack was stung by a bee on the instep of his foot while we were at lunch in Pnaka on Samos. I told him that he had the distinction of being the only one in the family to be stung by a GREEK bee; not much help. Ainsley engaged him in discussions about Dancho as we hiked back down the trail after the bee sting and that did the trick. One other time, after a full day on the Acropolis, the adults decided to do a little more sight seeing that evening. Ainsley and Eliot elected to stay behind at the inn. Jack said he would like to have some quiet time, too, but then with both hands held up high he said, “I don’t want to miss anything!” He joined us for my last stroll through Athens.  That is so Jack.

Eliot attracts unbelievable attention just by being the cute little tow head that he is. After returning from a visit to a monastery, I told Gabi (the hotel proprietress on Samos Island) that one of the monks wanted to pat Eliot’s head and she replied, “Who doesn’t?  Eliot is like a china doll.”  This appears to be true.  When heading out for dinner on our first night in Athens, all the waiters, who double as salesmen drawing in customers to their cafés, patted Eliot on the top of his head as he walked by. Eliot takes it all in stride.  Unless he’s hungry, of course.  While on our many hikes, it became very apparent when Eliot was in need of food; he would just “lose it.” Once given some nourishment, though, he would then display his boundless energy, an instant transformation. Kelli and John are doing a fabulous job of keeping the children fed, hydrated, safe, and happy in many unique settings far from food and drink.

What an amazing experience the around the world trip has been for all of them. I am thankful that I could be a small part of it.