I love to travel as you all know. Ireland, England, France, Netherlands, Austria, Finland, Greece, Israel, Italy, Spain, Monaco
My age does not slow me down, nor does it hinder to me. I am a young 68 year old (come November lol). I am lucky that I have good health and solitude doesn't bother me in the least.
Although this past trip in late February/early March to Europe was a cruise and a co-worker joined me on a 8 day adventure. It was fun to share seeing many wonders and ancient buildings, and looking through another set of eyes to find different things to explore.
Both of us are not into the main stream of site seeing. We wanted to see botanical gardens, the odd parts of towns where graffiti covered doorways, where the locals drank their wine and broke bread together, the grime covered buildings that stood throughout centuries of mankind doing its worst.
As I traveled to various countries in Europe the reoccurring theme old churches where in each city we visited. My travel companion was as I; non religious. One can be spiritual with all of Mother Nature and the human race without having a set program of theology to follow.
Entering a church as a non believer we felt was temping fate the first one we entered but being pure of heart, we ventured into a journey seeking a church for its beauty and feel the coolness of ceilings two to three stories tall. Each church took my breath away in wonder.
Such stately works of architect that beholds history through centuries. Life, death, marriages, celebrations and even battles have been under these roofs.
Most of the churches where grand fortresses. We also came across several chapels; tiny and petite that were just a beautiful as the grand fortresses that covered a city block.
Whenever I visited one these ancient beauties I think of Joan of Arc and her firm belief system. She died for her beliefs in a world where Men ruled in a way I find hideous in today standards. Women where nothing more than chattels. Most could not read or write, most had no rights to land, women had to no rights to anything not even to life. Here it is the 21st century and still in many countries women still have no basic rights. I am the age where I set a standard with those in my life. As a woman I am any mans equal. All women are my sisters and I will give them the strength to believe in them selfs.
Humanity when you think of it hasn't really come very far in the aspects of theology. In my small world that I hold tightly pressed to my heart: humans treat each other with love and kindness. We all are one. I see no difference in color, or who you love, I see no difference in what church guides you, WE are ALL One.
I can only hope the future for todays children continues in the betterment of All of Humans, all species, and the world.
