Well, our trip East has covered considerable ground. We spent a night in Houston to meet up with several former colleagues [and I hope now friends] to get caught up with what is going on in everyones lives. We spent a bit of the day touring the Houston Space / Johnson Space Center. Although we both learned a bit, I personally found it kind of lame. Granted, I am keenly interested in the space program and therefore had greater hopes than perhaps most but we saw little of the current program.
Had dinner out with the aforementioned friends and had a great time. Thanks George and Barbara, Elwood and Lisa, and Terry!
Headed East to the Louisiana Bayou. A very pleasant drive along the coast seeing wildlife, the scenery and of course left over damage by Hurricane Katrina. Took a route up along the coast to Baton Rouge for the night. Today, made our way to Atlanta from Birmingham.
Reflections on the trip include first and foremost how incredibly lucky we have been to have this experience. An open schedule, enough funds and the energy and health to make it happen.
We met countless people, mostly informally, who have have been interesting to talk to, warm to the 'touch', and gracious in their service to us. Of these, the many waitstaff stand out. All have been more than willing and even eager to engage and to offer their perspectives of their home and environment. We were often steered in the right direction based solely on their guidance.
Other reflections include: We are further impressed that the Peace Corps, if it continues to look positive, is absolutely the right thing to do. Challenging and intimidating to be sure but still, the right thing to do if we can.
Finally, the goals of the trip, are only somewhat accomplished. As far as leaving Tyco behind, well, mostly that has happened. I will always miss being at the center of the action in terms of making positive things happen but I don't miss some of the elements of the corporate life and the way it is played.
We have seen a lot of the country but it has only whetted our appetite for more. We do have a better sense of where we want to go back to.
We have seen a lot of our friends but alas, not enough. That hole will never be completely filled and we both were sad as we drove away to continue our journey.
Finally, spending time with my wife has been a great experience. Not without some level of friction ,mind you, as we both tend to critique each others driving and the car does get small after two months. However, we had countless discussions about books, lives [others and our own], current events as well as the logistics of the trip itself. I would not trade this for a moment and wish all the same opportunity.
All from me for now, Matt
Kare here now: Just finished reading the book: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Thank you Salli for placing this book in my hands at a time when I dearly needed to reflect on the spiritual
side of my life. The same day that I started to read it, the author was featured on an NPR program. The program explored Americans heightened interest in eastern philosophy and meditation. Today we visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Change in Atlanta. It's actually partnered with the National Park system. The exhibit captured key moments in MLK's life and featured audio clips of his speeches. I remember being in French class in high school when the news of his assassination broke. I came away with a real sense of who he was and what he accomplished. Of course I had to buy a book of his most famous speeches! The Freedom Hall had an exhibit of personal items, awards and medals awarded to MLK, his wife Coretta and Mahatma Gandhi. I paused at the marble casket in the midst of the reflecting pool along the Freedom Walk that holds MLK and his wife. I've been keeping an extensive daily journal and look forward to reflecting on various aspects of the trip when I return home. Lots of funny stories and memories to digest. A bit sleep deprived at the moment as have had a couple of rough nights sleep-wise. But, underground Atlanta is on the agenda for this evening!
Matt
