Let’s NOT Give In To Fear: Lessons We Can Learn from the Attacks on Paris

“Let’s continue traveling so we can better sympathize with the pain of others, to work for understanding, healing, and peace with those who feel hurt or marginalized, and to find solutions to the underlying problems that precipitate the kind of anger and hatred that fuel the fires of terrorism.”

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men

“Please don’t rain yet. Please don’t rain yet. Please don’t rain yet.” My mind looped this mantra, and I plastered an everything’s-alright smile, hoping my face wouldn’t betray my anxiety. Twenty-eight people were following me through the cobblestone streets of Paris, and I didn’t want their only two days with me in my favorite EuropeanContinue reading “The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men”

I’ve Been Pickpocketed!

I know there’s no need to over-react.  I wasn’t attacked, I’m not injured, and everything that needed to get taken care of got taken care of.  In fact, the instant that I realized my wallet was no longer in my bag, there was nothing for me to do but smile.  Smile at my own carelessnessContinue reading “I’ve Been Pickpocketed!”

Light Bulb Moments in the City of Light

As an assistant tour guide, my job is to first and foremost help the tour members however I can, answering questions when I can, offering recommendations when needed, making sure there are no stragglers and that no one gets left behind, passing our tickets/brochures/what have you, finding out who wants what for dinner, setting up/cleaningContinue reading “Light Bulb Moments in the City of Light”