The Great Race: Last Night

Eighteen hours later, this long whirlwind day of travel has come to an end.

Though sun-baked, under-fed, over-walked, and in need of a shower, I still feel strangely energized. Mostly because of the incredible experiences of this day, and with the not-so-sudden realization that this kind of traveling is good. The kind which broadens one's horizons, and opens new doors, allowing one to better connect with other people in the future.

The American family initially identified themselves as hailing from Chicago, thinking that should be more readily recognized by most people in Europe. After I mentioned my visit earlier this year to McHenry county (in Illinois), they then clarified that they were actually from Milwaukee (down the road and just across the state line, where I had flown in to General Mitchell Field, and then promptly driven out of Wisconsin). We had moved beyond just polite nods and smiles, and the conversation continued on from there.