this one's for Nate...

I enjoy walking around in my bare feet. And sleeping in a room by myself. And putting food in a clean refrigerator. It is nice to be home. The last two weeks of my European experience were amazing, beginning with our paragliding adventure in the Suisse Alps. I strapped Interlaken native Raymond to my back and ran off hill to soar above towering trees and snow covered mountains. I couldn't stop smiling for the next two hours. From there, we traveled to Munich to tour the Dachau concentration camp. Beth and I were both overwhelmed by the enormity of the complex. To see how large the camp was and to know how overcrowded it was absolutely unbelievable. One could easily spend an entire day there but we were emotionally drained after a few hours. We hopped on a train that took us to Berchtesgaden, a beautiful area of the Bavarian Alps. We hiked to the spectacular Lake Konigssee and took in even more documentation about World War II at Obersalzburg, where Hitler and other Nazi bigwigs maintained mountain homes. I was again impressed with the volume of information on display that recorded Germany's most prominent disgrace. I couldn't help but be creeped out as we descended into the extensive bunker system below the museum that was intended to protect some of world’s most detested human beings in history. We went to Salzburg the following day, where apparently some movie called “The Sound of Music” was filmed. I have never actually seen the film and I realize I might possibly be the only person in America who hasn’t. I’m sorry; it’s on my list of things to do. Our next destination was Normandy, just in time for the 63rd Anniversary of D-Day on June 6. Tears come to my eyes just thinking about our day there. I was able to attend the British Commonwealth memorial service along with a hundred or so veterans. It was extremely moving to see them sing hymns and bow their heads in prayers of remembrance. The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach was even more touching as I finally understood the sacrifice those men made on that day and in the months leading up to the end of World War II. Most were younger than I am now, and traveled somewhere they had never been to liberate a people they had never met. Their offering is simply remarkable and I know I will forever admire those men. Our final stop was Scotland. I loved the beauty and history of Edinburgh. It was definitely in my top three favorite cities. We also went to the small village of Oban on the west coast for some hiking before heading to Glasgow to fly our separate ways. Beth will continue to live and work in Ireland while I am so excited to be reunited with family and friends in Washington. I cried when I saw the Cascades from the plane, but I believe that was because I only slept four of the last forty-eight hours in Scotland. Needless to say, I have done nothing but sleep and eat since I got home two days ago. Thanks for taking an interest in my travels, I look forward to spending the summer catching up with everyone!