It's been a few days since returning from the Baltic adventure cruise.  It was a very different travel experience for me, which lent itself to moments of excitement, gratitude, love, frustrations and wonder.  Most of all, it gave me deeper insights into myself, and the high value I place on moments of solitude and adventure.  

The cruise itselfl-sans the food (I actually lost weight on it: not much organic, healthy selections as hoped for)-was wonderful!  On the ship, I especially enjoyed the entertainment, excellent shows (dance/music) and lectures. But, there was also a lot of noise, crowds and people, which was a challenge for me.  I found myself recharging in the library or sitting in one of the cafes, reading/pausing, near windows, looking out into the ocean.  Overall, the experience of cruising and not having to transport luggage between countries was a nice convenience; and, that I didn't get sea sick was an added plus. The countries and tours were good, given the short window of time we had.  Germany, Russia, and Sweden will be on my list to return to and spend time in. 

The broader gifts of travel-confirmed again on this trip- are the anticipation, making it through the arduous nature of demands on one's body ( change in circadian rhythms, diet, etc), and, the deep sense of blessing to learn more about the places being visited, walking through and touching history, having more moments of presence with novelty and the feeling of strength and courage when uncertainty uncovers a new facet of self.  

To travel adventures! 

Arrived in copenhagen yesterday. view is from our hotel room. soon we're off to germany, estonia, russia, finland, sweden and back to denmark.  First time traveling on a cruise...entering the vast waters with some sense of the unknown and the intention of managing the motion well... :)