Gazing at the past and present

I walked through a orthodox Jewish neighborhood bobbing and weaving through the oncoming bike traffic. The train was leaving at 10:00 am and, now knowing that all European train stations are anal about departure time, I wanted to be sure I would be there early. Although I was sure not to miss my trip out, the promptness of me leaving was not indication of how Belgium was to me. Antwerpen treated me well. I was able to complete a number of art pieces I would have before thought preposterous, I ran through the park in the mornings, and I was able to do my laundry. What sound like trivial things really make a stay in a foreign land friction-free. I would wake up to Norah Jones and eat two fried eggs with coffee. I guess what all these minuscule somethings made, for me, was peace. I felt at home. Cleaned, with time to relax and prioritize. The hustle and bustle of shoestringing it in Europe vanished. But Belgium had to vanish as well. I've connected in Brussels at least five times and now that my trip is dwindling down I must face the realization that I wont see these cities again for a very long time. The Latin district of Paris, the beer gardens of Prague, the special breakfast spots in Lancaster, or the body weight workout gym on the Barcelona Beach. I wont gaze out into the sea on the shores of Cinque Terre nor will I walk the hills of rural France in the rain, for a very long time. I never took a minute of this trip for granted. Every second of every day I moved on because when you have this kind of opportunity you better never let your heart rest. The thrill of new languages, food, looks, and attitudes better make you sweat with inexperienced excitement or your not taking advantage. I will remember this trip forever. Hell it may even be on of my biggest highlights when I'm old and gray. The trip "That started in Arusha and ended in Dusseldorf." When I read those words I can't stop grinning. And when I read the last word I can't avoid frowning. Dusseldorf. Well that's where I am now, on the top of the Rhine river in Germany. I arrived a couple of hours ago and immediately went for a run in the city. I always want to cover the most ground the first day so I know exactly where to start on the second. I ran to the banks of the river and just sat. I take those moments to absorb everything for those who cant, for those who wont. I acknowledge that this is a once in a lifetime experience that many will never come close to getting. So I take extra time observing for family and friends. I plan to call it a early night which makes me feel boring when its a Friday, but after so many European Fridays they lose their magic. At this point in my trip I would rather sit at a bus stop in the heart of the city just gazing at the crowds stumble up and down the block. And I would take extra time watching it for you.