Moving stories from my tours

When I don't write a new tale it means I'm busy! This late summer and fall is proving to be one of my best ever! A lot of work, wonderful and warm weather, golden leaves coming out all over the places.

But I want to tell you some recent stories that touched my heart.

This morning while talking to a guide waiting to go with a group, she told me that last time she went on a bus tour she saw a frail man wrapped in blankets right on the front seat. She asked him if he needed anything and before she could continue the guy said, in a very assertive way "Madam, I'm 94, independent, and I know how to take care of myself". Period. The old guy started his tour in New York City! Good for him, enjoy life till the end, nothing can stop you, my friend!

Last month I had a small group of women from Ohio (the famous swing state..right?). One of them needed a wheelchair. I was worried for her because the terrain here is often very rough. To make a long story short, I always stayed back with her when the others were getting her wheelchair. I had the best time ever! In the five to ten minutes we were alone we became so close as we found how much we had in common. This wonderful person was 85 years old, with a wonderful attitude towards life, strong opinions about politics in this country, that I totally shared, and very funny as well. We are now friends on Facebook!

One day I was in a small frontier village, between Arizona and Mexico. I was walking around leaving my clients to roam on their own, when I saw a tiny woman sitting on the ground with a basket of oranges between her legs. I wanted one right away! So, I asked her how much they were. Her answer was, while she was gathering a dozen (!) in a paper bag "you are a guest who came here to visit us from far away. We like to honor people like you". And I couldn't give her any money.

Another time I was traveling for my own pleasure with a friend. On the side of the road we spotted an old lady that didn't look in good shape. She waved at us and we stopped. With sign language she asked to come on board. She was silent all the way, for about half an hour. We couldn't get one word out of her mouth. I kept talking to her wondering if she even understood one word of English. She was Navajo. I asked her if she was married. Suddenly a huge cute smile bloomed on her face and she said "no more. Men are not useful". end of the conversation.

On the road

Sometimes I really think that human beings are wonderful creatures!