Dana and her husband Tim at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the slopes of the Acropolis of Athens in Greece. The Odeon is a Roman-era theater built in 161 AD and is still used today for concerts and performances.
by Dana Wineland O’Rourke, Contributing Writer
The cold glass felt good against my forehead, so I rested my nose on the airplane window and gazed at the billowy clouds below, determined to soak it all in. We were nearing the end of our latest adventure. In a little over an hour we would be landing in Pittsburgh. It felt bittersweet.
Our world is enormous with countless things to see and do, but expense and time are factors. We are all so busy with day-to-day tasks and responsibilities that travel for pleasure can feel like a luxury.
When we were young and raising our kids, we took little trips, or vacations that centered on their sports activities. Big family vacations were – and remain – extra special, but regardless of size, all memories made are treasures.
This trip was the kind of experience you dream about but never quite believe will actually happen – a Mediterranean cruise with a little extra time in Rome. We had discussed it over the years and decided now that we are retired it was time to make the dream a reality.
There are places you must experience in person to understand their beauty and enormity.
I was twenty–two the first time I saw the ocean. When we arrived, the sun had already set. I walked to the water’s edge and watched my feet disappear under foam as they sunk into the sand, and I couldn’t wait until the morning when I would stand there in the daylight and see the majesty of it all.
A tear fell from my eye while visiting the Grand Canyon. No photograph could prepare me for it. The view was breathtaking and the ever-changing colors as the sun and shadows danced around the rim were spectacular.
The greenest greens I’ve ever seen were in Ireland. I can still feel the breeze on my cheeks and hear the haunting melody of the pennywhistle welcoming us to the magnificent beauty of the Cliffs of Moher.
It’s not just the wonder of nature that is worth traveling to see – it’s the historical sites as well. I was overcome with emotion when I saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time and toured Ellis Island. My maternal grandmother told me stories about arriving there as a child from Czechoslovakia. To her, the people looked like they were wearing costumes. Everything was strange and new – scary and exciting all at once.
She shared that it was there in New York where she tasted ice cream for the first time, beginning a lifelong love of the sweet treat, which she passed on to me. I enjoyed ice cream in the city, and thought of her.
Our latest trip brought every sensation, with beauty and history at every turn.
Italy put me on sensory overload from landing to take off – the language, the bustle of motorbikes weaving through the streets, the exquisite architecture, and the delicious cuisine. Our taxi driver happily obliged me as we crossed off the places of interest I listed. I had only seen the Trevi Fountain in movies, and goose bumps covered my arms as we stepped into St. Peter’s Square.
Once we set sail, we enjoyed stops in Crete, Turkey, Mykonos, Athens, Santorini, and Naples. Excursions in each port gave us experiences to savor. I had to pinch myself several times to believe we were actually walking around the Colosseum, standing in the shadows of buildings hundreds of years old, and gazing at ruins from the first century.
At times we had to remind ourselves to take photos in order to preserve memories of a trip that already felt unforgettable.
I also enjoyed meeting people from around the world. This trip immersed us in foreign languages. Although difficult to understand, they were beautiful to listen to.
While chatting with a couple from Australia about the deer that like to hang out in our yard, they showed us photos of the kangaroos in their yard. Their accents made the story more charming.
Before we landed I realized that I learned a few things about myself on this trip. I’ve always said I love to travel, but I think I need to retire that phrase. The truth is, I don’t actually enjoy the “travel” part of travel. Getting from point A to point B felt a bit ominous at times – coordinating drivers, schlepping suitcases, navigating never ending airport lines, and tolerating plane seats meant for sardines.
What I do love are the destinations – the places and the moments that make you stop and look around in awe.
I know that my favorite “place” has been, and will always be, in the arms of the people I love.
As much as I crave adventure, I am just as content relaxing in my recliner with a good movie.
But time is a thief, so it’s important to do things while you can.
Also, everyone smiles in the same language.
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About the author: Freelance writer Dana Wineland O’Rourke retired after wearing the many hats required for her position as a school secretary for 30 years. A lifelong resident of Monongahela, Dana has been married to Tim for 47 years. Their two sons and daughters-in-law made the family an even dozen with six grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, gab & grubs with friends, biking, and fitness classes at the YMCA.
