I know, I know! I’ve been on a Jerusalem Pilgrimage and I’m on another trip right now, but I can’t seem to find a way to change the name of this blog, and I don’t want to start another because I’ve given out this address—enough excuses, already!
All travel for me is a pilgrimage, in many ways. It may have a religious objective. It may be to see new sights. It may be to accompany a friend. It is always learning. It is always an aid to finding oneself. We may not begin a journey hoping to achieve one of these objectives, but I find, for myself, that one or more is accomplished and I come away from the journey a different person.
A very wise and dear friend from whom I once took a class said at that time that there is a theory of a genetic marker in our DNA that locates us. A person who is displaced will not feel at ease. One who is not even aware of his or her ethnic background may discover a place in the world where one feels completely at home, at ease, comfortable with no discernible reason.
I found this to be the case when I first visited Sweden. Yes, I was aware of my 100% Swedish ancestry. It was before I was made aware of the information in the paragraph above. It just felt right. Yes, there were the usual anxieties of being in a place for the first time, a place where a language other than one’s mother tongue was spoken. In spite of these concerns, I still felt an ease that I’ve felt few other places. I immediately connected with words spoken by my teacher when sitting in that class.
Now I’m on a cruise on the Baltic Sea with my high school buddy Craig. We’ve traveled many places before. It’s always a pleasure to see him again and I’m glad we’ve kept in touch all these years. I’ve sailed on ships of this cruise line before. All of these factors make me comfortable. Yet, there is that almost overwhelming feeling of this being the correct place. I feel at home. It’s a peace that I don’t quite understand because I’ve never felt it any other place. I really believe there is that genetic marker that defines “home” for us.
Two of the places we will visit I have seen several times before. The rest will be a new adventure.
In a sense, this is another Jerusalem pilgrimage. A translation of the name can be “city of peace.” That is what I seek when I travel, peace for myself, and peace in the world. My becoming acquainted with other lands and peoples help me understand their situations. I am always more tolerant when I return. Hopefully, I can also share some peace and understanding with those peoples and countries I visit. Hopefully, I can help them understand that people from my nation and culture are worth knowing in peaceful way.
If you would like, come along and join me on this pilgrimage.
