A visit to beaver cottage before leaving on a very adventurous adventure

I won't tell you why it was that I came to Sam and Katie Marten's house so late, but I did. I arrived at no earlier than 11:50 p.m. Jared and Tyler had already gone to bed and I was informed that Jared, in particular, was upset that he would not be seeing me. Knocking apologetically on the door, I was greeted by a warm smile and immediate tenderness and care. Sam was promptly asked to go and get my luggage and I was shown into the kitchen for smart conversation and a glass of water. Why did Sam need to go get my luggage I asked myself. I was among family, among friends, among people concerned for me. Thank you Sam and Katie for a first stop on a fantastic journey. As I was shown my wonderful room and given soaps and towels for a morning bath, I was again thanking God for his blessings on this (the Marten) family. They have an amazing heart for Jesus. Katie, thank you for sharing your heart with me on the way to the airport. Your mothering inspires me and warms me. May the Lord richly bless you.




As I woke that morning for my trip I felt like Lucy or Peter or Susan ready to face a journey after their time with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. Yes, that's what this house was: a refresher. There always is one in every good story. Think about Lord of the Rings and the keeper of the forest who allows them to stay in his manor as long as they wish, until they are ready to depart.




Excerpts from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

"They were standing on the edge of a steep, narrow valley at the bottom of which ran-- at least it would be running if it had not been frozen, a fairly large river. Just below them a dam had been built across the river and when they saw it everyone suddenly remembered that of course, beavers are always making dams and felt quite sure that Mr. Beaver had made this one. So it was only common politeness when Susan said, 'What a lovely dam!' And Mr. Beaver didn't say 'Hush' this time but, 'Merely a trifle, merely a trifle."
'Here we are and it looks as if Mrs. Beaver is expecting us. I'll lead the way.'
The first thing Lucy noticed was a kind, lovely she-beaver sitting in the corner with a thread in her mouth working busily at her sewing.
'So you've come at last. At last, to think that ever I would see this day! The potatos are on boiling, the kettle's singing and I daresay, Mr. Beaver will get us some fish.'
'That I will' said Mr. Beaver.
............
'There's no time to lose.' Everyone began bundling themselves into coats except Mrs. Beaver who started picking up sacks and started laying them on the table and said: 'Now Mr. Beaver just reach down that ham.'
'What are you doing Mrs. Beaver?' said Susan.
'Packing a load for each of us dearie, you didn't think we'd set out on a journey with nothing to eat, did you?'

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis, 1950.


And that is how it was with me, I arrived, I was given food and rest and sent on my way prepared for the journey. Thanks Marten Family.

Planning

There are certainly enough books out there on planning a trip to Europe, but let me tell you the best out there is Rick Steves. There's a picture of Rick Steves in one of his books swimming with his glasses on around a maypole and turning a goofy smile to the camera. His white arms are in great contrast to every one else around him. This pictures sums him up. Rick Steves is a Globetrotter square. He always wears a belt and always tucks in his shirts. Reminding me of John who always tucks in his shirts, even on dingy work days. I love it. To hear Rick speak is adorable. He's got a nasally voice and often uses "Beaver Clever" phrases to show his dislike. Immediately you think: If this guy can have a good time in Europe so can I.

Things I learned:

Cross check everything. Don't rely on one website or source. A website or book might appear to be the mecca for trip info, but if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Tripadvisor.com, hotels.com and google maps are all great ways to get updated traveler reviews of locations. Don't rely on one too heavily. Once you find the hotel, book through them to create a relationship. Don't be an internet invoice to them.

Invest in travel books or check them out at the library. Learning new information and making it part of your deep memory takes looking at something at least three separate times. To get a word into your lexicon, research shows you must use it 10 times. My point is: if you read some info more than once, it's probably a good thing.

Use Rick Steves' free website and pod casts. Intimidated by the word podcast? Don't be. He's got it down to a few user-friendly clicks. Listen to his pod casts before you go to a particular museum. The idea is to feel as if you've been there all your life and are enjoying it one more time. Enjoying a museum means making connections to your personal self. Skip things that don't interest you and move on to things that do. Rick Steves wisely said that not enjoying a museum can have much to do with not having any background knowledge. If I throw a novel at my kids and tell them to read it, they hate it. But if I set up the story, give them fun facts, they're suddenly all ears.

Be still. Once the planning is done, let it go. You've planned and planned and want so badly to do everything on your list, but you'll shut out fun this way. Let it go. It's like planning a wedding or planning a behind the scenes of a drama production. Planning can only get you so far and then it's time to have fun.

Don't allow books to dictate what you should see and do. Listen to those inner pullings towards one thing or another. When my friend Rachel took me to a Glen Eyre Castle in Colorado Springs for my birthday, it was quite humorous to see me stare at things like bathroom tiles and plaster mouldings while others moved on. I know from this that I love architecture. Listen to yourself. What other high interest point will I be checking out in Europe? Books! Bet you'd never guess.

Reading material musts:
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door
Rick Steves' Europe 101 Art Appreciation
Rick Steves' London
Rick Steves' Paris
DK's Top Ten London
DK's Top Ten Paris
Frommer's 24 Walks in Paris
Frommer's 24 Walks in London

Invitation to follow my travels

If you've found this blog, chances are you're a close friend or family member. If you've made it this far, then come in a little farther, sign up as a follower and enjoy Europe with me. Nose around some of the other articles and learn a little bit about my life in Colorado. Make as many comments as you like, I get such a kick out of reading them and often times make a quick return comment.

Also, sending me an email in Europe will be free (to some extent)and instantaneous due to this fancy new phone I have, so feel free to contact me directly at heathershoresincolorado@gmail.com for questions or just to say hi, I'm sure I'll respond.

I wanted to say a big thank you to Heidi and Paul for being such a great travel "spring board" for our family. Even though you're family and you have to let us in, thanks for allowing us into your home and letting us see and enjoy things abroad. We all love Mom and Dad so much and would not have been able to give them the anniversary trip without ya'll. Thanks for being excited along side all us family members who show up as starry-eyed tourists. Great job! (that's teacher talk for "great job")

Most of all I praise my Heavenly Father for the wonderful opportunities He provides for our family and for me, personally. Summertime has given me the time to sit back and take a breather. It really is pretty nice around here. Lord, you watch over me, provide for me and through the years you've even seen to my heart desires, those things that let me know you love me. I know I don't deserve them, I can be a stinker (Aunt Marilyn term). Lord please let others see Christ in me as I travel. Please keep me safe as I travel.

By the way, Holly I want you to know I forgive you for drinking my Dublin, Texas Dr. Pepper all those years ago, the pain is not so bad any more. Well it might have been Tristan, and if it was I'm not ready to forgive you.

Happy reading.