Sunday, April 16, 2006
20:45

While sitting on the runway in Portland and waiting for the door to be opened the flight attendent asks me: Is this home to you? It's the simple questions I often find hard to answer.

Friday, April 14, 2006
03:19

Roma. Good Friday. Yesterday the Pope washed the feet of twelve priests. Today he will lead a procession around the Colosseum. We are holding on to our wallets, too many tourists get mugged in Rome. At security I have to open my suitcase but we all leave our shoes on and our laptops packed. Culture used to be about understanding other countries' food and art and knowing how to make compliments and avoid hurting feelings. These days it is about knowing if you take off your shoes and belts at security check points or not.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006
09:04

Syracuse, Sicily. The Greek came here in the 8th century BC and built a city housing more than 200,000 people in ancient times. It is the only place outside of Egypt to grow the papyrus plant and today houses a papyrus museum. The oldest manuscript on display is 3500 years old and still in perfect condition.

Monday, April 10, 2006
09:21

Ephesus, Turkey. After Frankfurt and Cairo the fourth continent in as many days.

Saturday, April 08, 2006
04:19

Next stop: Cairo, Egypt, Africa. Each time I walk on African soil it feels like coming home. "Just to remind you," the guide said. "We are a busy people. Every 23 seconds a baby is born. 70 million people in Egypt. 15 million in Cairo. 85% Muslim and 15% Christians. We are one family."

Thursday, April 06, 2006
18:16

Leaving Philadelphia on time. I am one of the last passengers to make the connection. As the bus takes us from terminal F to A we all stare at a lonely suitcase standing in the middle of the runway. Everyone instinctively checks their baggage. I am glad I did not check any. Next stop: Frankfurt, Germany. That connection will be even tighter.

Thursday, April 06, 2006
16:14

Here I am. Careful weeklong planning. Every connection is tight. We got up early this morning and Vera drove me to Bangor to make sure I get to the airport after the committee meeting.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006
17:11

Getting ready. Where this time? I'll let you know Thursday evening, so come back!