It's hard to believe the time has finally arrived. I usually try to not count the days toward certain days/events since doing so distracts you from truly living in the moment of your most immediate nowness. This time however, it has been hard not to daydream about heading back to Europe for a fourth time since it feels like the first in so many levels.
For starters, this is the first time I travel with a family of my own. Our first international trip with a seven-month-old boy, who I have no doubt will prove to be an excellent traveler as the trip unfolds. Nevertheless, I say it feels like a first time going there since bringing a baby with you changes the logistics of traveling by quite a stretch. My days of throwing a backpack with enough change of clothes to last me for a month while hoping on trains from country to country are long gone from here on forward. Long are also gone the long glorious hours of flight time with a good book, movie, or stranger beside you with whom you could have very interesting conversations. Long are gone the days of finding the cheapest hostel available at the very last minute or the very same day I would arrive to that city. In short, long are gone the days of careless, free-spirited, spontaneous adventures with the best traveling companion I have ever met, namely -- yours truly. Ha!
Yes, those days are long gone for me, but one thing is crystal clear - this trip is probably going to become one of the most memorable and enjoyable trips I have ever taken. I am STOKED to go back there with both my wife (a first for her) and son, who I have no doubt will one day thank me when they see the millions of pictures/videos I'm going to take of themwhile we are there...haha. I am STOKED to have to figure everything out as if it was my first time, as I try to find the best ways to navigate through the streets and venues of Paris, London, and good old Spain while steering my son's stroller (the ferrari of all strollers at that...). I'm STOKED that I'll be catching up with my parents, friends, and relatives (including one my grandmas from Mexico) coming to meet us in London from five different countries; we call it the "5G Reunion" among us. :)
But above all, I'm STOKED to be about to experience my very 1st SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES. Although I may have missed out on the Winter Olympics in Van City back in 2010, I think attending the summer ones (which are enormous in comparison) and having the opportunity to watch my brother compete and make his dream a reality more than makes up for it! As if that wasn't enough, I think the most special aspect of this trip is the fact that my brother will have the chance to meet both my wife and son in person for the first time following his event, and that in itself is something that I don't think many Olympians and people in general can say. For all I know, that too is a first.
In short, there are lots of firsts which are about to unfold over the next two weeks. I'm very grateful to everyone who has shown their support towards my brother and family over the last few years and especially over the last few months. I consider myself extremely blessed and fortunate for not only being given so many priceless opportunities, but also for being able to share the happiness that has come out of them with so many of you over the last few years. I can only hope they serve to inspire all those who follow them to attract the same level of positivity and acceptance for the wonderful journey in which each of us travels. Especially those who have ever wondered what it is like to take the "road less traveled", and dare to not to let their dreams just be dreams.
I'm alluding Robert Frost here,
but as far as I'm concerned,
"that's truly what has made all the difference".
Thank you Universe.
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| My brother, Iñaki, at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin a couple of years ago. |
