Each trip we jot down some thoughts/musings that seem to define things we saw or learned on the days we spent away from home. Some of these are shared below;

... I remain an advocate of spring travel. Line ups were minimal, weather very tolerable, rates are reasonable, attraction tickets are available. It all adds up to smart use of time and resources on the ground.

... I think their early exposure to travel has helped our kids become very open and versatile when it comes to seeing and experiencing the way others live. At their age a stroll through Chinatown, city sky scrapers, taking a subway, an Amish kitchen (any of which would have blown my mind in their newness) is, for my kids it seems, stored in the vault. They compound what they see in the much broader and accessible world they live in and need to make sense of!!!

... Yet, the compassion and wonder is still evident, as I see the way they meet homelessness, interact in crowds and respond to other cultures. They see class distinctions, ask important questions, and don't wander oblivious to where they are, and how fortunate their lot in life has been.

... National Parks in America are very well done. Great attention is taken to share correct information, preserve sites, respond to visitors needs and do it all in a safe and efficient manner. We visited several new sites this trip, and once again were impressed with the excellent work which seems the foundation of the service. Cheers!!!

... Philly was supposed to be huff and gruff... a place of short answers and curt responses. We saw little of that in areas we were exposed to. I'm sure, off the beaten path that we chose, one would get some of the directness for which people of the city have become well-known. However, we were well taken care of, and even in the rafters of the Flyers game I felt included!!!

... Guides, weather it be audio or in person, are important to getting the most out of a visit. Sometimes, in my introverted way, I like to do it on my own. However, in watching the reponses of the rest of my "travel partners", a good guide can add tremendous value to a visit. We got that while on the Philly Bus Tour, visiting Independence Hall and during our Eastern State Penitentiary experience.

... I've said this before, but have to reiterate how welcoming and hospitable our visits to the US have been. I can quite honestly relate that in our travels we were treated most kindly, in city, town and village, and have no complaint. The norm was that those we engaged went above and beyond in their efforts to accommodate.