The Absent Uncle: The extremes

As Sherrill and I finish up the best traveling trip of our lifetime, it occurs to me that in many ways we have seen some of the extremes of humans. 

The scenery in Europe has been extraordinary; centuries-old buildings, beautiful countryside views, and food unlike our American everyday diet. So much to take in and appreciate.   

Our journey was divided into three phases.  The first with our son who met us in Amsterdam and chauffeured us on a drive through Holland, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany. Taking in the sights, holding on through Autobahn speedruns, and finding quaint stops to appreciate the special moments. 

Then we met three couples from my high school days in Minnesota as we took a river cruise from Germany down the very low Danube River. The cruise was supposed to end in Budapest – and did – by bus instead of the boat because of the low river depth. 

We stayed on in Budapest for an additional week to explore and enjoy the beautiful city. It was truly a trip to remember. 

Yesterday, as I sat on a park bench in central Budapest just thinking about all I had experienced, one impression was overwhelming.   

The extremes of human behavior. 

We had just finished visiting a site that described the horrors of World War II and the German, then Soviet occupation of Hungary – along with the repressive Hungarian police state tactics that worked in tandem with the occupiers. Brutal, horrific, and would be unbelievable except for the factual evidence on display.

I contrasted that with how Sherrill and I have been treated for this entire trip.   

The first thing I will always remember is my first ride on an Amsterdam trolley. I am guessing, because of my graying hair and a bit of an unsteady stance, a young lady offered me her seat in the standing room only in the car. This happened almost every time either Sherrill or I rode on public transit throughout the journey. It was not just us, but that same kindness was given towards us “older” riders, not just tourists.

(Makes me wonder if the same behavior is exhibited on American buses and trains.)  

Random people have been so helpful in giving us directions, explaining how to accomplish simple tasks such as operating elevators, vending machines, or just helping us understand what we were looking at. 

So how to explain these extremes? I don’t know; but I do know kindness, respect, and acceptance are part of the world I want to live in.