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Leslie Hoge's avatar

It must be a bit surreal to hear the US’s latest from across the globe.

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Mar 25
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Leslie Hoge's avatar

Hahaha. Well, I am now fully aware of the time zone difference!

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Meg Robson Mahoney's avatar

Indeed it is! And to get news here, 8-9 hours before we would at home!

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Meg Robson Mahoney's avatar

Indeed it is! And to get the news here, 8-9 hours before we would at home!

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Todd W Lund's avatar

Thank You, Meg! Your feelings are shared by so vey many of us here back home. BTW, I’m not sure if you intended any comparison with Dorothy Parker’s expression, “What fresh hell is this?” when you used the phrase “fresh horror”—but I love your invention of that phrase. It describes very well—I think, anyway—the feeling of dread and anticipation here each morning. “What’s he done now?” They are indeed “fresh horrors” that seem to great us every day. Good God what a mess. Thank you especially for sharing your observations—those buildings in Lisbon have ‘seen it all before’, what all the tyrants who would rule the world, and have come and gone. Hope you and Jake are well and that you may continue to enjoy your travels! Best Wishes, Todd

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Meg Robson Mahoney's avatar

Thanks so much for reading & sending your thoughts, Todd! I have to admit I was a bit trepidatious about arriving in Europe what with the current state of affairs (I wore t-shirt in Ukrainian colors when I arrived). But the folks we’ve met have made no assumptions!

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Cathy Van Winkle's avatar

Hi Meg, we adored our trip to Portugal over 20 years ago. Seeing colorful tiles up and down the Lisbon streets touched my heart so much. We drove to several Moorish cities and drove along streets so narrow we had to stop and push in our sideview mirrors. I enjoy reading all about your travels. Rip and I look forward to an Oceania Mediterranean cruise in September that goes from Barcelona to Istanbul. It suddenly hit me that this June will mark my tenth year of retirement from Wing Luke. It was always a pleasure to be teaching with you. Love, Cathy

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Meg Robson Mahoney's avatar

And I, with you & Elizabeth. What expertise!

This is our 4th time in Portugal after a lengthy past-pandemic pause. We’re not such energetic walkers as we were in 2019!

Next month, following some more time in Portugal, we’ll be trying out a cruise that begins in Istanbul & proceeds to Rome (viking)… Congratulations on your first 10 years of retirement! Love, Meg

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Lois Watford's avatar

Beautiful. I share your feelings. I'm glad to know people are sympathetic towards you about what we are going through. Each day is a challenge. I'm cute you will continue to have a fabulous trip!

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Meg Robson Mahoney's avatar

Thanks for reading, Lois! It's so heartening to hear from kindred spirits!

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Celia Smith's avatar

Not surprised that you've been finding kindred spirits but it's heartening to hear it. Our connection with one another becomes more important with every horror revealed. Thank you for representing the best of us and for writing about it.

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Meg Robson Mahoney's avatar

I’m feeling some regret that I won’t be part of April 5, but glad for every conversation here in which I can commiserate with the aghast amazement overseas.

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