Blog for 9/11/2023 – Leaving Hvar

I think this trip to Croatia has opened my eyes to see the beauty in this place.
In America, we forget that Europe and Africa are connected by the broad circle by the Mediterranean Sea. As this body of water touches all the lands and the simple understanding that boats have (for thousands of years) crossed these seas connecting people. We also see in action that this land and water have mixed and blended those same people into the countless patterns of cultures and languages that exist here now.
When I was younger what I loved about living in Europe has returned once again.
I loved hearing all the languages overlapping. I loved being in cultures where it is essential to speak 3 or 5 languages either fluently or from a place of competence.
Such is the ways of this land, and it has been the way of this land for thousands of years.
In America we do a huge disservice to our children in not requiring a high degree of competence in languages in our schools.
The rest of the world is way ahead of us in this regard. There is nothing like feeling as if one is free and unafraid to move from place to place and that they can feel secure and safe in figuring things out and connecting to different cultures with respect and honor.
When I went to Germany in 1978 at the age of 18, I understood instantly the value of being this age and having the opportunity to have a year abroad. It made me realize that the world does not revolve around American values.
The world is enormous, and our small perspective is exactly that, small!
This trip has inspired me to pick up my languages once again. Whether returning to learning French or German, it matters not. Having access to other languages is important so that one does not come across as a loud, obnoxious American tourist.
All attempts to connect with others is very helpful in bridging the cultural gaps that are naturally there.
As a country I would love to see more education open us all to the inherent value … that is about being willing to find what is so wonderful about other cultures and countries without overlaying our own American slant on everything.
I hope everyone has a great day.

~Suzanne Wagner~