Grateful for travels past and future
We are very grateful for many things, including our past travels and those ahead! I’d like to highlight some of the places I’ve visited that have me reflecting on the priceless gift of travel.
How to say “thank you” in different languages
Can you say “thank you” in the language of the countries you’ve visited? The people you meet will be very grateful if you do.
Tack, Sverige (Thank you, Sweden)
— for being the homeland of my maternal ancestors. Thanks for Stockholm’s great museums, Gamla Stan (Old Town), and beautiful cityscapes. You can be sure that I’ll be back to explore more.
Stockholm, Sweden
Dziękuję Ci, Polska (Thank you, Poland)
— for your vibrant cities, deep history, Copernicus, Chopin, lively beer houses, and delicious Pierogi,
Wroclaw, Poland
Kiitos, Suomi (Thank you, Finland)
— for composer Jean Sibelius (and the amazing sculpture honoring him), korvapuusti (Finnish cinnamon buns), and for Helsinki’s cathedral, bustling Market Square and cool vibe.
Helsinki, Finland
Спасибо, Россия (Thank you, Russia)
— for the baroque and neoclassical architecture, opulent palaces, awesome Metro system, and world-class ballet of beautiful St. Petersburg, your “Venice of the North”. Vodka, too!
St. Petersburg, Russia
Aitäh, Eesti (Thank you, Estonia)
— for the medieval Old Town of Tallinn with its inviting shops and restaurants on the main square and along its cobblestone streets. There was character and beauty everywhere we walked.
Tallinn, Estonia
Our previous expressions of thanks in different languages
Köszönöm, Magyarország
Thank you, Hungary, for the gorgeous architecture, deep history, thermal springs spas, and international intrigue of Budapest that keep me returning.
Chain Bridge over the Danube linking the Buda and Pest sides of Budapest
Obrigada, Portugal
Thank you, Portugal, for cities of colorful ceramic-tiled buildings, the vineyards of the beautiful Douro River, and delicious Pastel de Nata!
Red-tiled roofs cover the colorful buildings of Porto
Danke, Deutschland and Austria
Thank you, Germany, for amazing walks through history and my wonderful Christmas market experiences in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Lubeck, Nuremberg, Passau, Regensberg, and Prien am Chiemsee.
Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, Berlin
Thank you, Austria, for the romance of Vienna, the splendor of Salzburg, and the high spirits of a Heurigen evening.
Getting cozy with Mr. TWS at Heurige Wolff in Vienna
Děkuji, Česká Republika
Thank you, Czech Republic, for Kafka, castles, the Vltava River, and goulash. I was able to check off a big one from my must-see list when I first visited Prague several years ago and was grateful for a return visit a few years later.
Prague, the “Golden City of 100 Spires”
Grazie, Italia
Thank you, Italy, for always making me feel at home. From the magical cities like Venice to the hilltops of Tuscany to the white cities of Puglia, I’ve discovered something new to love every time I visit.
Venice, Italy
Merci, France
Thank you, France, for everything about Paris!
Paris at night
Also, thanks for fine wines of Alsace, the charming villages of Brittany, and the rich Christmas traditions I experienced in Provence.
Locals going about their day on Rue du Jerzual in Dinan, France
Gràcies, Catalunya
Thank you, Catalonia, for Salvador Dali, sumptuous flavors, Barcelona’s “rauxa i seny“ character, and Mediterranean beaches.
Roses Beach on the Mediterranean, Catalonia
Gracias, Spain and Mexico
Thank you, Spain, for a glimpse of authentic Spanish culture, world-class museums, art and architecture in beautiful Madrid.
Museo del Prado, Madrid
Thank you, Mexico, for cultural traditions, beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, adventure, history, and tequila (even when it’s not Tequila).
Traditional Mexican Dancers at El Meson de los Laureanos in El Quelite
Buíochas a ghabháil leat, Éire
Thank you, Ireland, for warm people, villages where my ancestors lived, lush landscapes, the craic (conversation), Guinness and the Blarney Stone.
Kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland
Dank je, Nederland
Thank you, Netherlands, for Amsterdam’s bikes and boats, honoring the story of Anne Frank at Anne Frank House, iconic windmills, and your countryside fields of flowers.
Amsterdam bikes and Boats
And finally, in my native language…. thank you, USA, Canada, and the U.K.
Thank you, USA, for 50 states to explore by plane, train and automobile through deserts, mountains, plains, and cities. I am thankful that you are my home.
Hiking along the Carson River on the River Fork Ranch Trail, Nevada
Thank you, Canada, for being our friendly neighbor to the north with vibrant cities like Toronto, Halifax, and Vancouver. (And a heartfelt “merci” for the amazing food, wine, art, and natural beauty of Québec.)
Coal Harbour, Vancouver Waterfront
Thank you, United Kingdom, for the Thames, historic landmarks, cheerful pubs, cottage pie (I crave it), and holiday spirit.
The Tower of London on the Thames
Here’s to learning more ways to say “thank you” in different languages!
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