Thanks for sharing your memoir. I did catch a wave of "sentiment" or essence from your experience and it does improve my life through the moment. I haven't been able to travel much in recent years. I always gained some kind of new appreciation when I did. Sometimes renewed appreciation of my world and opportunities when I returned.
Thanks for reading & taking the time to comment @dougbudlong! Traveling is one of the most epic, expansive experiences I've ever had. I love it so much!! It's amazing what you can learn about yourself by stepping into unfamiliar situations, and I can definitely relate to the gratitude you describe!