The Pilgrimage

Travel plans were all over the map this year.  I had an inkling to return to Asia to explore further, perhaps Vietnam which was followed by a stuttered attempt to plan a visit to Thailand and Burma.  Ultimately the mantra of “family first” rose to prominence.  My father, who is a devout Catholic, had always wanted to visit the holy land.  I offered to be his travel companion.

I left the travel arrangements in the hands of my mother who chose a Catholic-centric tour led by a nun.  My friends were shocked by the choice; they seriously considered the likelihood of me being struck by lightning.  After all, a Catholic focused trip to the holy land led by a nun wasn’t the most natural place for an atheist.

A religious pilgrimage for dad, a photography and history vacation for me.  Whatever you want to call it, it was a chance to travel with my mentor on a trip he’d been looking forward to his whole life.

The main players:

Carlo – My father’s approaching the far side of 72 years old, yet he’s still the strongest man I know…right up until the time he finishes lunch.  Nowadays, he needs a nap to re-energize.  But after a brief rest his strength will put men half his age to shame.  The consummate “man’s man”, he’s done things his way for most of his life.  Deeply religious from his youth, the Catholic church nearly claimed his life at a young age… but he’s forgiven them for that.

John – 37 year old self-proclaimed Renaissance man.  My friends call me a nerd…affectionately.  Constantly in search of something new and different; an atheist travelling to Israel, the birthplace of Christianity, to witness the history behind the beliefs my dad holds so dear.  This was about as different as you could get.