I'm in the midst of planning a month long trip to Europe. I was planning to blog along the way but a friend suggested I start with the planning and explain the process I go through. Before I could start a post, the bombings in Brussels happened.

I’ve been mulling over what to say for days now. My first reaction is sadness and just so tired that this is becoming a common occurrence. The human loss is unimaginable. Then trying to understand the hate in the terrorists to commit this act against innocents. They had families that loved them. How does a person get to the point where they don’t see mothers, fathers, and children, just enemies? 

Then the second thought comes, should I stay home? Is it safe to go? Friends and family echo this sentiment, are you sure you want to go? 

Safety is an illusion. Life is full of risk, you will drive yourself crazy if you try to worry about what’s around the next corner. Just a few weeks ago, there was a drive by shooting in my (what I consider safe) neighborhood at midday. Shots were fired into my local library which is always filled with families. Luckily no one was seriously hurt. Like anything else, you can’t predict or anticipate what will happen.

My resolve is strengthened and I realize I must go. If I don’t, I’m letting terrorists win. If you know me, you know travel is a passion of mine. New faces and languages, ancient history and customs have always intrigued me. Travel is all about appreciating the unfamiliar and seeing new points of view. That’s the exact opposite of what they want. They want to divide the world into us and them. It makes it easier to justify the atrocities they create. 

​I believe we have more in common than we realize. We all want to be happy, love and be loved, and keep our family and friends safe. I will continue to travel and I will strive to understand this big wonderful world. And if something happens, please don’t seek revenge or turn to hate. All I ask is to keep your hearts and minds open. Oh, and keep traveling.