Gratitude for Our Viking Journey by Bridget Mary Meehan

I am deeply grateful for this unforgettable journey from Amsterdam to Budapest. For two wonderful weeks, Mary Theresa, Joan, Sandy, and I traveled together through four beautiful countries on three Viking ships, discovering that every journey is filled with surprises, blessings, and a few adventures we never expected!

There were several unexpected changes along the way, and we simply went with the flow. When low water prevented our ships from continuing, new paths opened before us. We spent long hours on buses, but the upside was that we saw even more of Germany, Austria, and Hungary. We traveled through charming villages, rolling hills, and fields of corn and brilliant sunflowers. We even enjoyed two extra days in lovely hotels! Changing plans reminded us that life is often uncertain—and that sometimes the best thing we can do is let go, trust the moment, and enjoy the ride. So we did!

I am especially grateful for the kindness of the Viking staff, who cared for us with generosity and grace, especially as they helped us safely navigate the steep ramps on and off the ships. Along the way we met wonderful people, listened to their stories, and marveled at magnificent cathedrals, ancient castles, vineyards, picturesque villages, gentle hills, and the ever-flowing rivers.

Of course, every trip needs a little comic relief. In many places in Europe, using a public restroom costs one euro. At one stop, the attendant took my credit card, swiped it, smiled, and confidently directed me…straight into the men’s bathroom! Thankfully, we all had a good laugh!

I return home with a heart overflowing with gratitude—for laughter shared over delicious meals and wonderful wine, for breathtaking landscapes, and for the joy of discovering God’s presence in unexpected places and in the beautiful people we met along the way, especially Kathryn and Hugh from Texas, Diane and Rich from Montana, and Kevin and Norma from Florida and Fred and Hilda from Florida.

For these gifts, and for the countless blessings too many to name, I give heartfelt thanks. Every mile of this journey has reminded me that God’s grace is always flowing, inviting us to trust, to laugh, to embrace surprises, and to treasure the companions who share the journey.