Final thoughts from Doug

Wow it is hard to believe that the trip is over.  Although after just a few stops it seemed like we had been gone for a long time, looking back we really packed a lot into three weeks.  The first European settlers came into Cumberland, Md prior to 1750 and artifacts have been found here that are over 2000 years old.  The oldest artifact on our trip was pristine statues in at the museum in Luxor dating back over 5000 years (3000 yrs BC).  My plan is to build a time line with all the places but the historical range did get my attention. In several places we saw current archeological  digs going on. In Machu Piccu they found a tunnel that they think went to a water source but are currently in dig mode.  At the Valley of Kings in Egypt they discovered two tombs this year and are still digging.  Each bucket of sand is being hand carried out of the sight. We saw lots of marked pieces of pottery being cleaned and cataloged.  We saw lots of results of hand crafted products from the weaving of fabrics and rugs in Peru and Morocco, pottery and jewelry almost everywhere and finally the hand tanning of leather in Morocco.  It is amazing how much people can do without the modern tools and distractions. Look at the Pyramids in Egypt or the Moai in Easter Island. These are certainly activities that were well planned without computers or modern techniques. 

Several places that stood out as great memories for me... First the natural salt water pool at the Easter Island hotel was incredible. Cold but when the waves blasted through the small lava tube at the front it was like being a kid in a water park, but a natural event. Having a elephant walking toward our Land Cruiser and seeing the Ostrich mating dance (and quickie)  in Ngorogoro was great.  Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef was incredible.  Seeing and petting the Maori Wrass was quite cool. A common theme of my pictures and sights were the thousands of kids that we saw at schools, orphanages, Maasi Villages, and on the street. Kids everywhere like to learn and play.  Unfortunately most are not at the same life standards that we enjoy in the USA but, for the most part they seem to be happy.  Food markets take on a different standard (and standards) in these countries. It is not uncommon to see just slaughtered meats in the market.  In Morocco we saw goat heads displayed, and in Tibet freshly slaughtered Yaks on a goat driven cart, mmm yum.  I also tried to capture the faces of the natives where ever we went.  Some asked for money, and I complied when I could.  I could  definitely create a book of faces and children of the world after going on this trip.  In summary Starquest Expeditions allowed us to enjoy some of the best sights of the world, meet some great people and gave us a worry free trip that we will never forget!!!