The trip to Iona

involved cars, 

2 planes, 

2 buses 

and 

2 ferries

According to ancient ritual,

a pilgrimage,

 by definition, 

involves hardships 

and discomfort.

Going over to Scotland,

mine included

a migraine and accompanying nausea

not helped by

the usual humiliation of US Customs,

inedible tofu curry plane food,

and terrible turbulence

over the Atlantic 

that had us within seconds of donning 

life preservers.

Coming back was easier

because

despite extra pounds of

contraband -

Iona marble and greenstone, 

smuggled bottles of whisky and mead,

jewelry,

souvenirs and books,

I was traveling lighter.

I left my troubles,

accumulated sadness

of the past two years

and part of my heart

on this odd, isolated,

magical island.

It was a wonderful trip;

maybe even a life changer.

Still processing all that occurred;

am back, for the most part,

and headed into work today.

The next several posts

will retrace my footsteps,

so,

if you're not up for a travelog,

check back in a few days!