my multi faith Christmas tree bringing me joy

On my 24th birthday I woke up at 4am on my brothers lounge floor and was bundled in a bus for my first adventure to Europe. I had been pondering how to collect souvenirs on my travels without the trinkets collecting dust on a shelf (who actually enjoys dusting folks....or is just that I worked in a china shop for 4 years?). My wondering was short lived when I met a couple who travelled the world collecting Christmas Decorations. Winning idea!

So its now that time of year to bring out my travel trinkets and reminisce over years of travelling the world with friends and collecting a few along the way (friends & trinkets that is) . Don't get me wrong going to non-Christian countries results in rather peculiar decorations like my cane balls from Myanmar, Om Key ring from India and bullet from Sarajevo. But I guess what makes it more special is my travels have embraced a multi faith Christmas Tree.

That's right I've got a tree with a olive wood star from Bethlehem, bought in Manger Square meters from the very singular spot that Jesus was born; where I gatecrashed unknowingly discovering an hour queue after taking an exit instead of entry door! , a ruby velvet Koran from Sarajevo the last Muslim country in Europe (I don't want to cause controversy with that please!) and prayer flags from the birth place of Siddahartha Gautama aka Buddha. So inspired by the Buddhist religion,despite never visiting the exact country (now unable to due to Political reasons) I have Tibetan prayer flags from the home in exile of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Northern India.

So as I adorned my wee tree (lots of my decorations are back in NZ so its a bit trim to be honest), I have thought about the times spent on the beach on Lake Ohrid, Macedonia; talking to a former soldier in Sarajevo, riding quad bikes in the Greek Islands, watching a monk with his robes hitched into a nappy playing cane ball, visiting the Klimt gallery, taking a San Francisco cable car, exploring the souks in Marrakesh and caves in Kuala Lumpar, limited language and tourist tat in Albania, climbing amongst the ruins of Petra and the pyramids of Egypt and Mexico for that matter. A little Angel that matches one my Mum has from Harrods, and talking about Banksy with an 80 year old Muslim in Bethlehem inspired to create my limited edition Nativity...incredible

As I look at these I reflect on how blessed I am to be a witness and for the people that have enriched my life through my travels. Special thank you to all those who came shopping with me for my trinkets.

Seasons Greetings My Lovelies

Big Love X

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