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Two Hearts, Twenty Countries
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Two Hearts, Twenty Countries

A 289-day adventure by andynangy Read more
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  • andynangyTwo Hearts, Twenty Countriesandynangy
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    Among Ancient Voices

    September 21, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    It was surreal to be in Athens, sitting on Mars Hill where Paul taught and in the very forum where philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle once questioned, sought truth, and debated justice and the ideal way to live. It’s amazing how their commitment to reason shaped much of the democratic freedoms we value in the Western world today. It was here that Paul entered into the debate of the “unknown god” and declared, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth… he himself gives everyone life and breath” (Acts 17:24–25). Athens reminds me that reasoned debate once shaped the free world — and it still can.Read more

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    Where Lyrics Became Life

    September 18, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We spent three days in the most magical little town in Greece called Meteora. Our trip here was inspired by the lyrics of a song Titus sang in his senior recital, “there’s a fortress… in this little Grecian town I can’t pronounce so I won’t try. And it looks like there’s a castle that’s just floating on an island and all round the moss green mountains poke and pierce the sky.” These lyrics worked their way into our imaginations and it became something we had to see. After a 3 hour road trip where we tackled NINE toll booths and a detour due to a farmer strike (where tractors had set up a blockade), we found ourselves pressing into that vision and believing it would be worth it. And let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it. We will be dreaming of this place for years to come.

    Soon after we arrived we set out with an amazing local guide, on a three hour, 3 mile sunset hike up and around and inside caves and hidden chapels. The Holy Spirit chapel was hidden in a cave and the peace and calm that occupied the air around it brought tears to my eyes. The light came through the trees and spilled a warmth that can’t be described.

    We then spent the next two days visiting the six different hilltop monasteries, soaking up the views and eating lots of Greek food! Meteora was everything the song promised and more. Check out the two videos at the end of this post where we try and capture the life of the lyrics!    Read more

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    Shifting Into Adventure

    September 16, 2025 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 77 °F

    We added two new modes of transportation to our journey… our first ferry ride and our first rental car. Andy hadn’t been behind the wheel in over a month, and it was a stick shift to boot! Once we got rolling, it felt great to have the freedom to explore the island at our own pace.

    Our wandering took us down the unreal alleys of Naousa, up the Byzantine path with its ancient marble, and finally into the chilly waters of the Aegean Sea. Each twist and turn felt like a new memorable chapter in our adventure.    Read more

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    Santorini Daze

    September 11, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    When we arrived in Santorini we were swept up into a Mamma Mia daze of white and blue. The caldera was everything and more than the pictures we had drooled over for years had painted in our minds. We picked an Airbnb that would be in our budget and on the caldera…well this place was in the center of the action. People would actually line up and stand in the hot sun forever to get a picture of the blue roofs perched right above our door. We didn’t have the patience to wait in the long line but we found other magical picture spots of our own. It was hard to leave our little nest but we were feeling adventurous and set out on a six mile hike to Fira. It was a beautiful trail and our reward at the end was a delicious gyro. Yes, they do taste better in Greece!Read more

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    Beauty That Lifts Us

    September 9, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    “To do things right, first you need love, then technique.”
    – Antoni Gaudí

    Barcelona showcased both the love and technique of the artistic genius of Gaudí. The Temple of the Sagrada Familia was his top priority, devoting 43 years of his life to it and the last 15 working only on the temple. In Gaudí’s own words, it was meant to express the “joy and hope of life. All of its decorations extol divine creation and call for brotherhood.”

    What a gift to be alive and stand within its walls. As we depart Barcelona and I sit on a plane suspended between earth and sky, I am grateful for a moment to reflect. Gaudí’s vision was an invitation to wonder and remember that beauty and brotherhood are part of God’s design.

    That same spirit lifted us to Montserrat, where we listened to the boys’ choir and saw the Black Madonna. Its incredible peaks echoed Gaudí’s spires…stone and sky joining together.

    Life is fleeting, yet may we each leave a mark of love, brotherhood, and hope that endures.

    “What must always be preserved is the spirit of the work; its life will depend on the generations that transmit this spirit and bring it to life.” – Antoni Gaudí    Read more

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    A New Kind of September

    September 6, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 93 °F

    Two days in Granada and I would say we are catching on to the Spain rhythms. It is wild but everything closes down in the afternoon and people take a Siesta! We love to spend our siesta’s camped out in the shade on a lovely bench, watching the world slow down around us.

    This week our afternoon slow down was especially meaningful as this week is our traditional kick-off week. The start of school and programming. For decades, that rhythm shaped our lives as teachers, and the first week of September always meant new students, new lessons, and fresh beginnings.

    It was surreal to rest together breathing in the moment and sitting inside the gift of having no responsibilities, no meetings, no lessons to prep…just the sweet invitation to pause.    Read more

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    Lost and Found in Seville

    September 3, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 93 °F

    We made it to Spain, and our first stop was Seville! During our stay, we learned about Saint Anthony of Padua, the patron saint who helps with lost things. We really wish we had known about him a little earlier…when we lost our bag on the way to the bus in Lisbon. Thankfully, it was mostly just food, but in the chaos we ended up missing our bus. 🤪 Luckily, another one left shortly after, and on that ride we met the sweetest couple who cheered us up during the six hour journey.

    When we finally arrived in Seville, the first thing we noticed was the flat ground, a welcome change from Portugal’s hills and much easier on our luggage wheels. The pictures and videos tell the rest of the story, full of the places and moments where we felt both lost and found in Seville.    Read more

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    Two Days, One Lisbon Card!

    September 1, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Our Lisbon adventures revolved around the Lisbon Card. Once we purchased it, it became our mission to see how many attractions we could explore. We found ourselves wandering through the Stagecoach Museum, the Fado Museum, the Codfish Museum, as well as monuments, monasteries, cathedrals and castles. But our favorite experience was weaving through the narrow streets of Alfama. We got to enjoy these streets on a 3 hour e-bike tour which made navigating the many hills a breeze. An action packed two days, all thanks to the Lisbon Card!Read more

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    Hacked, Dropped, Locked

    August 31, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌬 73 °F

    Today threw us a few curve balls. Our original plan to visit Cabo da Roca got cancelled because of high winds and chilly weather. Then, while Andy was doing laundry and hanging clothes on the line, he dropped a clothespin. Watch the video to see exactly where it landed.

    Next up, our travel credit card got hacked! Me on speaker, two phones, WhatsApp, and my parents helping me navigate the bank. Thankfully, we managed to sort it all out AND I got to connect with my parents. ☺️

    Despite the mishaps, we enjoyed strolling through this charming little town and visiting the national historic royal palace in the town square. A bright light was the pastries. They were so good and so popular that we had to pull a number and wait our turn, just like at the DMV. Totally worth it.

    On our way home, we tried a shortcut through a beautiful park only to find the exit locked. 😩 At that point all you can do is laugh.    Read more

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    Are We Bored Yet?

    August 30, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Today Ashton asked us if we are getting bored? Ummm, the quick answer is nope. There is so much to see and we are having a blast exploring each amazing landmark. Today it was the Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira castle where the last family to own this property had 18 children!! Those kids must of had so much fun living on the enchanted grounds. The second castle we visited was the Monserrate Palace. Mr. Cook owned this property but had to sell everything, including his massive art collection to pay for all 7 of his divorces. I mean wow! And if these fascinating stories weren’t enough to keep us entertained, we found new ways to take videos. Let me just say, Andy has the ninja video walk mastered. He is a like a human drone!Read more

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    An Enchanted Day in Sintra

    August 29, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    Today we packed a lunch and headed up to the Castle of the Moors, a medieval fortress with amazing views over Sintra. From there we followed a trail over to Pena Palace. The palace is colorful and quirky, and the gardens felt so green and alive it reminded us of Oregon, but the plants had a bit of Nashville mixed in. It really felt like home in an unexpected way. ☺️

    The path was so beautiful that we didn’t mind all the up and down trails, and it felt so good to just be outside breathing fresh air, a big change from my windowless office and Andy’s windowless classroom. By the end of the day, it felt like we had discovered a real “Enchanted Forest.” Pretty sure our feet will forgive us by morning. 😉    Read more

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    Peanut Butter and Portugal

    August 28, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌬 72 °F

    Today was mostly a travel day. We took a train from Aveiro to Sintra. Our new spot is an apartment tucked inside the sweetest little cottage village, and it already feels cozy. We spent the evening doing the most exciting thing you can do after two weeks of restaurants: grocery shopping. Stocked the kitchen, made a big fresh salad, and yes… peanut butter toast never tasted so good! The highlight of the day was getting to talk with Kennadi and Grammy and Papa via WhatsApp. It was so good to get to hear a voice from home. ❤️Read more

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    Ribbons, Canals & Candy Stripes

    August 27, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    From Porto to Aveiro, today was a ribbon of stories, sweets, and sea air. After lunch, our excellent guides led us on a walking and boat tour—stories flowing as smoothly as the painted boats. We tied ribbons, tasted the city’s beloved Ovos Moles, and even stepped into a cemetery where glass-fronted tombs offered a striking glimpse into Aveiro’s traditions.

    By late afternoon, we made our way to Costa Nova. Rows of striped houses stood like storybook illustrations, cheerful and bright against the sea breeze. We lingered at the Atlantic’s edge, the waves rolling in steady rhythm. Aveiro left ribbons not only on the rails, but also tied to our hearts. 💛    Read more

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    Rolling Through Porto

    August 26, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    In the past 24 hours, we’ve logged over 15 miles on foot—up hills, down stairs, and everywhere in between. Our feet are definitely feeling it, and we’re grateful for our cozy Airbnb to rest them. The true highlight of the day, though, was gliding through the city on an unforgettable Segway tour. Our guide was a gem—knowledgeable, kind, and full of fascinating stories that brought Porto to life.Read more

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    People Make the Place

    August 25, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Today was all about the people we met along the way. We rode the gondola up Penha Mountain, where mossy trails and sweeping views set the stage for an unforgettable meal. Helder, our waiter—a retired football player and brand-new dad—lingered at our table, serving up both laughter and a 100-year-old recipe with equal warmth.

    As we wandered the mountain paths, we unexpectedly crossed paths with the founder of Chrome Hearts and his wife, who shared stories of designing leather fashion for icons like Janet Jackson and Aerosmith, and of their new home in Braga. A delightful encounter!

    Later, Claudir from Brazil drove us to Porto. With Google Translate as our bridge, our car filled with laughter, stories, and even a sing-along to Kari Jobe songs. Once in Porto, we dined by the river and met Abdul from India, whose joyful spirit capped our evening with an invitation to visit him in India next year.

    It turns out today’s true treasures weren’t just the places, but the people who made them come alive.    Read more

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    Everyday is Sunday

    August 24, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    We began the day with Miguel, the kind-hearted owner of our little boutique hotel in Guimarães, who left us with words to live by: “Everyday is Sunday. I don’t work, I enjoy.” Inspired, we set out to do just that.

    We climbed the 500+ steps of Bom Jesus do Monte, wandered gardens and canals, then carried on to Sameiro Sanctuary for sky-high views. Monte do Picoto gave us one more panorama before we drifted into the old town for mass in the thousand-year-old Braga Cathedral.

    The evening was pure magic: dinner by a fountain and dessert in the flower-filled Santa Bárbara Garden.

    A day of steps, sanctuaries, and sweet endings—all anchored by Miguel’s reminder to simply enjoy.    Read more

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    Early Flights to Medieval Sights

    August 23, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We left our Airbnb at 4 a.m., bound for Porto, Portugal, and from there navigated our way to the charming town of Guimarães—a mini adventure all on its own! Thankfully, our room was ready when we arrived, giving us the boost we needed to explore. We wandered through the picturesque city center, climbed the ramparts of Guimarães Castle, and marveled at the grandeur of the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. The town felt like something out of a fairytale—so enchanting that I found myself singing, “Little town, it’s a quiet village, every day like the one before…”Read more

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    Beefeaters, Beheadings & Big Views

    August 22, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    Today we wandered through the Tower of London, guided by a witty Beefeater who reminded us that people don’t just work there—they actually live there (alongside a few lingering ghosts of beheaded prisoners). We stood in awe before the Crown Jewels, including the world’s largest diamond, and even stumbled upon a film crew in action—an unexpected bit of magic. From there, we made our way to St. Paul’s Cathedral, where 528 steps carried us up to sweeping views of the city we’ve come to adore. Goodbye, London—we hope to see you again soon.Read more

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    From Football to Flappers

    August 21, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Richmond gave us fresh air, countryside charm, and a fun Ted Lasso tour (if you know, you know). Later we napped our way across town on the tube and ended the night with The Great Gatsby musical—phenomenal cast! Two very different shows, but both hugely entertaining and memorable!Read more

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    A Shakespearean View

    August 20, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Today, we stepped into Shakespeare’s world, touring the Globe Theatre and discovering the origins of words like rehearsal, box office, and role. We walked where the original Globe once stood, then visited the church he attended—Southwark Cathedral—where we had the surreal experience of sitting in a choir pew that has stood since 1066. From these ancient pews, we couldn’t help but imagine the countless voices that have filled this space.

    And then, quite literally, we rose from pews to views: first atop One New Change and later at dinner in the Sky Garden. Suspended higher than the Space Needle, the panorama of London was spectacular—a modern stage set beneath a dreamy skyline. As Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage,” and today, we saw this corner of the world from every angle.    Read more

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    A Day in the Footsteps of Royals

    August 19, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    We spent five enchanted hours wandering Kensington Palace and its beautiful grounds, pausing for tea in the Orangery before diving back into royal history. We admired the Princess Diana memorial, got swept up again in Victoria and Albert’s great love story, and even found ourselves climbing some of the most ornate staircases we’ve ever seen. At one point, I was even called upon to help dress the Queen—talk about immersive history! We ended the day at Buckingham Palace, where no cameras were allowed, but the dazzling rooms are etched forever in our memories as the fanciest we’ve ever stepped into.Read more

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    ⏳ Time Well Spent in London

    August 18, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    Today’s three-hour walking tour of London left us marveling at how many stories the city holds. Our guide spun history into living color, and the tour ended at the awe-inspiring Westminster Abbey, where kings, queens, and great thinkers rest on and beneath its stone floors. Standing among so much history was a sobering reminder of how brief and precious our own days are.

    Later, we traded cobblestones for bike pedals, gliding along the Thames to the peaceful green of Battersea Park — a quiet pause in the middle of London’s bustle.

    The theme of “time” and its treasures followed us into the evening as we ended the day with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: The Musical. The closing song, Time, still lingers in our hearts:

    “A life is always more than it appears…
    For a life cannot be measured by its years,
    For a life is but the sum of all its parts—
    A memory of moments in our hearts.
    There’s still time, we still have time.”    Read more

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    Across the Pond, Same Song

    August 17, 2025 in England ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    We let Sunday be Sunday—slow and sacred. After sleeping in, we joined worship first at the awe-inspiring Westminster Cathedral and later at Holy Trinity Brompton with our Airbnb host, Anna. Different spaces, different styles, yet the same Spirit uniting us. There’s something beautiful (and a little wild) about singing the same songs to the same God an ocean away from home. We wrapped up our Sabbath with our very first pub experience and classic fish and chips—but the sweetest part was sharing it with Anna.Read more

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    Between Two Hemispheres

    August 16, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Today’s adventure carried us down the Thames, cruising from Westminster to Greenwich. At Greenwich Square we wandered through the Queen’s House, where we climbed London’s first spiral staircase (rumored to be haunted!) and even snuck in a cozy power nap in two perfectly placed chairs. We browsed the buzzing Greenwich Market, stood on the Prime Meridian with one foot in each hemisphere, pressed our very first flower, and met up with friends from church who just happened to be here too. Another sweet encounter was our first taste of European chocolate. So creamy! 🍫Read more

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    Spoonful of London

    August 15, 2025 in England ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Our London adventure begins! ✨ The direct flight was as smooth as can be, and Andy was a happy camper with the extra legroom in our emergency exit row. After a small battle with the eSIM (yes, we have officially switched to WhatsApp), we settled into our cozy Chelsea Airbnb with Host Anna. It feels like Mary Poppins could float right past our window—fitting, since the film was inspired by these very streets.

    To work off the jet lag, we strolled down King’s Road, then made our way to Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park. Along the way, I even discovered jelly beans made without dyes—my own little spoonful of sugar (London style)! 🍬

    Now we’re tucked in at 10pm London time (though our bodies insist it’s only 1pm back home). Here’s hoping this extra-long day has tricked us into sweet dreams!    Read more

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