A Sequel Beats the Original

11 June 2026

That, I conclude, suggests why I take such pleasure in revisiting. Not to relive the past, but to see it again with fresh eyes. To replace faded impressions with something sharper, deeper, and more present. 

There’s a common belief that each year one should visit somewhere entirely new. I’ve lived by that for decades. However, after 54 years of travel, I’ve come to value the return visit just as much. Revisiting isn’t repetition; it’s renewal – an opportunity to expand what I once saw, to reconnect with both beautiful and moving, and to discover what I missed the first time around.

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered. – Nelson Mandela 

Return Trips, Deeper Imprints

I revisited Berlin, Riga, Tallinn, Gothenburg. I explored Lituania for the first time from Vilnius to Kaunas and the small town of Šaiulia. The freedom of light packing and healthy energy served me well for boarding trains and buses. To easily travel from one city to another. I even experienced RyanAir for first time. 

I loved Berlin and want to return. The Baltic States represent some of the best of Europe. I even liked RyanAir. Some of the best of the best?

Certainly top of the best list would be visits with my foreign daughters.

The Best Destinations Are People

My journey began with a simple purpose—visiting my daughters in Berlin and Mölndal—but it soon became a rich adventure through history, culture, and the remarkable countries of Northern Europe. What followed was a voyage of discovery that carried me from the vibrant streets of Berlin to the medieval old towns, seaside landscapes, and poignant histories of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Berlin provided an ideal starting point, a city where reminders of the twentieth century stand alongside modern creativity and energy. Walking its streets offered countless opportunities to reflect on division, freedom, and reunification while enjoying the city’s lively atmosphere and international character. Time spent with Didi and Bea added a special dimension, reminding me that travel is often as much about people as places.

From Germany, I ventured into the Baltic States, three nations linked by geography yet each possessing its own distinct identity. In Lithuania, I found a country proud of its resilience and cultural heritage. Vilnius charmed me with its beautiful old town, fascinating history, and unexpected touches of creativity and humour. Throughout the country, I encountered a strong sense of national pride and an appreciation for hard-won independence.

Latvia revealed another chapter of the Baltic story. Riga’s magnificent architecture, grand churches, and bustling squares reflected centuries of cultural influences. Museums and memorials told moving stories of occupation, resistance, and renewal. Alongside these historical lessons, I experienced the warmth of Latvian hospitality and the simple pleasure of exploring streets filled with life, music, and conversation.

Estonia perhaps surprised me most with its remarkable blend of medieval charm and modern innovation. Tallinn’s ancient walls, towers, cobbled streets, and hidden courtyards created the feeling of stepping back through the centuries. Yet, beyond the medieval scenery lay a forward-looking nation that embraces technology while preserving its heritage. Museums, monuments, and conversations with local people provided valuable insights into Estonia’s complex past and confident future.

One theme appeared repeatedly throughout my travels: freedom. Across all three Baltic nations, memories of Soviet occupation remain vivid, and expressions of support for Ukraine were impossible to miss. Ukrainian flags, posters, and public displays of solidarity served as reminders that the struggles of history continue to shape the present. These encounters deepened my understanding of the region and highlighted how precious independence remains for people who have fought to preserve it.

Returning to Gothenburg, Sweden represented far more than a vacation; it was an opportunity to reconnect with my Swedish family. Maria and sons Jakob and Gustav and furry little Molly were a joy to share time with.

Each day was thoughtfully planned yet relaxed, blending cultural discoveries with time simply spent together. We explored beautiful gardens, historic estates, coastal villages, and the stunning Southern Archipelago. Walks through forests and along lakeshores provided opportunities to appreciate Sweden’s natural beauty, while conversations over meals and shared experiences strengthened bonds that distance has never weakened.

Every experience was enriched by companionship. The memories I carried home were not only of remarkable places, but of friendship, hospitality, laughter, and the enduring connections that make travel truly meaningful

Visits with Family, Memories for a Lifetime

Travel offered countless sensory experiences. The fragrance of lilacs in bloom, the sight of medieval fairs and historic churches, the taste of local beers and traditional foods, and the sound of many languages all contributed to a deeper appreciation of the places I visited. Every museum, square, monument, and conversation added another layer to the journey.

“That’s the point. Of life. To live, to travel, to love, knowing that it could all end in an instant. It makes everything that much more precious.“

Looking back, this trip was far more than a series of destinations. It was an education in history, resilience, identity, and human connection. I returned with a greater understanding of Northern Europe, a collection of unforgettable memories, and a renewed appreciation for the diversity and richness of our world. Most importantly, I returned grateful for the experiences shared with family and the many people and places that made this journey so rewarding.

A heartfelt toast to good times and family.