If there is one lesson I learned living in Europe over the last decade, it is to be a student of your environment and know that people are at the heart of any area or community. Today, we had an impromptu picnic next to a restaurant. They were booked so we ordered, set up in the park behind the restaurant, and ate. We had all we needed courtesy of the restaurant and open area for the kids.

A couple with their children joined us in the park and it was so refreshing to meet and learn about their journey and experiences. The husband was from Ghana and is a Fund Manager with JP Morgan Chase in Luxembourg while his wife hails from Poland and works at an accounting firm. We literally enjoyed lunch together, discussed parenting, economics, Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, their upcoming move to a new home,  housing trends in Germany, Belgium, and France, and much more. We laughed and it was amazing. We are planning to get together again!

This is one of countless encounters had while in Europe. From EU diplomats on a plane to an entertainment mogul on a beach, I love meeting and hearing about the experiences of others. These are experiences I will never forget. Included is a photo of Luke preparing to eat his Pizza!