I had a recent crisis of conscious when I realized that all those great books that I was supposed to read in high school - I didn't. A couple of you guys reading this blog (I'm talking to you, Jaime, Chuck and Wally) might remember Mrs. Herringer's junior year English class. All Quiet on the Western Front was one of the books that we were supposed to read.
I'll admit now (to the world) that I short-cutted the book by watching the movie, instead of reading the book. Years later, I've come to realize that I might have missed out on some great books, so I've decided to throw a few of them in as part of my 10,000 pages challenge.
All Quiet on the Western Front was a brilliant book. I don't think that I stand alone when I say that and its probably not news to anybody else. However, I would like to take a quote from the book because it very pertinent to me and my adventures overseas. Remarque wrote (from Paul Baumer's perspective):
". . . when you are on your own you start to look at nature, and to love it."
It's an obscure piece of wisdom that I've found to be completely true. In the weeks that I'm in Ireland by myself, I tend to spend my weekends in nature. It can get lonely over here, but when you see the majesty of nature you don't feel so alone. In fact, you quickly realize that you are not alone because God is with you - God who created the majesty.
Here's one of my favorite places thus far: Port Magee in County Kerry. Unfortunately it's over 4 hours drive away.
I've really come to love the rocky shorelines of the Emerald Isle. I'll miss them when I'm gone. 2150 pages and counting.
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