Just a couple of weeks ago, I found myself winding through the heartbeat of New York City, celebrating a milestone—the 30th birthday of my husband, Ant. 🎂 Amid the urban orchestra of honking taxis and bustling crowds, I discovered something unexpected: a moment of clarity about the world beyond my doorstep.

Our NYC subway adventure, albeit with a comedic detour through Queens (any Nanny fans?), wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It was a vivid showcase of urban efficiency, a living, breathing example of how a city thrives on its ability to connect people—not just to places, but to each other.

This recent journey made me reflect on my travels across Europe from several years ago, where trains effortlessly stitched together a mosaic of cultures, histories, and art. Europe taught me that trains are more than mere transportation; they’re cultural bridges, offering glimpses into the soul of a place and its people. Yet, back home in Texas, such bridges are few and far between, with sprawling landscapes and car-centric cities presenting a stark contrast to the dense, interconnected urban tapestries I’ve experienced elsewhere.

The disconnect isn’t just geographical; it’s cultural. In places like NYC and across Europe, public transportation isn’t just about sustainability or convenience; it’s about opening doors to new experiences, ideas, and ways of life. It’s a testament to how the ease of movement can enrich our understanding of the world and our place within it.

But here’s the thing: the gap in my home’s public transportation isn’t just a missed opportunity for environmental sustainability; it’s a missed opportunity for cultural sustainability. Our limited exposure to the seamless sharing of spaces and stories, like those facilitated by European trains or even NYC’s subway, hampers our collective growth and understanding.

Reflecting on my subway rides and train journeys, I’m struck by the power of mobility to shape our perspectives and our communities. As we navigated NYC’s underground arteries and celebrated Ant’s birthday, I was reminded of the broader journeys we’re all on—to connect, to understand, and to share in the vast, vibrant tapestry of human experience.

So, here I am, a couple of weeks post-NYC, years after Europe, pondering how we can bridge the gaps—not just in our transportation systems, but in our cultural and environmental consciousness. Join me in envisioning a world where every journey, no matter how small, brings us closer to the rich, diverse, and sustainable future we all deserve.

Together, let’s embrace the journey, the detours, and the destinations still to come. Here’s to more connections, more celebrations, and a world more intricately woven together by the paths we choose to explore.