More than two years ago I saw an ad for a cruise to visit the Baltic capitols--Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallin, and Gdansk--and I hoped for the opportunity to take that cruise someday. Today we begin. We've been in Sweden for a week of home visits and enjoyed staying with friends and relatives on a farm and just outside of Sweden's second largest city. After 2 recovery days in Copenhagen today we board the "Star Princess" for 10 days of sightseeing. Why the Baltic capitols? I enjoy this part of the world, and I've wanted to see St. Petersburg for about 15 years. Henri Nouwen's writing has drawn me there. Nouwen, a Belgian priest, inspired me with his book, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming. Nouwen was drawn to St. Petersburg to visit the Hermitage where Rembrandt's painting of the story from Luke 15 is on display. He spent many days contemplating this work of art and then wrote a book that touched me deeply. This cruise will allow me to see Rembrandt's painting in person. Nouwen's book is in front of me now as I review its contents and prepare to share it with Rose Ann and our friends prior to embarking for the Baltic early this evening.
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