Two weekends ago, TCLH and I took a road trip to Patras and Athens, Greece. Patras is about 9 hours from Tirana whereas Athens is about 2.5 hours beyond that. 
In Patras we stayed with two of TCLH’s cousins who have lived there for over 18 years. I asked the wife of one cousin who had lived there 6 years (since getting married) if she enjoyed the beaches around Patras, knowing that many of the Greek beaches are fabulous vacation spots. To my surprise, she answered, “I’ve never been to the beach.” I could hardly believe my ears.
The next day, we traveled to Athens and my hubby’s cousin accompanied us to show us the sights. While hiking up to the Acropolis, laughing he revealed how he had never actually hiked up to the Acropolis in all of his years of living there.
People from all over the world travel on planes anywhere from 8 – 20 hours to see these ancient and renown ruins of Greece. And yet those who live there may not even give them a second thought, much less take the time to visit and enjoy them. 
TCLH and I have reflected on the fact that even though we’ve lived in Tirana for many years, we’ve never been to the National Museum that so many foreigners visit during their short stay in Albania.
Why is it that, those things we have easily accessible, we take the most for granted?
Do we truly treasure the things that are readily available– whether material things, natural wonders, or even relationships with family and friends living nearby?
Are we grateful for the rich relationships we have in our lives or only come to realize how precious they are when they are gone?
What things or people or places are you taking for granted? Have you visited some of the nearby ‘treasures’ (art galleries, botanical gardens, skyscrapers, museums, etc.) at your doorstep?
You don’t have to wait for Aunt Betty to come visit to go see the Sears Tower’s new skywalk– take time to savor these ‘doorstep treasures’ with loved ones today!
