After several months in the planning, Alhamdulillah, (praise be to Allah), my family and I, and a few others, finally brought an idea into fruition and achieved what I originally thought was a rather fanciful idea – a road trip across Europe. But Allah had other plans and had destined that this expedition was always going to happen.
Our troupe of ten, covered an approximate 3,000 miles in nine days, stopping every night in a new place and taking in everything along the way. Although I have done one other road trip in my life, (15 days from the UK to Mauritania in 2004 with a young family of three children), I knew this recent one was going to be equally epic. The motley crew that we were, travelling in three cars with walkie-talkies throughout, made the trip a huge success so much so that we all vowed we would travel again together if another opportunity arose.
I admit that I was quite hesitant at the beginning when I saw the itinerary and thought we were being too ambitious with our goals. However, even accounting for people with different interests, getting slightly lost, or one of the cars needing new tyres half-way into the trip, it was a resounding success Alhamdulillah. A truly unforgettable journey.
Nine days on the road through Europe and nine countries explored on the way: France-Monaco-Italy-Switzerland-Lichtenstein-Austria-Germany-Holland and Belgium. Although it was always going to be a whistlestop tour in each place, the beauty in the sights we feasted our eyes on couldn’t be encompassed with words or even photos. From breathtaking and awe-inspiring Alpine mountains to intricate artistry on citadels in major cities, it was the stuff to capture the undivided attention of any observor. I often felt my mind was overflowing with awe that I could simply not absorb any more!
Undoubtedly, the personal highlight of the trip was the chance to step into both Switzerland and Austria. From years ago, it was always my dream that, one day, I would visit both places with my sons and their father knowing it would the first time for all of us. We would marvel at the natural surroundings and enjoy the sights and mark it as a first-time experience we would have achieved together. Although I didn’t make it there with their father, it didn’t matter. I was just too busy revelling in ineffable glee to have noticed his absence. The knowledge that I was actually standing on Swiss (and then Austrian) soil, with my sons by my side, was more than enough to be thankful for. It was a truly humbling experience too seeing how insignificant humans are against the beautiful backdrop of the Alps. Allahs’ artistry is a truly wonderful thing, subhanAllah (Glory be to Him)!
For over twenty years at least, I had dreamt of seeing the Alps for myself from a viewpoint in Switzerland and/or Austria and even though it was not a full day in either place, it was enough to satiate that particular desire to the brim. I had never imagined that I would ever see these places with my own eyes and in the company of those closest to me. However, Allah had answered my prayers, Alhamdulillah and I was well aware of that even whilst there. It reminded me of all the other things in life I have asked Allah for and He has responded – all in His own time and own wisdom. He is truly Al-Hakim (The Wise One).
There were so many other encounters and experiences on this trip which humbled me even more and reaffirmed my faith in Allah. Standing in Amsterdan last week, a city which I had visited over 35 years previously with my sisters and friends, when none of us had been aware of what lay ahead of us in our individual lives, when none of us were married or when none of us were mothers, it was quite surreal to be stood there again post-marriage but with my sons by my side. A poignant yet happy thought.
I understand that Allah sometimes takes us on convoluted journeys through life only to allow us to end up where we originally asked – or were meant – to be. I never envisaged I’d be experiencing Europe like this and despite my hesitancy because of my age and finances, it all came together seamlessly in the end. I also am more acutely aware than ever before that I need to grasp opportunities to do things in life which I may not be able to do later on for a myriad of reasons.
And as addendum to the road trip, I reflect on my life and realise I am exactly where I need to be in terms of being happily single again and being the master of my own time and decisions. Over the years, opportunities in different spheres of my life have materialised which I would never have dreamt possible. So, although one door closed 2016, so many more have unexpectedly opened in its place. I would not want it any other way now.
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