They sent postcards from every country, while I stayed home.

It was fantastic to see them spread their wings like this.

I felt their excitement shouting off the postcards – gelati at a sidewalk cafe after getting lost in Venice, the thrum of the flamenco guitars in Seville, the colours, smells and assault on all senses from Deli’s trains, the sigh of the waves on the sand on a remote Philippine island.

Their awe, their view of the world, their discoveries was such a rite of passage. A true blessing to be able to give your parents to celebrate their retirement.