Is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo? The song played us into breakfast this morning, and led us back to our Tennessee excursion.

I have always been attracted to cities with a personality. The obvious ones, Paris, New York – now they have big personalities. But they come in all shapes and sizes.

We visited Chattanooga a couple of years ago. Of course we took pictures by the train while singing the song, but then the city surprised us. Wifi everywhere. This little city, is not just backed by just a catchy tune, it is supported by city-wide wifi. Chattanooga offers free public wifi service. Wifi everywhere. In the car, on the side of the road. Free wifi for a song – sorry – I had to say it. Genius!

The world is full of surprises – adventures. That’s what we go on. Not vacations, but adventures. What can we discover?

One of the biggest personalities we have ever experienced is New Orleans. This city is filled with music and food, as are many, so what sets it apart? I heard once, that you are only as deep as what’s carved into you. And this city has been carved. Neither wars, nor hurricanes could bring this magical place to its knees. It has risen again and again with a spirit that gets into your soul, deeply. It’s not just survival. Survival exists, triumph, now that’s alive! Triumph is a parade of music that marches down streets, and raises voices off balconies and sings, oh yeah!!!

I guess I’m drawn to the same type of people. People with personalities. People with personalities so big that they stick in your head like a Chattanooga choo choo. People who have not just survived, but overcome! People who have taken scraps and dared to build lives! I want to celebrate with all of them.

I want to create the same adventure in my life. So what is adventure? Learning, growing, surprising, listening, seeing, chancing, trying, creating. Seeing what’s there and giving thanks. Seeing what isn’t there and reaching for it.

Helen Keller said, “Life is a daring adventure, or nothing at all.” I want to live. The music has already started, get aboard, let today’s adventure begin!