The Journey
In the midst of the global COVID pandemic, a unique opportunity emerged that set Ted on a journey. With the world at a standstill, Ted found freedom and flexibility that gave him the opportunity to embark on this undertaking. The world was gripped by somber times, and he, like many others, sought inspiration to navigate through the challenges the pandemic brought. It was during this period that he turned to the stories of their own family's past — stories of bravery that crossed continents in the quest for a brighter future.
As he dove into his family's history, Ted realized that his ancestors' willingness to take risks for the sake of a brighter future held valuable lessons. Just as they had overcome the odds to provide their family with improved opportunities, he too could find the strength to navigate the complexities of our times.
He searched through and studied reams of documents to establish the basic history, but then took the extra step few are able to take. He visited the places where his family had lived, where peace turned to war and they were forced to flee. He went to Budapest, Prague, Vienna, Trieste, Opatija, Slovakia, Salzburg, Switzerland, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, New York, and Chicago to trace their journey and walk in their footsteps.
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In doing so he developed an understanding of the emotional burden his ancestors bore, and the dramatic, life-altering calculated risks they took.
Handcrafted and intricately designed globle purchased on a research trip for this book, the globe stands as a tangible representation of the varied journeys embarked upon by the Blum and Mandl families across the world, ultimately finding a new home in the United States.
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