Tanya, I couldn't say enough good things about your piece. Even beyond your nearly unique experience and your brilliantly crafted writing, you frame and structure your piece in the most powerful, thoughtful way -- you draw the reader in with the fascination of Mars and then pirouette so gracefully to the fascination of Earth. That by itself is an immense achievement. I read the NY Times et al a lot, and few pieces are as good in this way. (As a Lit major, I could write a few pages about all the things you do to keep the reader focused on the story.)

Also, personally, I totally understand your fascination with how different seemingly identical lands are different, from having backpacked in the High Sierra in California for decades and recognizing just from sight many lakes, peaks, river valleys, etc, when flying over them.

Thank you, Tanya!. Best wishes in all your ventures!