Recent realizations and impressions

We can all agree that travel is life changing, can’t we? Observing, and even participating in, life in locations away from home can be the impetus to expand one’s understanding of humankind and settings beyond our own. When I’m traveling alone, I often find myself taking mental notes of things I find interesting or enlightening. Indulge me by letting me share a few.

American politics are watched very closely in Europe – and people in the three EU countries I’ve spent time in this year are deeply concerned. I think their feelings of trepidation about the course of the U.S. are on some level related to the global economy at large, but I believe it is also a case of disillusionment with the American Dream we’ve all been sold.

Children, particularly preschool aged ones, love when you show interest in them. I’m inclined to think that adult preoccupation with smart phones is a factor in their almost surprised response to when I smile at them, almost as if they’re accustomed to be entertained, rather than engaged. I am so glad that digital devices weren’t as prevalent when my own children were young.

Americans abroad continue to make me cringe. From the young woman reacting in audible surprise that the open menu on the podium in front of a small restaurant indicated that the cuisine was Italian (shocking, right?), to the couple loudly FaceTiming friends amidst the crowd gathered to watch the sunset on the Arno, I frequently find myself embarrassed.

I say goodbye to people quickly, but to places slowly. When it’s time to part from someone (not permanently, just until another time), I’m all about the Irish goodbye or the drop me at the curb peace out. But, when it’s a place, I want to savor the moments. For instance, today when I left Florence, I intentionally left my accommodations early so I could leisurely make my way to the train station to head to Rome. I just want to soak it all in before I go.

Cowboy boots with shorts in the midst of a very hot summer confuse me. Wearing silky scarves as bandeau tops, hair accessories and jaunty neck ties inspires.

Walking 7-15 miles a day on hard surfaces has left my legs weary and wrecked my knees. I’ll be fine but it’s another reminder to be active and stay active as long as you can. A gentle reminder that some point in the future when you can finally retire and begin exploring the world might be beyond when you can physically do it.

I so wish folks, particularly men, would ease up on the cologne. I almost can tolerate the funk of natural body odor more easily than the pungency of someone wearing too much fragrance.

Spending time in Italy prompts me to be even more conservative with natural resources, like water and utilities. I feel a different sense of finitism when I’m here. Making do with fans and the careful management of windows and shutters to moderate the temperature isn’t really too difficult. Recycling with diligence is normal and expected. I believe I do my best at home, but it’s time to double down and try even harder to minimize my impact on the planet.*

The sound of tires slapping against hot cobblestones is one I’ll never forget. Other memorable sounds from this trip include barking dogs, the sirens of emergency vehicles and car horns honking.

I think I may need to learn to speak Italian.

*I am conflicted about air travel because of carbon emissions, but how else can I get to the places I love?