I’ve come to learn that no two trips are ever the same – there are far too many factors involved. Things like personal finances, weather, physical wellness and current interests are variable and, in my experience, combine uniquely on each individual adventure.
Maybe that’s what keeps me so keen on traveling.
After my latest trip to Italy, I returned home slightly altered from whom I was prior to my departure from home. The two things that stand out to me, upon reflection, relate to my physical capabilities and my mental-emotional condition.
Let me embellish.
When I travel, walking is my primary exercise. During my time in Italy I walked between 10-12 miles a day, mostly on uneven cobblestones and often on hilly terrain. While I did some stretching in the morning and at night (and occasionally during the course of the day if I felt particularly tight), I really missed my usual four days a week yoga practice. For my own well being, I need to be more diligent about getting on a mat (or towel in a pinch) to maintain the suppleness of my muscles.
When I walk, I’m an observer of my surroundings and the people who habitat the area where I am. One of the conclusions I arrived at during my vacation was an increased sense that life is too fast, especially in the U.S. I don’t mean the speed in which my own life is moving, but the haste in which we live our days. In Italy, at least where I was in Tuscany and Rome, things are more languid. Life doesn’t feel as frantic, children didn’t appear to be quite as rushed into adulthood and the energy felt more sustainable longterm.
I already miss it.
Speaking of missing, I literally lost a couple of things, when I was in Italy. Fortunately, none of them were irreplaceable or of much value. There was that earring of a pair that I had originally purchased in Trastevere. This was the second time I’ve lost one of a pair of earrings that I had bought while in Rome. Unfortunately, I couldn’t locate the small, densely packed shop where I had bought them, so I couldn’t replace them. Since returning home, I’ve located the business card of the store and I’ve entered the address in my phone contacts under Jewelry Store in Rome.
Guess I’ll have to go back.
On my last morning in Italy, I took a walk to stretch my legs prior to my 9.5 hour flight. Completely due to my own lack of attention,* I lost my wallet. I am 100% certain that I simply didn’t place my wallet in my handbag correctly and that it fell out. I lost the equivalent of a $250, my drivers license and a couple of bank cards. Was it annoying? Yes. Was there anything in my wallet that was irreplaceable? No. Will I pay closer attention in the future? Of course.
Despite a daily intake rich with wine, pasta and pizza, I came home 3 lbs lighter than I was when I left. The combination of time on my feet and the generally superior quality of the food in Italy, makes for my favorite diet plan!
As for my finds, I came home with an awesome Sisley wool sweater from one of my favorite flea markets in Florence. This €10 purchase was a challenge to squeeze into my luggage, but well worth the effort.
I also scored 3 pairs of (mostly) wool, knee high socks from a street vendor for €8. I’m wearing a pair right now and they’re perfect.
During my time in Florence, I had returned to the market where I had originally bought my wallet and purchased 2 more to have available as gifts for friends. Having these in my luggage and being able to choose one as an immediate replacement for the wallet I eventually lost in Rome, was a wonderful consolation.
Now, time to replace my drivers license…
*While I understand that pickpockets are exceptionally talented, I wasn’t jostled, on public transit or in anything remotely resembling a crowd. I own the loss completely.
DelSo 