I love this! I couldn't swing an EU summer last year because of my giant dog, but we did manage to spend 3 months traveling around Maine, staying in Airbnbs, and living in a place that was less hot than Texas, and that is a beautiful thing. Someday, I plan to do what you did! :)
Reading this from York, heading to Scotland after a month in Greece, a month in Italy, and a month in Ireland. Couldn’t agree more. We’ll be headed home in October, but only to plan our next journey. Having grown up in Nevada, target-shooting since I was six, sharp-shooter in college, and CANNOT state clearly enough that America has completely lost its mind regarding gun regulation. I too feel safer in any other country.
What you describe is the Rome, ah-ha moment that many of us (from the US) have felt after being there for any length of time. I had that first “moment” during a college semester abroad almost 50 years ago. Rome is safe to walk the streets at midnight. To enjoy the marvelous fountains (the sound of water is so soothing). Maybe a serendipitous encounter with a young couple who wish to share a baguette, Brie and some wine off the open hatch back of their little Fiat. Or maybe coming onto a guy sweeping the sidewalk with a smile on his face. All treasured memories for me. It is sad to live life in the US with “that look” you so often see on the faces of Americans. Stone cold, in a hurry, can’t be bothered. A “don’t bug me” MO. Thanks for your reflects Michael. I am with you brother.
I grew up in Rome, from the age of 10 until I was 21. It was magical, before lines and security and crowds. It was close enough to after the war (WW II) that the U.S. influence hadn't completely taken hold yet. Seeing someone in jeans was rare, if I wanted to go to the Sistine Chapel and just sit there for an hour or two, I could without waiting in line or having to go through security. I've been back many times after leaving "home" in 1959, and each time, especially after 9/11, has been more and more fraught. For me, it becomes much more enjoyable if I get out of the City, say to Tuscany, where I can stay in an agriturismo and walk among the vines. There the pace of life has changed little, and life is good.
Glad you liked your sabbatical Michael. My wife and I love Italy too. But spare us 331,000,000 Americans the unsolicited advice that we’re doing it wrong.
That's the wonderful thing about having this blog. I don't need to solicit anybody's opinion for what I choose to write about. I'm allowed to offer my opinion without seeking anybody's advice or consent. Freedom of speech is one of the many things we Americans do right.
I enjoyed reading about Michael and Martha’s adventure abroad. I plan to spend a month somewhere in Europe, hopefully in 2024. I’ve traveled to Europe many times on ocean cruises, river cruises and land tours. They have all been wonderful. I really want to stay in one place and live like a European for awhile.
A little puzzling. Do most Americans think about guns when they travel? I've been to Europe and other places and I never have. I feel bad for the author. Paranoid? Was he masked up during Covid a bunch? I sometimes see people driving alone in cars wearing masks, I could imagine they're terrified of germs, so yes, probably other threats like guns. Climate disease. Skin cancer. Alien abductions never far from that driver's mind, probably. Actually alien abduction could happen in Italy, too, so that's another thing. But no, I don't think I'd like to travel with him. Also my brother lives in England and he's a big Farage fan, and my brother's really a decent guy, good bloke. I just wonder why he'd call Neil Farage a nasty name. Or maybe Farage owns a gun?
I sure don't. My husband and I returned from Italy a week ago and it never crossed my mind. Your brother sounds like he has common sense and is someone that thinks for himself.
That's the kind of holiday I would like to take - just living day to day. I once spent two weeks in London, and part of my time was riding around on a bus, perusing bookshops, and then going to a lovely old graveyard in the center of the city and sitting on a bench reading.
I love this! I couldn't swing an EU summer last year because of my giant dog, but we did manage to spend 3 months traveling around Maine, staying in Airbnbs, and living in a place that was less hot than Texas, and that is a beautiful thing. Someday, I plan to do what you did! :)
Reading this from York, heading to Scotland after a month in Greece, a month in Italy, and a month in Ireland. Couldn’t agree more. We’ll be headed home in October, but only to plan our next journey. Having grown up in Nevada, target-shooting since I was six, sharp-shooter in college, and CANNOT state clearly enough that America has completely lost its mind regarding gun regulation. I too feel safer in any other country.
Man, I’m sorry to just find your channel now.... i moved here about a year ago
What you describe is the Rome, ah-ha moment that many of us (from the US) have felt after being there for any length of time. I had that first “moment” during a college semester abroad almost 50 years ago. Rome is safe to walk the streets at midnight. To enjoy the marvelous fountains (the sound of water is so soothing). Maybe a serendipitous encounter with a young couple who wish to share a baguette, Brie and some wine off the open hatch back of their little Fiat. Or maybe coming onto a guy sweeping the sidewalk with a smile on his face. All treasured memories for me. It is sad to live life in the US with “that look” you so often see on the faces of Americans. Stone cold, in a hurry, can’t be bothered. A “don’t bug me” MO. Thanks for your reflects Michael. I am with you brother.
I love this SO much! Thank you for sharing your experience 💛
I grew up in Rome, from the age of 10 until I was 21. It was magical, before lines and security and crowds. It was close enough to after the war (WW II) that the U.S. influence hadn't completely taken hold yet. Seeing someone in jeans was rare, if I wanted to go to the Sistine Chapel and just sit there for an hour or two, I could without waiting in line or having to go through security. I've been back many times after leaving "home" in 1959, and each time, especially after 9/11, has been more and more fraught. For me, it becomes much more enjoyable if I get out of the City, say to Tuscany, where I can stay in an agriturismo and walk among the vines. There the pace of life has changed little, and life is good.
Glad you liked your sabbatical Michael. My wife and I love Italy too. But spare us 331,000,000 Americans the unsolicited advice that we’re doing it wrong.
That's the wonderful thing about having this blog. I don't need to solicit anybody's opinion for what I choose to write about. I'm allowed to offer my opinion without seeking anybody's advice or consent. Freedom of speech is one of the many things we Americans do right.
I enjoyed reading about Michael and Martha’s adventure abroad. I plan to spend a month somewhere in Europe, hopefully in 2024. I’ve traveled to Europe many times on ocean cruises, river cruises and land tours. They have all been wonderful. I really want to stay in one place and live like a European for awhile.
A little puzzling. Do most Americans think about guns when they travel? I've been to Europe and other places and I never have. I feel bad for the author. Paranoid? Was he masked up during Covid a bunch? I sometimes see people driving alone in cars wearing masks, I could imagine they're terrified of germs, so yes, probably other threats like guns. Climate disease. Skin cancer. Alien abductions never far from that driver's mind, probably. Actually alien abduction could happen in Italy, too, so that's another thing. But no, I don't think I'd like to travel with him. Also my brother lives in England and he's a big Farage fan, and my brother's really a decent guy, good bloke. I just wonder why he'd call Neil Farage a nasty name. Or maybe Farage owns a gun?
I sure don't. My husband and I returned from Italy a week ago and it never crossed my mind. Your brother sounds like he has common sense and is someone that thinks for himself.
That's the kind of holiday I would like to take - just living day to day. I once spent two weeks in London, and part of my time was riding around on a bus, perusing bookshops, and then going to a lovely old graveyard in the center of the city and sitting on a bench reading.
Come to Africa sometime.
The original idea was to decamp for a year
It seems like a good time to give it ago
I spend a great deal of time pursuing both activities
What I miss I suppose is just the feeling of home
The Italian economy is shift and their government is always shambles