Where did these people come from, why are they walking so slow and why do they have to take up the entire path?! I admit, I was also hangry which never helps but I do have to laugh at myself, I mean, what would I have done if there was the normal amount of tourists here? Or any tourists, really!!
I have been so lucky on this tour of Italy. At the same time as I love the lack of lines, being able to see the sights with a handful of others, eating when and where I want, no waiting, no pre-buying tickets for sights or trains. It also makes me sad, so many hotels, restaurants and shops unable to open, either from lack of people traveling not making it viable or lack of money to actually do so. So many people out of work, losing jobs, businesses and, worst of all, dreams. Knowing that this is only the beginning of an inevitable recession, as I mourn for those that struggle now it makes me think a little too hard about my own future.
Travelers are out here, I hear them as I go about my day, French, German, Italian, Czech, British and Scandinavians. Individual travelers, a lot of solo women, couples, some families with kids and a few adventurous guys. Smiling at each other as we pass, or move out of each others way to take that precious photo with no one else in it, as if we belong to a special club....which I guess we do.
Some would call us reckless, some adventurous, some crazy but I think we do it because we love it.
We understand that even in hard times, even amidst fear and uncertainty, the need to live and find joy still exists. We are giving hope to ourselves, to each other and to those who wonder if anyone will come to see what they have to offer ever again.
My trip has been very distinctively three tours in one. Rome I was all out sightseeing, I loved the history that was embedded in every inch of that city. Florence is such a lady in comparison, full of style and grace, this time there was about touching base with friends and relaxing. Venice, what a surprise, what I was expecting and yet more charming and mysterious.
I thought this blog would follow more of a format and my actual travels but apparently it, as I, is at the mercy of whatever whimsy my brain decides to follow. Welcome to my world 😂
