​Weathering the Storm with the WP#208

What do you write about when there is really nothing to write about, but then, there is always something new to consider. This past week has been one of routine, and also a wonderful day out in Rome with my wife and simply enjoying an afternoon and evening together, this past Sunday, going to a gallery quite close to the Colosseum and then having dinner at a Korean restaurant of all things, navigating the busses and metro when they operate infrequently, or more so. It was a very nice day to do so, and the crowds were out, this first part of March, when I met her near Piazza Venezia. At the top, there is a rooftop bar, and while we did not imbibe, the views were beautiful. ​

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It is funny how I have settled into life here and my worldly possessions, as of yesterday, were at the port ready to cross the pond. When they arrive, we believe middle of April, we will have more to deal with in terms of the bureaucracy, but at least, that chapter will finally be closed. My items, except the vehicle, will be free and clear to be delivered here to our home and that unpacking and moving piece will take some time. The vehicle, well, that will be a different story, but one we will get through. The vehicle as with the other items won’t cost us any duties or taxes due to my resident status, which is good, but the standards on each side of the pond are different and different in each country. Since this will be in April and we can’t do anything until then, we will continue to move forward in our crazy life and that is just fine. ​

Moving forward and I know this weekend, back in the states, the time changes forward an hour, but not here in Europe. We still have to wait two more weeks after that, but that is okay. Spring or Primavera is in the air, although, the evening air here in Rome is still chilly. I was looking at the temperatures this morning and comparing them to what it was in my last domicile in the US and there was not a huge difference, 42 degrees F (5 degrees C),  here, 31 degrees F (-.5 C) in Hampton, New Hampshire, but I am sure that the temps there during the day have not gotten into 60’s F (high teens C), like they do here during the day. Still, it will be nice when winter is over, and it does not get dark so early. In any case, something to look forward to and something which can’t be controlled. I just have to remember that I can’t change time, so that time difference, twice, for two weeks each year is part of the process. Also, important when I remind myself and my clients of the changes. In fact, I remember years ago, over this time period, going through 6- or 7-time changes over the course of the two weeks. Of course, this included crossing the pond and back. ​

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Oh, and since we are already into the month of March, I am, for the first time, next week, leaving Italy and while I have ridden the rails, just last year on multiple occasions for travel trade shows and conferences, all within the Italian borders, next Sunday, I cross the border by train to Austria and Germany, and this is exciting, but at the same time, strange. For someone who was used to spending life on the road, this has a totally different feel. I am used to being here in Rome with all of its issues and life is here, working on travel plans, teaching English several days a week, but now, and for only a week. I am leaving on a business trip to Vienna to attend the ASTA Cruise Expo. I could have flown, but opted for the trains, which I love to ride as I have a few stops along the way, before getting to Vienna, including Innsbruck and Munich, both places I have been, but not their Hard Rock Cafes. So, yes, I will be getting over the century mark with this and at one celebrating another tour around the sun. ​

As I reflect on what has happened each and every day since I met Rosa, it is a crazy, yet wonderful feeling. We individually had gone through so much in our own lives prior to our chance encounter some 5 years ago, and now, and for this past half decade, we have been together. As much as I love to travel and explore the world, I have become much more of a homebody. I will be gone a week and could have been gone longer. Rosa said, go, I understand, but once I am done with the conference, I am returning home. I want to travel with her, and I would have loved to have her come along. I know she loves Vienna and would have found much to do when I was attending my conference, but this will only strengthen our relationship and I will be back with her, not extending the trip. There is so much we must do moving forward, and we are already planning travel together abroad for next year, so that also is exciting. ​

Thank you as always for reading my posts and our crazy little story we have been building over the past 5 years. Your support is truly appreciated, and we will be just fine, no matter what life throws at us. Stay safe in this crazy world in which we find ourselves, stay healthy and most importantly, be happy, and find it wherever you can. It is what keeps you feeling alive each and every day.