​Weathering the Storm with the WP#223

Summer is just around the corner, actually, just a few days away, but here in Rome, it is in full force. People everywhere, but that is normal at all times of year. Remember, last I mentioned to you that Rosa said Rome is closed, but that was in July and August, of last year, I believe. It is still June and with the Jubilee, it is already crazy, no let me rephrase, it has always been, as far as I know. Rome does sell itself, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Include the Vatican, which is the real reason for the Jubilee, this, and every 25 years, although, its own entity, the smallest country in the world, one of two that are wholly surrounded by Italy and in this case, Rome, itself. ​

The other, do you know what it is? That other small country that is totally surrounded by the Italian State? No, okay, I will tell you. It is San Marino, and neither has a border. You just cross a point, and you are there. How many of you have been to the “small” countries of Europe? There are officially 6 countries and I have had the pleasure, or sometimes, with the crowds, not the pleasure of being there. Do you know what they are? The first two you now know, Vatican City and San Marino, both surrounded by Italy. There are four more official small countries in Europe, often referred to as microstates and they are Andorra, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco. These countries are the smallest by area in Europe. The smallest, as previously mentioned, especially when the crowds are there and the temperatures are in the 90’s F (high 30’s C) with the humidity, it is not a great place to be, but crowds, it draws and that is Vatican City and worth it, if you have never been. Pictures do not do it justice.

I did mention the temperatures and yes, for the past week or so, they have been blistering, and it is not officially even summer yet. It even was 99 degrees F (38 degrees C). Technically, Rome is in a tropical zone, but the heatwave starts in July and August, and that is why the Romans get out of Dodge, mostly in August for a “long” holiday. Of course, they take many holidays, official and unofficial, national, and local, anything for a chance to not work, or accomplish things at a reasonable pace, but back to the weather. Even the Romans seem to be overwhelmed by the early arrival of the heat and humidity. As I arrived in July last year, I can’t say what the temperatures were, but I was told by colleagues that they do not remember a June like this. The times, they are a changin’. Thanks Bobby Dylan. Also, Romans, and Italians in general do not use air conditioning, especially my wife, who never had it in her home and momma still does not, so that is a challenge for us 😊. ​

For this American in Rome, who is much more used to cold and cooler temperatures, even in my time in Minnesota and the other northern states in which I lived, recalling hot and humid summers, okay, maybe August, this is something that does take getting used to and yes, while I am sitting at my desk and working, the a/c is on. And a fan to help circulate the air, as the humidity is dissipated. Oh, and there was a storm that had been building with the heat and humidity and it hit very early this morning, or was it late last night. Doesn’t matter. It cooled it down, but I am confident, the temps and humidity will once again rise and I have things to do, so better safe than sorry. For now, as the “school” year, or my school year winds down (the kids are already on their summer break, the neighborhood in much quieter), I have more time to focus on the travel planning for which I am known and another trip to London come Sunday for another travel trade show and meetings with partners from across Africa, so while you know me for European travel planning, I handle other places as well. ​

One last point before I go, and not letting the kitty out of the burlap, just yet, but changes are coming. I am looking to revamp not only some of the ways I do business, and changes, updates to my website perhaps, but also the focus of my writings. I am looking for new ideas and suggestions from you of what you may want to know, hear about or questions from the Wandering Puffin. I want my posts to be more interactive for you, but again, something that is more in tune with 2025 and beyond, so please chime in over the next few weeks. What would interest you as many ideas are being floated right now? Okay, back to it. 
As always, thank you, we so appreciate your support of our crazy little world, would love to welcome you to this side of the pond for a visit, if and when you wish to be here, and, of course, remain healthy, safe, and happy, most importantly, in this craziness in which we find ourselves. There will always be bumps in the road and it is how you handle them. Focus on the things you can control and let go of the things that you can’t. Life is too short to stress and while we all can’t be happy, all the time, find something that truly does make you happy and make that a focus. Your outlook will change as you stay on that path.