I’ve kept quiet about this trip, on the DL, off the radar, on the QT, off the books. I guess because it has been off and on in my mind since the idea took form. While married such trips remained a far off goal as it was difficult to save up, and even more difficult to pay down a credit card balance. We were a cash and carry household, and there was never enough cash for a trip to Europe.
And here I am, on my own, traveling alone to the Old World. My Eurail pass is on the kitchen counter, my passport is waving at me from the nightstand. I look at maps and read guidebooks and it all seems surreal.
A dear friend tells me that this is the trip I should have taken 30 years ago, before the marriage, before the responsibilities, before Alex. (Gee, it’s hard to remember the world before Alex). This is the trip I would be looking back on in these middle years. Instead…well you get the picture. For those of you who don’t know me, the marriage ended, and Alex grew up, and like so many men of my age I’m at liberty and more than a little ill at ease. I went back to doing Shakespeare on stage last summer and it was fun. Yet there was a constant whisper brushing against my mind, just a shade louder than the constant ringing in my ears, that never articulated a word or phrase, but never stopped. I knew though what it meant. It was an unanswered question, hanging in the air like an unfinished joke.
“What the hell are you doing?”
I didn’t have answer.
So it comes the time for me to take a sabbatical at work. (they give us a month off with pay every 3 years) and instead of putting it off, I put in my request for October and buy plane tix and a Eurail pass. I’m going. When I get there I’ll figure out why.
That’s so awesome Miguel, I wish you the best of luck there and have a great vacation. I know what you mean about putting off Eroupe because the time never seems to be the right time with everything that goes on in our lives. We put off going to Europe every year because the cost is crazy for 2.
Wish I could of seen you in LA next week. There will be other times in the future.
Your cousin Patsy,
Proud of you, Nino. Live your life. Que dios te bendiga. Te amo.
Hey Miguel, This is a perfect time in your life. Seeing such old cities and architecture is so much fun… Trying the foods, delish! Watch out for pick pockets but they might not dare take anything from you.. Take lost of pics!! Have a Great Time!
Enjoy your journey Miguel.
Everything happens when it’s supposed to, and this is your time.
I am happy for you that you can take this time for yourself.
Peace!
You will have so much fun, Miguel! And the great memories after.
Bon voyage!
Miguel takes his “eat, pray, love” tour! Enjoy your grand adventure. My friend!
Reminds me of a visit I took to NYC back in the day. I was rewarded with meeting you, getting a play done and drinking small beer w/ Tony Janiro in that piano bar somewhere in your neighborhood. Take copious notes. Enjoy.
I’m so happy for you and sincerely hoping you will blog your way through so the rest of us can experience it through your eyes,
Eat. Drink. Play. If you go with an open mind, you will see beautiful things. You are blessed to have the time, money and health to do this. Go and find out “why” you are there. Maybe you are there just to be there. Bon Voy Yaji (said in Popeye’s voice).
Bon Voyage Miguel!
(so wish I had known…would have been happy to assist you with travel plans)
Looking forward to your pics and blog – Have a lovely time!
Cat
https://www.facebook.com/CatherinesTravelConcierge?ref=hl