TRAVEL TALK
Travel Update
1.27.2020
This year, brother Jed and I are taking a motorcycle trip in Europe. We will start in Italy and head to Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France. And with a little bit of luck, a new country for me, Ukraine. Not the war zone part, but western Ukraine; hopefully Kyiv.
I am also planning on several trips to my new apartment in Siena, Italy. On one of my trips to Italy, I will go to Nice, France and Monte Carlo. I used to go there all the time, but I haven’t been there in years. Time for a refresher look. I will look at other places as well; like Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Bangladesh and Tibet. I need to see those places.
Travel is one of my priorities in life. Of course, things like family and friends matter more, but travel is up there very close to the top. As I mentioned, once I am dead, for me, all memories cease. But right here, right now, travel is essential to my wellbeing and happiness.
Siena Update
4.17.2019
I spend a month in Siena each year and make other shorter trips there as well. But in 2020, I may not go to Siena for my usual month. I am considering going to other countries that I have not been to yet. Like Myanmar (Burma), Tibet, (Yes, I consider Tibet to be another country – Fuck China and their imperialist notions) Nepal and maybe even Pakistan. They are all in the same region and I would like to see them.
Of course, I would go to Siena at other times next year, but for shorter periods. There are so many countries I need to see. The world awaits and I am a voyager who longs to see as many as possible. This planet of ours is nothing short of miraculous and I am grateful every day to be the explorer that I am.
Europe
September - October 2018
I returned from a trip to Europe in October and it may have been one of the greatest trips I have ever taken. It only lasted 16 days but its sole purpose was to see my international friends.
I started with a weekend in Berlin. I met my dear friend Marina who happens to live there. Interestingly, my friend Monica from Alesund, Norway was also in town, so I had dinner with both Marina and Monica. It was a fabulous start to my trip. From Berlin I flew to Rome and met the lovely Gonca. We spent a couple of days in Rome and then I headed to Siena for a week. I met my dear friends Alberto and Isa and spent a lot of time with them. And I rode my bicycle a few times with my friend Paul from New Jersey who was staying in Siena.
I was limited with the riding because of a cold I was getting, but still, what a great experience. From Siena to Barcelona to see my dear friends Sam and Catherine and their amazing kids. This whole family is gifted with music and a love of the world.
From Barcelona to London to see Nicola, my sweet and dear Nicola. We went to see Hamilton in London and that was a great experience. While there, we had lunch with my wonderful and beautiful friend Claudia, and her husband Rob and their one-year old son, Luca.
I never forget how lucky I am. I have been given the gift of travel and I use it formidably. If I could go to the moon, I would leave tomorrow. As of now, I have been to six of the seven continents and to more than 107 countries. And to all 50 United States, of course, more times over than I could ever possibly count. So I guess all that is left on this planet, is Antarctica. I am looking at ways to get there now.
My job has made it possible for me to travel all over the world and for that I am forever grateful. I know that once my life is over, all memories cease. But right now, right here, I have them, and for me, there simply is no greater gift.
Italy
5.17.2018
I arrived in Italy on May 4th with my sister Joan. We stayed in Rome for the weekend and then headed to Siena. Joan took an Italian class for a week in Siena and then we went back to Rome for a night and she headed home. I am back in Siena with friends. The weather in Siena has not been good but in spite of that, we have managed to cycle on six occasions. Yesterday we got our longest ride in so far; about 43 miles with many hills. A real challenge but still it was a good day. The rain started shortly after we arrived back in Siena so we were lucky.
Next week Mark and I are off to Berlin to see my dear friend Marina. And then to Prague to see our friend Santiago. Other than the weather, it is always good to be here and to see my Italian friends.