Merry, Merry

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Naphtali

It is a strange feeling when you travel and return home, excited to see friends and family and seeking some comforts from home. Seeing your family and friends they ask about your adventures and how amazing it must be living in another country, especially Italy. You talk and answer questions for a few hours; talking about the splendor yet making them aware of the hardships that surround the ancient world of romance thus ruining the images that films have created of how “amore filled” adventures cascaded from the sky from the gods.

This is the scene day one and maybe day two afterwards you are you to them again; the only difference you have been somewhere. Then Christmas begins and the real traditions start. And the usually statements begin…….

-“SO…. , no boyfriend yet?

-“when are you going to get married , you’re not young anymore?”

-“You DO like men, RIGHT?”

-“I would think some guy over there would marry you ”

-“well, maybe one day you will meet someone…,,,,,,,hopefully”

-“You DO want children?”

-“well , how do think you will meet a man when you keep running them away”

-“Dress up more”

It goes on and on .

I am an adult yet these moments happen , my parents thankfully are NOT the culprits of this just the rest of the family and some friends ( the- married -and -second- kid- on- the- way-friend) have disapproved of my lack of skills in “capturing” a man.

I feel pressured.

I leave the room, walk away from the conversation, or go for a walk. I hate this part and always will.

I just want to return to Italy now, where this part of my life doesn’t happen. Even though I do want a partner, I have no clue how to “capture” one to the point of marriage and/or children. I just want some one that will automatically warm my feet in the winter under the covers. I am not skilled in the art of seduction or whatever is required now a days to attract a mate.

My family and friends they mean well, it’s their way of showing concern ( I hate it) yet I still love them. This has been the way of expressing concern for centuries. It is not the best way yet it has made it to 2014 and counting.

Pack Challenge

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Naphtali

One thing I learned about travel is pack a third of what I need. When I was in Euope for over three months I packed an oversize/ normal suitcase and a carry-on.
However, I still packed too much. I used maybe a third and lost many things jumping around Europe.
Less is more, just pack essentials. For instance, winter is harder to pack since everything is bulky, thus my luggage was huge. So on this mini trip to Colorado, Washington and California ,I test the bag theory.
The struggle is the weather changes. In Colorado it is hot and cold very confusing weather. Washington state is damp, and cold then California is sunny with a chance of cool air.
I packed two pants dark marron red and black. So far I have worn the black countless times. Packed three sweaters, grey, yellow and a blue/cream stripe. I sweat easy so I rotate them and either wash the arms or febreeze if no time. Pack countless underwear, a few socks, pjs that can be yoga clothes light shirts for layering, heels, boots with a heel that go with everything, one skirt and a black dress plus essential products and my Toshiba. All in a carry-on case and a duffel, so I have nothing to check.
So far my experiment is good, Rick Steve would be proud. Yet, I feel that I packed too much still. For an adventurous traveler light, quick and spontaneity is key for new opportunities. This is the traveler I am working at being: light case, yet the right essentials for every possible occasion. It is temping for me to spend (which I do) so by learning to pack a third of what I need would be smarter. I have a week left and hope I can do it.