Over the last four months Ted and I, either separately or together, have been to Texas, Williamsburg, New York, Tampa, Venezuela, St. Thomas, Roanoke, Raleigh, DC and Portland. It’s been an adventurous several months, logging a few air miles, a few days by sea for Ted, and several hours in the car. Somewhere in the middle of all our coming-and-going, we’ve been working, writing, reading, and doing a few projects around the house. Finally, we are staying put for several weeks. It’s time to hunker down and write more.
During all our travel, I tried to apply a list I made just after returning from Paris last year. I thought I would include that list from my book, Bonjour 40, here. It’s a good guide-to-life even as I settle back into writing more at home.
• Naps on the grass are essential to well-being.
• Walk more. Bike more.
• Learn new languages.
• Dress up a bit, even when alone. Why look shabby?
• Buy fresh flowers now and then.
• A scarf can really change an outfit—for men and women.
• Fresh food is better than packaged food. Always.
• Be more polite.
• Laugh like the English.
• Kiss like the French.
• Always carry wet-wipes.
• Sharing a scene is better than stealing it.
• I can write anywhere.
On his trip to Venezuela (which I will detail in another blog), Ted also learned that carrying fresh water is a good idea. Especially when you’ll be at sea for more than four days. Below are a few pictures from Ted’s trip, including a sunset from the middle of the Caribbean Sea.
What have you learned most from your travels?
