celle_away

I'm in a funk and I need to get myself out of it. I just lost a job which in a way I'm relieved about but ever since then, I've just been in a funk. It's comfortable being in one but then sometimes I think, enough is enough.

I think I should take this opportunity to go somewhere and re energize. I do not know where to begin and I would appreciate some ideas since yall are so well traveled and what not. I went to the eye doctor today and my prescription was surprisingly lower than what it had been last year.

He said, "Last year your left eye was -4.25 and now it is -2.75. Very good. Your right eye was -3.75 and now it is -2.25." Wow, that is a big drop within a year! I was incredibly happy to hear the news since I've always had poor eyesight.

And then the devil said, "That's usually what happens when you turn ?0."

What a d%*k. I'm not even close to ?0.

Anyway, that was the clincher. Being in this funk is aging me and I now have to get myself feeling better again. I think I need to get away and FEEL ALVE again. Where do you think I should go? Please spare me the blame, criticisms, hate, cocky replies, please. I know. I'm beyond lame. at the moment. This is why I've come to this board. I need help. And I would rather just die than be this lame in front of someone I know in real life especially since those around me think I'm so "strong" because of my profession. Let's not get into the specifics. I do not want to see a shrink and I refuse to think I'm clinically depressed. I'm not. I'm just in a funk. I know. Please go away if you'll just be mean.

Where do you think I should go and for how long? I need to rejuvenate. I'm usually on the US, Asia and Carribean forums so I'm new here. I narrowed it down to Europe because I feel it's time to go back. Where should I go? Let's speculate. I used to believe anything is possible. A big part of me still does. I'm in good health and can do anything from mild to strenuous. I enjoy the finer things in life but don't mind roughing it once in a while if the payoff is worth it. Sky's the limit. I just need suggestions. There must be someone who has gone through this out there in cyberspace.

Thanks a million, Fodorites. I've been lurking many years. I thought about posting this on the Lounge but I don't want to use my real Fodors handle. I know. You don't have to say it. And no, I'm not a troll. Please just help me. I want to do this.

nytraveler

How long do you have?

What type of budget do you have?

Where have you been before in europe - which places did you like more or less and why?

"Rejuvinate" doesn;t help. To some people that would mean sitting on a beach or climbing a mountain. To me that would be a new city with great museums, churches and neighborhoods to explore.

What is it for you?

Leely2

I recently took a page out of another Fodorite's book and took an Italian language class in Rome. I've been to Rome several times before and love it, but this added a new dimension. It was a TON of fun to be in a classroom setting as a student again. I also met up with friends in Paris on the same trip and visited a few places in Italy I'd never been before.

Just throwing that out there.

celle_away

Length of time is open since I don't have a job! Let's say three to four weeks, 15-18k for everything. Yes, I like exploring museums, churches, beautiful scenery, palaces, trying new cuisine, walking, I do not want to drive. Prefer to stay in the city center so transportation is easy. I'm open to anything. I've been to Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, UK, Denmark, Germany, France and the Czech Rep. It was a whirlwind trip post college and although I loved it at the time, I would hate that now.

mokka4

How soon can you leave? Go hiking on the less-touristed mountains of Switzerland. (Avoid the popular peaks in the Berner Oberland).Just sit along a hiking path, look at the splendor of nature, listen to the quiet and BREATHE!

letsgeaux

Paris

rialtogrl

How about walking the Camino de Santiago? Or just part of it?

I have met so many people who have walked the Camino and it was a life changing experience for them.

artsnletters

Greece was a restorative to me when I was in a dark place. I spent time on Naxos since it wasn't one of the touristic biggies, and Delphi was the other place that gave me some peace. But not if you have to go really soon. Greece is a zoo in summer. If you can wait until mid-September, I bet it would be great.

celle_away

These are all excellent. Thank you. I prefer shoulder seasons, don't like extreme heat at all nor the summer chaos. A month or two from now would be ideal although I can leave sooner if need be.

ruedebuci

Paris of course. Especially if you are traveling solo. And on your budget I'd travel business class. Dine in a few Michelin star restaurants. Shop at LV and Chanel. With 3-4 weeks I'd also book the Eurostar first class to London and stay in Mayfair.

celle_away

You wouldn't believe this. I just got a text from a friend and this is what it said.

"Okay darling, looking forward to seeing you for dim sum.

By the way, I am getting ready for my next 5k or 10k if you ever want to join me."

I've never done any kind of 5-10K. I would've totally shrugged this idea of because I hate to run. But for some reason I perked up. Maybe this is what I need to do. Something totally new and out of my confort zone. So this is what I'm thinking...

I want to be able to jog wherever I go, early mornings. I know this is one of the reasons I'm in a funk. I stopped exercising regularly. So somewhere good to jog in the morning while the city is just waking up, back to hotel, breakfast room service, sightseeing, lunch, back to hotel or apartment, cocktails then dinner, show or some activity. All leisurely, nothing is rushed, everything is relaxed. Most importantly, I want to learn something new or discover a new skill. I want the trip to be empowering. I still can't narrow it down enough to decide on a place. My god I'm I'm watching infomercials now. Get me out of here. Pronto.

bilboburgler

Cycle down the Mosel from Trier to Koblenz, lovely scenery, great wine and food, nice people, still warmish. Very cosseting in an outdoors kind of way.

bilboburgler

yeah how to do it
http://www.mybikeguide.co.uk/Mosel_Guide.php

Cathinjoetown

I was in Paris not too long ago with a friend who jogged every morning in the Luxembourg Gardens--can't think of a lovelier place to get some exercise.

Paris always lifts my spirits--even when there friends I like to take off on my own to explore shops at my own slow pace, people watch, day dream....

Also like the suggestion of taking a class--French, cooking, art, music, etc. Great way to meet people or not, depending on your mood.

lincasanova

I hope you can work yourself out of your funk a bit before your trip... and the trip can just be an additional catalyst to "improvement in progress" .

Change your funk routine TODAY. Set small goals everyday. Get out and start doing what you so loved before.. bit by bit ..

Will be thinking of you.

Most of all.. enjoy your journey.. at home and afar.

WWK

How about splitting the time between London and Paris? You could run every day in Hyde Park and/or Tuileries, or along the Thames or Seine. Both cities fit your description of everything else you seek for soul-nourishing, entertainment.

In the meantime, get your sneakers on! That should help some. And just spending time outdoors, even if it's just drinking a coffee in the sun.

Good luck!

nytraveler

You can do jogging in any city if you're inthe right place.

If it were me I would head to London. Hyde Park is a great place to job and there are a plethora of hotels around it on all sides depending on your budget.

It will give you a host of museums, many of which have fascinating classes/courses you can take. Of, if you're so inclined take up something like cooking a new cuisine, or get involved in one of the many archeological projects that takes volunteers. (That has always been a dream of mine - but in the UK, where you stay in a charming pub or B&B - not in a tent in the desert.)

Leely2

I am a runner and go for jogs in the morning wherever I am. I agree that wanting to run doesn't have to be a deciding factor. I've found beautiful places to run in Paris, Rome, Florence, the Dordogne, Krakow, Warsaw, Prague...

rickmav

Well if you really want to be out of your comfort zone, forget the cities and do a cycling holiday in Ireland or Scotland. There are lots of packages to choose from. You'll see amazing nature every day, eat hearty meals, get sweaty, meet people from all over the world and get in shape. You'll test yourself and really get to re-examine who you are and what gives you joy. With the money you save you can end your holiday with a week of hyper-pampering in Paris. Remember, the definition for insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. I would leave at the end of August, miss the crowds but still get beautiful weather.

suze

Well my go-to place to reinvent myself and rejuvenate is Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

But since you've narrowed it down to Europe, then I would go to any major city. I would love to spend some time alone just knocking around in Paris, Venice, Barcelona, or Amsterdam are ones that jump to my mind first.