I live to travel. Have done for a very long time. I work all the hours I can as a casual teacher and then I am off spending the money on a trip to Europe.
This is my second trip to Europe this year and I know how lucky I am. But, this 6 week trip away spending 2 weeks in Camogli in Italy has been some what challenging.
I am normally flexible, love misadventures but no more (or at least this time).
I know that I am older because:
1:the 80cm climb onto the train from the platform at Camogli train station is difficult to do. Even harder in a skirt.
2
moking, smoking, smoking, everywhere you go, some one is blowing it into your face. We are renting a charming apartment which overlooks the beach at Camogli. 4 floors up it has wonderful views BUT, the smoke from the people below in the restaurants etc waft gently up into our apartment. I don't want to close my windows...I hate waking and going to sleep with eu de tabacco on me.
3: my beloved phrase book is of no use anymore. I once thought it was charming, I thought it was my friend but really...if I ask the question, I can't understand the answer! For example, the Lonely Planet Fast Talk Italian phrase book actually has the following in it. 'Lay ke fa-re be se a -ve-se so-lo oo-na jor-na-ta" 'What would you do if you only had one day'!!! Please, if you understand the answer you don't need a phrase book.
4. VPL. This stands for visible panty lines. It is not chic for women to wear really bad fitting undergarments on their lower half...so not chic.
If I could speak/write Italian I would write to Italian Vogue and tell them.
5: I absolutely hate the siesta. What am I suppose to do between 12.30-1pm and 3.30-5pm? I used to think it was a charming custom but no more. With train and buses often on strike or retardo...I seem to arrive at my destination just when the place is closing for 4 hours!
So, the moral to this long story is that I know that I am officially old and so not flexible like I used to be.
You know that you are getting older, when...
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Yes, we are all going to get there.
I NOW love a day off during vacation, which was a sin previosly. I couldn't even imagine staying in my rented apartment until noonish, going out for a bit, home early, NOT going out to dinner, crusing the net or watching infomercials in french, a totally relaxed day. who knew it could be that much fun.
susanna,I totally agree with you. I am actually in my pj's at 5.30pm sitting at the table looking out the window at the sea in Camolgi as I write.
It is raining but there is no way I have the energy to go out to dinner! We bought supplies at the Mercato Orientale in Genoa today and we will have a feast later.
My husband will climb down the 4 flights of steep stair to buy gelato and return to the flat with it! It is fun.
Well the siesta thing - personally I love a long lunch in an outdoor cafe with wine and then a nap (I'm in my 50's)- it is a delightful part of my European experiences. Then after the nap its time for a long dinner! in an outdoor cafe with wine! I am fortunate to have seen alot of the "must" sights in the countries that I enjoy most so usually we do one sight or expedition a day, then have a pretty relaxed afternoon and evening.
We used to travel quite a bit by train - yes some of those stations have alot of stairs, no (or non-working) elevators - people must have traveled lighter when those stations were built. Getting our luggage into the overhead racks, no thanks. Hotels with no elevators, maybe not. We do some cruising trips now - river or the Med. and they are delightful but I miss some of the long dinners in the funky little neighborhoods. But you do cover alot of gound!
My next notch down I am thinking will be extended city stays - one or two weeks in an apartment - taxi from the airport - maybe one transit to another locale per trip. First up - Barcelona! God willing, I'll still be renewing my passport a few more times!
I am a different traveler than I was 10/15 years ago. I use to enjoy eating out and would seek interesting restaurants even if it meant several tube/metro changes or a taxi ride. Now I only dine at places that are within easy walking distance of my hotel. I use to actually run up the stairs and/or the steps on the escalators, now I just try to maintain a good pace. My sightseeing is more limited. I pack lighter and am less willing to schlep luggage up stairs and onto tube/metro systems. It's become less a matter of saving money and more important to make the trip easier on me. Fewer sights, more stops for tea/coffee. I just do what I feel like and don't worry if I miss something. Regardless of a bit of a slow down and a few changes I still love to travel.
Do what I do - I cruise
Kimberly, you might be the only person besides me that likes to put on pj"s at 530!!! I prefer to do this in the winter when the sun isn't high....I think others must do it and just not admit it