Good writing David. Paris can’t be denied. It can be attacked by silly and spoiled and bigoted people, but it can’t be denied. Memory is a fraud in the service of emotional survival. I took a motorcade trip across country recently and I have great memories of it. But in fact it was miserable.
I laughed a few times in this one. I also felt a bit melancholic thinking about life's choices and our perception of said choices. Maybe the dogs have it right. Be in the moment and look for the next treat or walk or nap or down dog. Snuglle more, wag your tail a lot. And don't forget the head tilt as a reply to those you love. Bark less.
I am headed to Egypt and Chatgpt gave me a protocol to avoid jet lag. I can recall jet lag twice in my life. I sleep on planes like it's my bed. So chat has ne worried I might have an issue! Part of me wished I never asked because now my subconscious and conscious selves are holding this idea of jet lag on its lists of concerns 🤣.
And lastly, I feel for your belly (sounds like that may have been an issue?). I know a great guy guy who probably could help you with that if you are curious for good advice🤕. I hate when my belly is messed up and I am motivated to not have that happen because it's uncomfortable and can impact how I experience my world.
And definitely book the next trip. You have upward mobility and finances. It would be a shame to not spoil all your selves with memories and experiences.
What a fantastic pic at the end! Truly a peak ending moment 🙂
I think we travel not because it will necessarily be pleasant but because it is foundational to who we want to be. That’s why my husband and I take our daughter on international trips - it would definitely be easier and more relaxing to just chill at the beach but it doesn’t stick with you in the same way. Plus it shows you what you can take on.
I also happen to think that just because you don’t remember something doesn’t mean it doesn’t contribute to your sense of self. Early childhood, which is often barely remembered, is instrumental to our development, especially in terms of identity and emotional regulation.
My secret for jet lag is to not cross an ocean for less than 10 days and preferably three weeks. I also take melatonin before bed for two weeks. For the first week, it doesn't help, but it makes the second week better.
This happens to me before every trip to Italy. We want to make it an annual trip- every September- but for some reason, I fall apart when we arrive in Rome. Leading up to the trip, I think about not being able to sleep on the flight, the jet lag, and waiting to check in. That said, once I'm settled in, I am happy. When I'm in Florence, I never want to leave.
Here's what happened in Rome this year: We arrived at the hotel and were told our room wouldn't be ready for about 3 hours. After that, I realized my travel tote, where I kept all of my medication, had been left in the car service. A meltdown ensued. Maybe a slight panic attack. The concierge reached the driver, but he took the call as he walked in with my bag. I took my medication in dramatic fashion in front of everyone as my husband looked on with slight horror. Needless to say, our room was ready within 45 minutes because they thought I was a maniac. All was well after that!
-“which distorts my perception of the trip as being better than it was.” Do not casually underestimate the blessing of having a generous memory! It’s a gift that you look back at things as gifts.
-I love when authors narrate their own articles for the voiceover! The computer voice makes me sad.
-travel is another blessing; have you looked into acupuncture? It can help with jet lag & anything to make the blessings come easier, right?
Good writing David. Paris can’t be denied. It can be attacked by silly and spoiled and bigoted people, but it can’t be denied. Memory is a fraud in the service of emotional survival. I took a motorcade trip across country recently and I have great memories of it. But in fact it was miserable.
Great pieces, your writing *and* the Turco! This is Substack at its best. Thank you.
I laughed a few times in this one. I also felt a bit melancholic thinking about life's choices and our perception of said choices. Maybe the dogs have it right. Be in the moment and look for the next treat or walk or nap or down dog. Snuglle more, wag your tail a lot. And don't forget the head tilt as a reply to those you love. Bark less.
I am headed to Egypt and Chatgpt gave me a protocol to avoid jet lag. I can recall jet lag twice in my life. I sleep on planes like it's my bed. So chat has ne worried I might have an issue! Part of me wished I never asked because now my subconscious and conscious selves are holding this idea of jet lag on its lists of concerns 🤣.
And lastly, I feel for your belly (sounds like that may have been an issue?). I know a great guy guy who probably could help you with that if you are curious for good advice🤕. I hate when my belly is messed up and I am motivated to not have that happen because it's uncomfortable and can impact how I experience my world.
And definitely book the next trip. You have upward mobility and finances. It would be a shame to not spoil all your selves with memories and experiences.
What a fantastic pic at the end! Truly a peak ending moment 🙂
I think we travel not because it will necessarily be pleasant but because it is foundational to who we want to be. That’s why my husband and I take our daughter on international trips - it would definitely be easier and more relaxing to just chill at the beach but it doesn’t stick with you in the same way. Plus it shows you what you can take on.
I also happen to think that just because you don’t remember something doesn’t mean it doesn’t contribute to your sense of self. Early childhood, which is often barely remembered, is instrumental to our development, especially in terms of identity and emotional regulation.
My secret for jet lag is to not cross an ocean for less than 10 days and preferably three weeks. I also take melatonin before bed for two weeks. For the first week, it doesn't help, but it makes the second week better.
Thanks also for the interesting links.
Love the writing; would love, even more, more pics of grandchildren. Darling.
This happens to me before every trip to Italy. We want to make it an annual trip- every September- but for some reason, I fall apart when we arrive in Rome. Leading up to the trip, I think about not being able to sleep on the flight, the jet lag, and waiting to check in. That said, once I'm settled in, I am happy. When I'm in Florence, I never want to leave.
Here's what happened in Rome this year: We arrived at the hotel and were told our room wouldn't be ready for about 3 hours. After that, I realized my travel tote, where I kept all of my medication, had been left in the car service. A meltdown ensued. Maybe a slight panic attack. The concierge reached the driver, but he took the call as he walked in with my bag. I took my medication in dramatic fashion in front of everyone as my husband looked on with slight horror. Needless to say, our room was ready within 45 minutes because they thought I was a maniac. All was well after that!
A few things-
-“which distorts my perception of the trip as being better than it was.” Do not casually underestimate the blessing of having a generous memory! It’s a gift that you look back at things as gifts.
-I love when authors narrate their own articles for the voiceover! The computer voice makes me sad.
-travel is another blessing; have you looked into acupuncture? It can help with jet lag & anything to make the blessings come easier, right?