Lori and I have completed the first week of our three week culinary adventure. I hope you have enjoyed (or hated) the photos thus far.
Our prayers go out to our neighboring island of Maui and its residents affected by the monstrous fire. We were flying over the Atlantic Ocean as events unfolded and have watched with heavy hearts as the staggering death toll continues to mount and the loss of property becomes reality for so many.
Posting about food and travel obviously is trivial while so much suffering is occurring so close to our home. However, one thing I learned from coaching dozens of people during the onset of Covid is that we must counter tragic news with the consumption of some uplifting content too, else our emotions are impacted in such a way that a state of collective despair and depression takes over. That helps nobody. Of this, I am sure.
I created this group to inspire so I’m gonna stick to my role despite the pain in my heart witnessing so much suffering so nearby my home in Hawaii. Consider my musings a small respite.
—————————————-
We kicked our vacation off with three nights in Manhattan. New York use to be an annual staple for us, but we had not been since Christmas 2018, so we were excited to visit the city that never sleeps.
We heard opinions that NYC was a shadow of its former self. We also heard that crime had overrun it. This was not our experience at all and we covered a lotta ground. Doesn’t mean the opinions are incorrect. Just means we didn’t see it.
It seemed a bit thinned out population wise, but we saw this as a plus. You could actually get into restaurants last minute and hail a cab without much trouble. The weather was the best I’ve ever experienced in the summer in NYC. Home to over 20,000 restaurants, NYC was a great warm-up to our coming culinary journey.
From NYC, we flew direct to Rome. We chose to take a redeye, so we would not lose a day to travel. American Airlines rewarded our choice with a brand new jumbo plane with lie flat seats so comfortable I thought I was in my living room at home. As a result, jet lag did not play a role upon our arrival in Italy.
This was my third trip to Rome over a span of thirty-three years. My first was a 19-year old backpacker with a childhood friend. The last, six years ago with several family members.
Each trip was enjoyable and memorable, but I think I enjoyed this one the most. Why? No stress or pressure. There is a LOT to see in Rome. When you are traveling with first timers who understandably want to see it all in just a few days, it can be exhausting.
Fortunately, we crossed off all the cultural sights on our last trip to Rome (my second time doing so). This allowed us to avoid the long lines in the blistering sun to places like the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum and a multitude of museums and other attractions.
Instead, we could simply enjoy the beauty and bustle of these amazing cultural sights from a shaded spot in the peripheral sipping espressos or cold beverages. I gotta say, it’s a nice way to enjoy Rome.
One of the benefits to slowing things down in Tome, is that you notice the incredible architecture more. Nearly every building in Rome is a work of art. I wish they still built like this everywhere. The artistry is something to behold.
Today we are off to another famed city. You’ll have to wait till my next post to find out where. Hint: It’s a small city with nine Michelin rated restaurants. We have reservations at seven of them! This means lots of fantastic food photos and both of us possibly gaining a few pounds! Ciao for now!
