Just a year ago

It was nearing the end of our time in Spain and the end of my several weeks in Europe. We had spent hours every day walking in Barcelona, and I needed a break from that, so we bought tickets for a bus trip to Montserrat. Despite the rain, there were spectacular view of the mountains.

The walk from the parking lot to the site included a row of vendors selling local cheeses. Each one was better than the last, so I decided to risk confiscation and add several to my suitcase. I didn’t regret that.

Yesterday Johana and I took Aloisa on a road trip – we drove for forty five minutes, all within a couple of miles of home. After weeks of isolation, Loi was ecstatic to see a slightly larger world: “bushes!! flowers!! flags!!” Her enthusiasm was fun but a bit heartbreaking.

I’ve been fortunate to travel quite a bit and I enjoy the memories. Right now it’s nice to remember the weeks I spent in Europe last year, both on my own in Romania and Hungary and, later exploring Budapest and Barcelona with John.

Trips in 2020 are certain to be much closer to home. Soon, the warmer weather should allow us to expand into the outdoors. In a few weeks, maybe we’ll get beyond the neighborhood. But I suspect that continuing efforts to grow my world will look very different from here on out.

City of Brotherly Love

Our three-generation household means I am not often alone, but last week was different. We spent almost a week in Philadelphia. It was my first visit, and I explored the city while John attended conference meetings.

Chinatown, and me trying unsuccessfully to capture a pic of the woman selling vegetables on the street
I loved the dragons, two Korean and two Chinese
City Hall

We stayed first in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood and later in the historic district. Every day was sunny, but the tall buildings meant that I had to search out places to bask.

Rittenhouse Square

History, of course, was everywhere I went, including the history of public health, which fit with John’s purpose for being there.

An eternal truth, I guess…
Christ Church Burial Ground, where Benjamin Franklin is buried

I visited some wonderful restaurants and a new-favorite museum (more on those later). I listened to some incredible jazz in a unique venue. I browsed a few stores. I slept late every day. My first visit to Philadelphia made me want to return, and I’m am grateful that I had the chance to go.

I am happy to be home.