What I loved most there and here – a photo essay
Where thou art – that – is home. – Emily Dickinson
Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home. – Matsuo Bashō
What I loved most about my 77 days across six European countries.
Meeting and spending time with some of kindest people I've ever met,
online connections in real life for the first time,
And people I've known, but hadn't seen in a while.
Staying in hosts' homes/apartments – real people, conversations, and meals.
All the firsts – first-time visits to Italy,
Croatia,
London,
Austria,
and Slovenia.
My first time driving in Europe – in Croatia
– and my GPS took me to Serbia and back on my first day.
My fifth visit to Hungary
and my sixth since August 2022 – a magical, life-changing country that I will return to time and time again.
The more relaxed pace of life. As they say in Croatia – pomelo.
Glorious sunsets – in Budapest, Hungary,
Motovun, Croatia,
and Dalmatia, Croatia.
Espresso and coffee – sitting in a café, not in a rush – no drive-throughs or making coffee to go.
Outstanding public transportation – planes, trains, buses, and rideshare (Uber and Bolt).
Zagreb is such an easy airport and the rideshare drivers, top notch.
Croatian buses were comfortable and on time.
France still has the best train system.
The largest and least expensive Aperol Spritz I've ever had – €5 at a cash-only bar in Zagreb. It was perfect during hot and humid days.
Returning to France – I was a French major in college (BS, MA, PhD in French), so I always feel at home there. Vive la France!
Home is a shelter from storms — all sorts of storms. – William J. Bennett
What I loved most about returning to the U.S.
Reconnecting with U.S. friends.
Familiarity and comfort – sleeping in my own bed.
My shower. (In Europe, no two are alike. It was a learning curve in every place I stayed.)
Not living out of a 23-kilogram (50-pound) suitcase that I schlepped from the U.S. to Italy, Hungary, Croatia, England, Croatia, Austria, France, and back by plane, train, bus, car, taxi, and rideshare. May this piece of luggage rest in peace – a broken telescoping handle and worn-to-nothing spinner wheels – it was a good nine-year run!
My hair stylist – and being able to straighten my hair. My flat iron and international voltage converter 'died' in Europe along the way. That's why my hair was a hot mess for 11 weeks.
My downtown Napa hangouts – Compline Wine Shop,
Outer Space Wines,
and St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery.
Pet and house sitting – caring for some of my favorite furry friends.
Where thou art – that – is home. – Emily Dickinson