It’s time to take a break. It’s off to Italy for Michelle and I. We need a little down time. I will have two weeks to unwind, read books, check on flight and train schedules, buck up to driving a car in Naples and Rome and all the other good things that go along with a vacation on the “continent”. Last time I was driving in Italy a carabiniera (policeman) told me that my ancestors, the Italians, believe that traffic signals are only a suggestion.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m really looking forward to Michelle and I being alone and together for a couple of weeks. It’s time to cast aside my eight high octane years on the city council, a grueling mayor’s campaign, and running a formidable but hectic real estate business. I’m only going to miss two Sundays of wonderful family time at the house with the kids and close friends.
It’s time to transition to tranquility starting out by going to LAX and in 18 hours moving halfway around the world with three other airport stops in between. We’ve done this many times before and when we’re away, the time seems to fly by so quickly. This is usually a sign that the trip was a good one.
The distance from California to Italy is almost 7000 miles; however, since our first charter airline trip 38 years ago to Prestwick, Scotland, the internet and emailing has changed the world. So I guess I won’t be that far from the action…and I don’t want to be.
I can’t wait to get out of town but I must honestly admit, it’s always great to come back home.