Floundering in Florence

It’s happened. I’m tired. Not just sleepy because I’ve had another night in a strange, uncomfortable bed. I am tired of traveling. After seven months of traveling to 14 countries, I feel pretty good to have come this far. There have been moments (in India) when I longed for the comforts of home, but the feeling passed quickly as we moved on to our next destination, another adventure around every corner.

Today as we sit, ironically, in one of my favorite cities in Europe, I just want to be on my own couch in Athens. We arrived to our Airbnb apartment in Florence, Italy, yesterday, a 14^th century flat with a view of the Duomo. Sounds magical, right? Well, there’s no hot water. Normally, I can last a few days without a shower as evidenced in our recent WWOOFing exploit. But this time, I just lost it. After a six-hour drive and dragging our bags on the cobblestone streets through the crowds, my calm, laid back traveler’s attitude was shot. I want a flipping hot shower!

My crappy attitude is commonly known as traveler’s burnout, and I read about it many months back when first researching our trip. Although it was nearly impossible to fathom at the time, I knew there was a good chance the malaise would find me one day. When even the most beautiful sights, sounds and tastes cannot pull you from your frustration or somber mood, it’s time to re-evaluate.

And I know you are thinking, wah-freaking-wah. You are on a trip AROUND THE WORLD. Get over yourself. Yes, I hear you. I’m screaming that to myself as I type this.

So, what to do? First things first, I thank my good Lord above for this amazing opportunity. I know only HE made this whole thing happen. And I am so deeply grateful. What we are experiencing, the good and the ugly, are treasures of a lifetime. There, already feeling a wee bit better.

Next, I walk the streets alone and try to wrap my brain around the history of this place. When Leonardo, Galileo and Donatello were making Florence famous, our country was not even yet discovered. Mind. Blown. Gazing up at the monstrous Duomo just brings my little life back into perspective.

Lastly, I’m going to do something I love. I’ve managed restraint (almost) every day when Luke gets a gelato, but today, I’m indulging. One of the finest treats in all the world is on every corner in Florence, so I’m going for it. One cold scoop and already my smile has returned and I’m ready to tackle whatever comes our way on the rest of this crazy adventure. From the rut to the ledge indeed. Glad I managed not to fall off!