This cottage-by-the-sea blog is about “silence, solitude and simplicity, and for people who sometimes like to be alone.” I chat about what’s On My Mind and when I’m traveling, well, travel is on my mind. Sometimes I post on, Solitary Traveler, which usually features lengthier travel articles. Although the two topics are somewhat interchangeable, I try to keep them separate: On My Mind, for general comments, Solitary Traveler, for travel. Sounds simple and obvious, but it ends up pretty random where I post.
Today, what’s on my mind is solitude and as a solitary traveler that’s what I’m always searching for. This trip I’m finding the crowds more exhausting than usual. I don’t need to be completely alone, but being in a pack crossing the Ponte Vecchio does me in. Morning and evening will be my times along the Arno.
Yesterday afternoon I enjoyed a sandwich in the garden of the Casa per Ferie Suore Oblate dell’Assunzione, the peaceful convent where I’m staying. I was completely alone. Blissful. Then I walked to Piazzale M.D. Azeglio to be alone in the presence of walkers and bicyclists, dog owners and friends playing soccer, and with the noises that accompany them. I don’t have to be alone in the garden to feel solitude; I just need space.
Today, what’s on my mind is solitude and as a solitary traveler that’s what I’m always searching for. This trip I’m finding the crowds more exhausting than usual. I don’t need to be completely alone, but being in a pack crossing the Ponte Vecchio does me in. Morning and evening will be my times along the Arno.
Yesterday afternoon I enjoyed a sandwich in the garden of the Casa per Ferie Suore Oblate dell’Assunzione, the peaceful convent where I’m staying. I was completely alone. Blissful. Then I walked to Piazzale M.D. Azeglio to be alone in the presence of walkers and bicyclists, dog owners and friends playing soccer, and with the noises that accompany them. I don’t have to be alone in the garden to feel solitude; I just need space.
This morning I was back at the Café Red in the Felletrini bookstore on the Piazza della Republica. For years I’ve been coming here mid-mornings to write and fuel up on a cappuccino and brioche. Nothing much has changed. Folks are writing, reading, chatting with friends, and attending study groups.
Outside the old men continue to take over the tables for their morning socializing. I recognized a few of them from years past. All this makes me another one of the anonymous individuals that feels at home here.