Love!
A Strong Affection for Another.
For a family member, a friend or a partner. They say home is where the heart is, and friends are the family we get to choose.
The Object of Attachment, or Admiration.
I love walking. Setting out with a location in mind, and sometimes just going. Many of us in the United States do not walk as much as we should. We walk on treadmills staring at a wall or television, but I’m talking about in the great outdoors. Where the calories burnt is just a bonus.
I love losing myself. It’s not because I am a guy and refuse to ask directions. I like to lose my way on purpose. I find more secret places and surprises that way. Even Manhatten, with its predominantly north, south, east west layout once you get north of Houston, can be fun. Turn a block early or get off your train at a different station. Then explore your way to your destination. Do you always have to take the quickest route?
And then some cities, there’s just no choice. Venice, Mykonos, London come to mind. Venice, because of the canals. Mykonos due to pirates in the past and London, I think they keep adding on without a master plan. Whatever the reason, celebrate. Go lose yourself and discover things exciting and new. In London, use a GPS to get back. In Mykonos, walk downhill, and you will find the water/harbor. Venice, follow the signs to S, Marco or Rialto.
Warm Enthusiasm, or Devotion.
I Love water. A pond, stream, river, waterfall, lake, sea or ocean. Although my days of roasting are behind me, I still love to dig my feet into the sand.
I have a crush on the sound of running water. Raindrops through a canopy of leaves, a trickling fountain or a babbling brook, they all make me happy.
I’m wild about architecture. Old, new, Baroque, Renaissance, in ruins or one piece. How did they dream that up? How did they make it happen? The Greeks had indoor plumbing in 1400. Not A.D. but B.C.
How do you build a pyramid over 450 feet tall without cranes? Discover how the Romans deliver fresh drinking water to towns miles away from the source. Ever wonder how the French and English build churches with soaring roofs and heavy domes?
And in this day and age of lasers and computers, answer this. Why can’t we rebuild the Athen’s Acropolis as well as the original builders?
What Do You Love?
Think of all the reasons to plan a trip. You want to spend time with loved ones.
Or to do things you love to do. Hike, bike, boat or hurl yourself down ice-covered mountains.
To immerse yourself in happy things like art, history, literature, cuisine, wine or just learning a new language.
To seek out new life and new civilizations.
And along the way, take time to love yourself. Take a nap. Eat at a table instead of a desk. Use the good china. Get an all-over massage. Can’t afford that, get a foot massage. Buy one nice new piece of clothing or comfortable shoes.
Then go love the world.
“See Spain” Continued on Page T8 “Taste Italy “ Continued on T14