It finally happened. In early August, after 18 months of relatively steady travel, I finally caught the c-bug. And it knocked me for a bit of a loop. August was largely a blur; sleeping a lot and managing my symptoms solo in my little Missoula apartment. I lost all sense of taste and smell, and things got a little strange for a while. (As always, very grateful for family members in the medical field who could give savvy advice.)
Realistically, it’s a bit of an inevitability, and I’m very glad to now have the natural immunity. It’s amazing what our bodies can do, even if we have to help them along sometimes.
Being sick gave me a lot of time to think. In the last 18 months, I’ve spent less time working in person with teams, and more time staring at a computer screen than ever before. And it’s shitty. Don’t get me wrong — I’m very, very grateful for the ability to be able to work from anywhere, but I’m also a very firm believer in face-to-face work. There’s something about a good, old-fashioned handshake that doesn’t translate over Zoom.
It was also a good reminder to take opportunities while you have them. With a positive test in hand, I had to cancel another stint as the Guest Fishing Director at El Pescador Lodge in Belize. Another trip canceled due to the pandemic. Less human interaction, more time solo in my apartment.
In this age of dehumanization and separation, I realized it’s more important than ever to celebrate those things that are inherently human… Art. Food. Travel.
And so, as soon as I felt well enough to do so, I bought a ticket to Florence.
Why Florence? Why Italy?
I wanted a place totally removed from usual fishing-centric destinations. A place where I didn’t speak the language at all, where I could just wander a city for days, finding my own adventures. Some place with fresh, good food.
Somewhere that would remind me of just how transitory we are.
And so I headed to Florence. I walked miles each day down old cobblestone streets, camera in hand, shooting what I wanted to shoot, not fulfilling a client assignment. I ate gelato every day, and found a new favorite way to cook tripe. I sat under statues that have seen so many centuries pass by; so many pandemics and wars and dramas. I bought coffee and a pastry every morning and sat in the shadow of the duomo, watching the city wake up.
And one day, I booked a ticket to Rome and logged 14 miles on foot, exploring the city. Just because I could.
I’m back stateside now; actually in Austin, Texas, as I write this, for a quick client trip. I’m missing the tastes, smells… the air in Italy. But getting ready for a very busy autumn — three trips / projects coming up in October alone — and determined to make the most of whatever’s thrown my way.
Life is very strange right now. So find the little victories. And keep fighting for those things that make us human.
Amen to the “life is strange these days” statement. But very grateful you are feeling well and were able to experience Florence and Rome! Cheers!
We’ve got to find ways to make the most of it, don’t we?