Jennica & Matthew Geddert's Ramblings

Aug 28 Road Weary by Jennica

The effects of continuous travel can certainly take their toll. We are driving a lot. In Canada and the US, long drives are usually relaxing for those not actually driving the car. Here, however, between inadequate and non-English signage and the dense population, two sets of eyes are needed frequently to get from place to place. Down time is spent consulting guidebooks in order to choose the next destination. With any spare time spent reviewing basic mathematics and complex vocabulary for the GRE (an exam for grad school), one is constantly reminded that we are taking a travel holiday rather than a lazy/restful holiday.

Every once in a while we become overwhelmed with apathy. It is impossible, after all, to maintain a constant sense of wonder. When creature comforts are reduced, like cleanliness, stability, and non-sore feet, it becomes even harder to drum up entheusiasm for another church, museum, castle, or palace.

But every once in a while we see something so spectacular that it breaks through our indifference – such as Pompei, driving through remote mountain roads, the beauty of local homes, or a truly magnificant work of art or architecture.

Every once in a while, we are rejuvinated by a slowed itinerary, taking a break, or learning something new and profound. A long chat on the phone with loved ones is comforting, as is a relaxed evening with a bottle from the case Willi gave us (if you don’t have a generous relative who owns a vineyard we suggest you do try to get one).

The best is when we rediscover that inner joy and everything is exciting again. For those times when we are down, I’ve got to tell you – your emails and updates really help. Keep them coming.