Flying. Most everyone seems to appreciate that feeling of loftiness - no strings attached, no obligations to attend to: freedom. Part of the reason I volunteered in the Philippines earlier this year was to lay things aside: a slow-growing business, deadlines, the internet, even friends and family. Of course, we always take some of this with us wherever we go, but now and then, a significant break is warranted. On this particular break, I wanted to fly - to get away, to hop on airplanes around the world, to redistribute my efforts into something physical and tangible. The funny thing is, volunteering is hard work - laborious and exhausting, but so incredibly freeing. I recommend it. Volunteering in a post-disaster area means difficult living conditions, sweat, a little blood, and probably a few tears, too. With All Hands Volunteers on the Island of Leyte in the Philippines, difficult living meant that 50-60 people from around the world shared two toilets; lived in tents, or in
Rome holds so many treasures that I was amazed at how busy I kept during the full three days I spent in the city. While wandering around the town on foot, I found several places where I could to sit with my journal for hours. The Pantheon with a cup of gelato, the Spanish Steps for sunset and a glass of wine, and the Trevi Fountain with a cappucino. Each locale oozed with Italian ambiance. Perhaps a little full of the tourist types, these locations also offer plenty of opportunities to people watch. Even on this rainy day, I found joy in colourful umbrellas and the detail in the fountain's sculptures.
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