Traveling is not just the act of visiting new places. It's more akin to reading a book, where each chapter reveals a new realm to explore, vibrant with untold stories, unexplored traditions, and unprecedented experiences. When you travel with your family, this symphony of discovery doesn't just play solo; it orchestrates a collective harmony that binds, enriches, and transforms you as a unit. Why do we thirst for international travel? This question brings me to a book written by Rolf Potts called "Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel." Potts' guide is a beacon for anyone yearning to explore the world without breaking the bank. Its message lies in understanding travel not just as a vacation but as a way of life. Rather than treating travel as an occasional luxury, Potts proposes it as a lifestyle, accessible to anyone willing to take the unconventional path. It's about blending in with diverse cultures and living out unique experiences, all the while learning and growing as an individual. Our family has shaped our own form of 'Vagabonding', bridging our daily commitments with Potts' adventurous spirit. We don't disappear for months at a time, as we find joy in the rhythm of our daily life. Our version of 'Vagabonding' unfolds each summer. It's a balancing act that harmonizes our beloved home life with global experiences. We bring back more than souvenirs—our worldview expands and our appreciation for human diversity deepens, all seasoned with a dash of adventure (and perhaps a few extra lbs ). As a bit of a thrill-seeker, I yearn for experiences that evoke curiosity, cultivate resilience, and provoke a deep appreciation for diversity. It can be stressful to navigate through the labyrinth of a foreign language or an unexpected downpour. But we're learning together, strengthening our family bond, and crafting memories that we will treasure for years to come. Traveling abroad isn't just an escape for us; it's a classroom without walls. Each journey becomes a living, breathing lesson in geography, history, and linguistics for our children. They learn to be global citizens, absorbing the symphony of human diversity with wide-eyed wonder. Travel's enchantment extends beyond the immediately apparent adventures; for us, it has transformed into a conduit for personal growth. This Christmas, I surprised Rachel with a unique gift—a week-long writing course in Paris with Lauren Grodstein, a published author and a colleague of Rolf Potts. This immersive experience, nestled within the romantic backdrop of Paris, has nudged her further toward her aspiration of sharing her beautifully written novel with the world (which, btw, is really good). Moreover, it has introduced her to a new community of authors, editors, agents, and publishers, connecting her with the world of literary experts. This Christmas gift wasn't just about indulging her passion for writing; it was about empowering her with inspiration drawn from her surroundings. After all, what better place to inspire creativity than the city that brought us works from Hemingway, Victor Hugo, and F. Scott Fitzgerald? While Rachel was in class during the day, the kids and I had a rare opportunity to explore together. We developed a deeper bond than sometimes feels possible in daily life. For those of you that have traveled with kids, you understand the sometimes chaotic but tremendously rewarding experience. While Rachel is nearly fluent in French, my own vocabulary was restricted mostly to 'bonjour,' which made our days without our usual interpreter all the more interesting. Our adventures unfolded with an easy charm. We found ourselves wandering through Paris's eerily captivating catacombs, standing in awe of the skeletal remains that filled our path. Even beyond famous sights like the Eiffel Tower and Sacré Coeur, the city's architectural splendor was magnificent. Paris demands exploration on foot, so brace for plenty of walking and keep an eye out for cyclists, because they are everywhere! The city map pulses with vibrant neighborhoods, each turn leading to bustling shops, delectable cuisine, fascinating museums, and ample opportunities for people-watching. If you're traveling with children under five, remember to bring a stroller. Don't miss out on the city's parks either; Luxembourg Gardens, for example, boasts an excellent playground that provided hours of fun for the kids. Oh, and if you plan a summer trip, it's essential to book accommodations with air conditioning—many places don't offer it. We weren't averse to occasional indulgences, such as letting the kids enjoy McDonald's a time or two, but our culinary journey spanned a vast array of local and international cuisines. From traditional French dishes like steak frites to Lebanese delights and Spanish tapas (Ô Chateau was our favorite of the trip), our palettes were spoiled with incredible choices, often capped off with a glass of wine at a local brasserie. As much as we love travel, our interpretation of 'Vagabonding' is unique to us. It's an approach that integrates our love for our home and community with the allure of foreign cultures and novel experiences. Travel, in our world, becomes a rhythm, a steady beat that complements the melody of our daily lives, rather than replacing it. It’s this delicate harmony between our commitments and curiosities that makes our approach to travel so enriching and fulfilling. We may not be living out of backpacks for months at a time, but each summer our hearts and minds embark on a 'Vagabonding' journey. We bring back not just souvenirs, but a renewed appreciation for the diversity of global culture and our own cherished home. So, reignite your passion for adventure! Venture forth into the unfamiliar. Immerse yourself in foreign lands and cultures. Rediscover yourself and your loved ones through fresh eyes. Let travel transform your perspective. The most captivating journeys don’t just unfold on the itinerary, they unravel within your soul. That is the real magic. That is the journey’s true reward. Your next odyssey awaits.
Artificial Imagination Since Paris is on the mind, I thought I’d task MidJourney to whip up a late night scene in La Ville-Lumière. What do you think? Doesn't it transport you to the heart of France, making you yearn for a warm baguette and a glass of Côtes du Rhône?
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created on MidJourney
Vibe Challenge Initiate Adventure: Set aside a few minutes this week to start planning your next journey. Consider a destination slightly outside your comfort zone. Jot down a list of potential travel dates, accommodations, and activities…and, of course, let your imagination savor the local delicacies. Reflect on how this first step towards planning your adventure ignites excitement and brings your travel dreams closer to reality.
My Weekly Vibe
Movie: The award for delivering a thriller that chains you to your seats for three riveting hours goes to none other than Tom Cruise. The new Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning is as entertaining of an action movie as I’ve ever seen. Tom Cruise actually drove a dirt bike off of a cliff himself during filming—need I say more? I recommend checking it out while its in theaters to capture the full experience. Apparently everyone else agrees, because it landed 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Claude: We all now that we’ll soon, be answering to the AI machine overlords. But until then, we can have some fun and have our own personal assistant with emerging tech in the realm of artificial intelligence. Open AI’s ChatGPT was the OG in this realm, a groundbreaking text-based AI that captivated the tech world when it launched last November. This type of AI harnesses machine learning to generate human-like text, but goes beyond mere conversation. It's capable of understanding context, generating new ideas, and solving complex problems. Its applications range from customer service to coding new apps and beyond. Tech giants like Meta, Apple, and Amazon are creating their own ChatGPT-like AIs. However, a newcomer called Claude, leveraging more up-to-date data and offering similar performance across various tasks, is shaking things up. And….Claude is free, in contrast to ChatGPT's $20 monthly premium fee.
Breakfast: Who says avocado toast is old news? It's a classic for a reason, right? You can jazz it up a million different ways, but here’s one of my favorites. Start with two slices of toasted sourdough slathered with hummus. Then, mash up a ripe avocado with a squeeze of lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of everything bagel seasoning. Layer that on top of the hummus. Crisp up some bacon, poach an egg and pile it all on. Give it a little kick with chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce, and top with fresh greens. Snap a pic for the 'gram , and voilà, you've got yourself a breakfast for champions.
A Case of the Mondays: Ever find yourself stuck up in a bad mood? Research suggests that a quick 20 minute nap may help. So pull a George Costanza - sneak in some under-the-desk shuteye. It may actually help kick the gloom to the curb. Top it off with this cheerful Spotify mix when your boss snaps you out of it, and you'll be bouncing through your day!
George Costanza | Seinfeld
Weekly Muse "It's amazing that the amount of news that happens in the world every day always just exactly fits the newspaper." - Jerry Seinfeld
Real Estate Since most homeowners have no interest in trading in that 2.5% mortgage rate, maybe we should focus on repurposing our existing spaces to be a bit more zen… Minimalism has been hogging the design spotlight in recent years, granting homeowners the joy of crafting harmonious, clutter-free spaces. It's a true exercise in intentionality, rewarding both your living quarters and mental landscape with room to breathe. Let's face it, our homes have become the unwilling hosts to a parade of knick-knacks tucked away in drawers or storage. A minimalist approach involves decluttering and selecting your belongings with care, aiming for a peaceful equilibrium between function and sentiment. By doing so, each object on display tells a more significant story, free from the cacophony of overflowing surfaces. Minimalist design is a visual breath of fresh air. It's all about exchanging chaos for crisp lines, neutral tones, and spaces that invite rather than crowd. Your choices become deliberate, and the whispers of cool woods, natural fibers, and greens call in tranquility. Stick to a soft color palette; select your most cherished accessories; invest in sleek furniture; keep clutter hidden; consider multifunctional furniture; minimize visible tech. Regular decluttering keeps your space purposeful. Start small and it’s likely to keep getting easier, and more rewarding. Minimalism is a design ethos and lifestyle, bringing connection, tranquility, and flexibility. It's about less 'stuff' and more peace. So if the kids aren't on their best behavior, they might just find themselves next to the garage sale sign!
Along the Potomac River just outside of DC, this non-minimalistic compound could be all yours for a measly $49 mil. Just don’t wear your Eagles gear to closing… (Courtesy of TTR Sotheby's International Realty)
Interesting Find Nora M. Spurgin, a renowned psychotherapist, has compiled fascinating insights on the afterlife drawn from research on near-death experiences. No matter your personal beliefs about what comes after death, this compelling piece is sure to pique your interest and provoke introspection. Check it out here: "Insights into the Afterlife: 30 Questions And Answers On What To Expect"
In light of our afterlife discussion, here we are among the dead in the Catacombs of Paris.
留言