Don’t Be Like Emily
There was a time when I thought that writers just sat down and the words flowed from their minds unimpeded. Gems of ideas would leap to the page, complete and unaltered. I was in awe of their abilities, and since I often struggled to express myself via the written word, I figured that I wasn’t creative and so I didn’t try. I wasted years believing a lie.
Growing Up, Reading Was My Favorite Escape.
My home life was unsettled and books offered the opportunity to retreat into my imagination. Fortunately, once my father realized that I was a reader, something he approved of, he signed me up for a book club. No Amazon delivery today will ever match the excitement of receiving those monthly packages. I would tear into them and sink into the world of Trixie Belden, Girl Detective, or the Happy Hollisters.
I quickly read my way through Louisa May Alcott and the like. For me, books became entertainment, education, and a coping mechanism. Despite having a love of literature and a pretty good vocabulary, it never occurred to me that I could write. My mother said that when I was five or six, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would announce “an author”. But for some reason, I never tried.
I started college with no clear plan. Once past the general requirements, I began taking a variety of literature classes. Chaucer and Shakespeare were the hooks that led me to declare English Literature as my major. I spent the next 3 years immersed in great works, formulating a plan to earn my Master’s and then my doctorate so that I could live in academia forever. My only hesitation was that I knew my professors had to publish in their field and I was sure I couldn’t write. I often wonder if this was the real reason I abandoned my dream.
Turning Points
Life happened, as it always does, and the years passed. I didn’t pursue my goal of escaping into academia. My path took me in different directions. About twenty years after college and twenty years ago from now, I became friends with a marvelous writer. I would lament my lack of talents and how I just wasn’t creative. She finally got sick of this litany and gave me a gift that would change everything, “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. Using the exercises in this book, I started to sit each day and write for ten or fifteen minutes. Just sit and write. No judgment, no criticism. It was hard but I pushed through. I still believed I couldn’t write, but it started the spark that would eventually lead me to try. Every morning I would rise earlier than the rest of the household and write. I thought that everything I came up with was crap but I figured it was good discipline.
Around this time, I watched a poet speak on PBS. Her poetry was fascinating. Suddenly, I wanted to write a poem. So I did. And then another and another and another. Before I knew it, I had a stack. My same writer friend encouraged me to try and get published. Although I was hesitant, I remembered Emily Dickinson and decided I didn’t want to end up like her. All of her marvelous poems were discovered in a dresser after her death and were published posthumously. Now I’m not comparing myself to Dickinson, but I wanted my work to be read. Fingers crossed, I started mailing the poems out to several small indie publications. Imagine my shock when several were accepted. The chances to participate in local poetry readings opened up, and swallowing my stage fright, I jumped into it.
Over the last twenty years, I started a novel, but discovered I like to write shorter pieces and switched to short stories. One of those was published, too. Scene description isn’t one of my strengths but I love dialogue. It was time to try playwriting. The ten-minute play format has been a Godsend. Short, sweet and to the point. Ten pages and done. Several have been produced but many more have been rejected. Most recently, I started writing short monologues and have had some success there, too. I figure with my love of brevity, I’ll eventually look for a way to say it all with one word! I also compose music and now find myself collaborating with some wonderfully talented musicians as a lyricist.
Reflections
By now, you may be wondering if the entire purpose of this entry is to brag about my successes. Trust me, it’s not. No one is more surprised at the flow of creativity than I am. Why now instead of forty years ago? I don’t know. Sometimes, I regret not creating for so many years. Perhaps I would’ve written crap and given up. I know writers and musicians whose talent and abilities far exceed what I’ll ever have. On good days, I think kindly of myself. On bad days, I consider myself a fraud and am just waiting for someone to discover I have no talent at all.
For all the creating I do, I still have to go to a regular office job. My art hasn’t paid off yet. It may never do so. With each acceptance, I’m over the moon. With each rejection, a little of my confidence is chipped away. So, if I’m not making a living as a writer/playwright/poet/lyricist what have you, why do I do it? Because the words want to come out. The characters beg to speak. The songs ask to be sung. I may never be rich and famous. My plays may never make it to Broadway or songs get published. Even if this is the case, I’ve achieved my initial goal. My work isn’t shoved in some drawer, waiting to be thrown away once I’m gone.
Want to paint? Do it. Want to write, sing, dance, learn a musical instrument? Go ahead. Your vision deserves a place to thrive. My voice has been heard. I can’t wait to hear yours.
Julie Brandon lives in Downers Grove, IL. In between creating something new, she works as an administrative assistant. She’s been known to write at work when no one is looking.
To read more from Julie, check out:
Publications:
Poeticamagazine May 2021: “A Covenant Remembered”
Bewildering Stories: Issue 901 “A is not for apple” 5/3/21
Corner Bar Magazine: 2017 Volume 2 Number 6 “The Last One In”
The Awakenings Project: Spring 2011 Vol. 5 Number 2
Sept. 2009 (Under Julie Paige)
Poetica Magazine, Contemporary Jewish Writing
JUF News - March 2021 - “Pesach with Miriam”
Shemom (print)
Love’s Last Chance (print)
25 Takeaways From 25 Years
Quarter Life Crisis
I turned 25 a couple of weeks ago, hitting my “quarter-life crisis” as many call it. In the weeks leading up to my birthday, several friends and family members proposed questions including “how do you feel about that” and “has the quarter-life crisis sunken in?” My responses to them were mostly neutral, that I did not necessarily have any specific feelings about this birthday that strayed from others. I was not counting down to my first drink at a bar or excited to have a Taylor Swift song named after my age. But I guess I can rent a car now?
I was withholding my true feelings. I held concerns about running out of time to start my career, meet my life partner, feel financially secure, perform in live shows, etc. We’re told that young adulthood is the time to be experimenting and becoming our authentic selves. But there is so much to balance throughout this pivotal period of life that figuring these things out still feels out of reach.
A Turning Point
On my birthday, I took a nice walk around my neighborhood beneath the grey sky that often blankets Seattle, relishing my time alone and the vibrant spring colors around me. I passed a sign on a neighbor’s house that read “Happy 100th Birthday!” This made me smile, as I could only imagine the collection of memories that undoubtedly come with a life of 100 years. I wondered how that person was feeling on our shared day. Were they fulfilled, surrounded by friends and family? Had they reflected on the growth they’ve made over time?
Seeing this banner put things into perspective and allowed me to reframe this milestone birthday I was experiencing. There’s a sense of excitement in inching closer to a sense of true authenticity and independence. Rather than fretting about time running out, I want to reframe my mindset to consider time as abundant rather than scarce. My freedom to live the life that I desire will continue to become possible with age, and I have learned so much that will help me as I continue along life’s journey.
What information have I accumulated throughout my time so far that will serve myself and others in the coming years?
Here are 25 reminders for myself that I have gathered over 25 years:
#1: Active listening can be uncomfortable, as moments of silence will inevitably arise when I am fully immersed in another’s words. Yet this is one of the best ways to authentically communicate and uplift the experiences of others.
#2: Mistakes are normal, and do not necessarily reflect my inner character or worth as a human being.
#3: Providing a meal for myself and others when I am able is one of the greatest gifts to be shared.
#4: Apologies are sacred and saying sorry should not be a routine act. When apologies are warranted, approach them mindfully and with a willingness to vulnerably admit that you hurt another, regardless of intentions.
#5: When I say no to something, it is important to differentiate who is in the driver’s seat -- is it my true desire, or is it based on fear? There are so many times I said no to something because I thought I wasn’t good enough or smart enough to do it, but fear should not be in the driver’s seat!
#6: Time with older family members and friends is a treasure, as they often bring far more wisdom into daily conversations than they are given credit for.
#7: Routine, joyful movement, such as a walk or yoga routine, is one of the keys to catharsis and a sense of calm in the face of daily stressors.
#8: If routines do not feel good, question them! This can especially apply to relationships with other people or societal structures. Many of us do not recognize the deep need to periodically question the status quo, so starting conversations is very important!
#9: Recognizing and calling out structural racism and the oppressive systems in place that perpetually abuse marginalized members of society is necessary in everyday life. There are other people who carry experiences that I may not be able to relate to, and we must hold space to learn about and advocate for others.
#10: Use someone’s name when you address them whenever it is possible. This holds a lot of power and can help people feel respected and cared for.
#11: Embracing natural elements of beauty can be so freeing, such as letting my crazy curls go.
#12: One person or group of people cannot fulfill all of my needs. Leaning on others is a great tool, but also recognizing the strength you hold within can help with self-soothing.
#13: There are so many details worth noticing in everyday life. Simple things like the smell of coffee in an office or the colorful flowers on the side of the driveway can uplift a moment.
#14: Make to-do lists that are manageable. If they are too long and detailed, it will be an everlasting battle.
#15: Making the bed in the morning makes me feel so much more comfortable when I climb into bed at the end of the day.
#16: Taking time to intentionally turn off my phone for several minutes or hours during the day is one way to feel more free.
#17: Learning to trust physical symptoms of discomfort, such as a headache, chest tightness, or chaotic butterflies in my stomach, is a wonderful tool for unlocking my true needs and current emotional state. Tuning into physical symptoms periodically carries so much power in everyday decision-making for me!
#18: Daily rituals that promote comfort and recentering help me feel grounded in the midst of a busy world that prioritizes stress. Ideas include daily meditations, stretching, walking, or journaling, or even having a designated time set aside for watching Netflix each evening!
#19: Confidence is a beautiful thing that can serve in so many situations. Feeling down on myself or constantly doubting my ability to do something can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, distancing me from my true potential.
#20: Tell the people that you care about what you love most about them. Taking the time to be specific about what their best qualities are shows that you appreciate them and see them fully.
#21: When people make comments about areas I can work on, this is not necessarily an insult but rather an observation. Someone recently verbalized that I appear to get easily stressed and indecisive in new situations, and that doesn’t mean I am not a worthwhile person, but someone who is not perfect. That is ok!
#22: Learn how you learn. Because of higher ed, I often want to breeze through learning experiences to fulfill the requirements. But knowing how you learn best and where you can get creative to best acquire information is key!
#23: Using mantras can be a powerful way to pause repetitive, anxious thoughts that interrupt daily activities. Something as simple as “I choose to let go” can be a useful saying to help me recenter and move on to a different task.
#24: There is a life outside of work and school that deserves the same amount of weight that these environments have. My identity does not need to rely on a metric such as grades or paychecks.
#25: I matter. Taking up space to be seen and have opinions and needs is valid and not selfish. I can devote some of my time and energy to those around me, but also deserve time for myself too.
Final Thoughts
Birthdays often prompt deeper reflection for me, and this year was no exception. These annual reminders create milestones amidst days that often pass before I have a chance to be gracious for their presence. There are so many things that I have learned after living for a quarter of a century. While the person down my street definitely has so much more wisdom to offer after 100 years, I feel very proud in recognizing all that I’ve learned in the past 25 years. I encourage all of you to see this wisdom in yourself.
~ Sarah
Thoughts On Returning Back To ‘Precedented’ Times
As I type this, it is 1:00 pm on a Saturday, just over 24 hours after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. The lymph nodes on my neck feel slightly sore, the way they do before a mild cold, and my upper arm is tender. A tiny price to pay for the hope that this shot brings to the horizon. The hope of hugging friends and family without a mask. The hope of traveling to new places and countries, dancing at crowded concerts, and bonding with strangers on a night out. The hope of returning to the good old ‘precedented times.’
While I, along with the majority of people, are bursting with joy at the idea of a pandemic-free world, I also carry with me another feeling. A small but consistent feeling of uneasiness. The fear that all of the lessons, growth, and compassion gained from these painful times will disappear along with the virus.
The Parable Of The Boiling Frog
In conversation with Mr. Patton, an incredible teacher Sarah and I had in high school (who spoke more on this concept in this podcast episode!), he compared the parable of the boiling frog to that of our response to the pandemic. To put this concept simply: if you put a frog in a pot of boiling water, it is enough of a shock to their system to cause them to leap out of the pot unscathed. On the other hand, frogs put in warm water that gradually turns hot will inevitably die, not recognizing the impending danger. And it turns out that humans aren’t all too different from frogs in our reactions.
When something as shocking as a global pandemic hit our system, we acted fast to save ourselves. When COVID-19 was ruled a global pandemic in March 2020, we were in for some very hot, dare I say boiling, water. And as a result, a lot of people jumped from the pot fast. We saw how in the coming months:
Commercials and businesses released statements of compassion and motivation for getting through these difficult times
Insurance companies lowered rates or completely waived fees for virtual therapy
Employers and teachers had more understanding with due dates and assignment flexibility
Many tenants were able to freeze their rent prices and had more time to pay their monthly living expenses
Friends and family scheduled virtual happy hours and zoom calls to catch up more than they had in years
In more ways than one, we saw people coming together and caring for each other like never before. But let’s think about before the pandemic and most likely in the future post-pandemic world, when society’s underlying issues are in, say, luke-warm pots of water. Did we see and will we see the same level of problem-solving as we have in the past year? That’s where I’m not entirely sure.
Since When Did Empathy Require A Global Pandemic?
In conversations with friends and in personal reflections, I found myself asking the question: why did it take a pandemic, or ‘these unprecedented' times’, for people to have empathy for each other’s stories and circumstances? Why did it take millions of people losing their jobs, loved ones, mental health stability, and financial security for people to have a shred of empathy for what their neighbors are going through? Why did we need boiling water in the first place?
COVID-19 didn’t just magically cast its spell on America and conjure up problems out of thin air. It didn’t begin the issues of housing insecurity, unemployment, mental health crises, and racial injustices that we’re seeing amplified across the nation. What I will say is that it sure did fuel the fire with intensity and gusto, and swept up millions of people that wouldn’t have otherwise been affected by such problems. It took the paint that was already cracked and peeling and completely scraped it away from its primer.
4 Ways To Shift The Tone Of A ‘Precedented’ America
But why was the paint cracked and peeling from the start? We can easily blame the parable of the boiling frog, the dark side of human nature, or even our politicians, employers, and leaders for not caring enough. But in reality, I believe that our individual choices, though sometimes tiny and seemingly insignificant, can have a say in shifting the paradigm.
While I don’t prescribe to the belief that it is our sole responsibility to bear the burden of society’s issues, I do believe that the more people that have empathy and care, the more people granted to positions of power will care too. I have hope that the values that were heightened from the pandemic will shift into the workings of our post-pandemic society, but only if we put in the hard work. And with that, here are 4 of the many ideas that I hope to continue into ‘precedented’ America:
#1: Implement Gratitude Practices And Avoid Toxic Positivity
Times in life can be both the best and the worst. You can feel both entirely happy and entirely sad in the same stage or period of life. Life itself is full of dichotomies, and you can honor and recognize both sides of every emotion you are feeling. Some days you might feel like a complete badass, and others you might feel crippled with anxiety. Or maybe a combination of the two. Both can hold space in your life simultaneously.
There is always going to be someone worse off than you and better off than you, COVID-19 or not. There is always a balance between having gratitude for the incredible joys and privileges of your life, while also validating your experiences and not feeling guilty for having negative emotions. There was more space given for both of these practices throughout the pandemic, and I am actively trying to continue them beyond it.
#2: Remember That Access To Public Health Is A Human Right
It should not have taken the high stakes of catching a potentially deadly virus to warrant the need for strong public health initiatives. Whether it’s mental, physical, environmental, or global health, access to health resources and tools is not a luxury: it is an inherent human right. The work in the medical and public health fields was relatively ignored by the masses until this global pandemic, and we cannot let them slip back into the cracks when this is over.
#3: Listen To Other People’s Experiences
In conjunction with COVID-19, and partially fueled by it, we’ve witnessed horrible acts of violence and hatred. From white supremacy groups storming the capital with antisemitism and racist rhetoric, to the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, to the unjust death of George Floyd and other Black Americans, it is evident that there are still so many changes to be made. It is essential to listen to other people’s experiences, give space for the experiences of marginalized groups, and do the work to educate ourselves on how to be better allies and advocates much after the pandemic subsides. Keep reading, listening to educational podcasts, voting, donating, and learning, no matter the state of the world.
#4: Prioritize Self-Care, It Is Paramount To Wellbeing
Before the pandemic, romanticizing the grind, hustle culture, and working well over 40 hours a week was all too prevalent and applauded by our culture. I want to continue the belief well after quarantine and remote work ends that we are so much more than our productivity, the amount of money we make, and the number of hours we clock into the office. Give yourself more time to read, puzzle, make sourdough bread, and watch Tiger King. This is not just a pandemic thing, it should be a normal life thing too.
The Takeaway
With all of these ideas in mind, I want to challenge the idea that returning back to normal, or the status quo, is enough for a happier post-pandemic society. As both a collective whole and as individuals, we must do better. We must be better than what we were before the pandemic. We must not succumb to the parable of the boiling frog.
Maybe it’s wishful thinking, maybe it’s optimism, but I believe that we have the power to shift the compass in the right direction more than we give ourselves credit to.
Reflections While Working From Home
This past year has taken so much from us. Whether you’re missing a loved one, the energy of a crowd on the dance floor, or just a general sense of freedom or security, you are not alone. We are in this together, but working and living behind a screen can feel so lonely. As a student and dietetic intern, the expectations of what my education will feel like have shifted so dramatically, and it is difficult to visualize myself emerging from this academic program.
Will I be able to contribute as a valuable asset in my future career? Will I feel confident and ready to fulfill the expectations of others as part of a professional team? These are the questions I have asked myself since the beginning of my graduate career (hello imposter syndrome!) but the uncertainty of the pandemic has provided a space for these thoughts to amplify.
The Struggles Of Remote Work
I’m so grateful for my family and the safe home I have been able to live and work in throughout the pandemic, but it has been difficult to switch to remote work. The lines between professional and personal life are blurry. My level of productivity in a day has grown closely tied to my worth as an individual because there is less separation between these two aspects of life. If my eyes dart away from the screen to locate a distraction or I get off the couch to give my sweet dog a pat, I can’t help but feel like these ordinary moments of life are time lost or wasted in my quest for competence. Even taking a lunch break can sometimes seem like straying from what I “should” be doing to fulfill expectations.
I realized that my personal worth is so closely tied to my identity as a student, and therefore being a good student equates to being a good person. It’s times like these that lead many of us to question ourselves and the world around us.
But I want to push back on this sentiment. Quarantine has led me to come to terms with the fact that I am so much more than a student. Reminding myself of this has been a preliminary step in my journey towards creating a work-life balance, a balance that realizes the value I bring to the world regardless of whether I completed my to-do list that day or not.
I am a person who brings warmth and compassion to interactions with others. My sensitive spirit expresses through music, tears, or words, and I can often find a sense of beauty even in times of pain or distress. Everyone has qualities like these that bring so much value to the world.
4 Strategies For A Better Relationship With Remote Work
I want to challenge everyone in these chaotic times to see, and I mean really see, who you are. Take time to notice professional or personal attributes that contribute to your identity. Maybe you’re a blogger or a fan of baking. Perhaps you are a parent or a confidant. Don’t these roles carry worth? Strong connections with yourself, others, and the activities that bring you moments of joy will likely leave a more lasting impact than a productive afternoon. And let me be clear -- I don’t want to discredit the value of hard work, but I do want to challenge the toxicity of becoming consumed by it as a marker of virtue.
I’ve tried to actively adopt some strategies into my life to help affirm my worth as I continue to work from home. Some ideas include:
1. Identify Clear and Intentional Work-Life Boundaries
Despite the conveniences of working from home, it’s been challenging to complete tasks in an environment that doubles as my sacred space. One way to mimic the structure of a workplace is to create scheduled time frames for work and relaxation times. Ask yourself: when will my day begin and end? How can I make the most of my work time to allow for true relaxation as well? Planning out your time can help set a boundary and invite you to be truly present in both of these outlets.
2. See Each Day For What It Is, A Set Of Moments Rather Than Something Absolute
We often start conversations with a question about the day. Days are often defined by one word or emotion in our vernacular, which can make it more difficult to appreciate the small moments, especially in the midst of a pandemic. Sharing both high and low points from a day, when able, has been a helpful tool for me to think a bit more positively and recognize my personal contributions regardless of how the workday went overall.
3. Take Breaks, And I Mean Really Take Breaks
This is so simple, but taking time away from a screen to completely unwind might just be what our bodies need to approach a sense of peace. It also allows the chance to interact with another person or area of the room. Try stepping outside, weather permitting, or taking a quick stretch break. Give your pet some love. This has helped me recharge and reconnect with the bigger picture of our world.
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Be Honest With Yourself and Those Who Love You
A new mentor of mine brought up the concept of “humanizing the workplace,” which necessitates recognizing the human experience and giving grace for our imperfections. This is something that our society still needs to work towards, yet practicing honesty and addressing the needs of yourself and others in your life is one way to honor your true self. Even when emotions are not pretty or exactly the version of yourself that you want to reveal, embrace emotions and let them sit as they are.
The Bottom Line
Your level of productivity is not a symbol of your inherent worth, we are just living and learning as we endure these difficult times. I am still trying to fully welcome that sentiment into my heart. So do not be afraid to notice the little moments of life, and please take the time to eat your lunch and appreciate your pets while at home. You deserve it.
And psst...Listen to next week’s episode with our good friend, Lily, to hear more about these themes of identity and self-worth.
My Top 5 Favorite European Cities
Does anyone else miss traveling as much as I do? I mean, the obsessive destination researching, travel vlog watching, looking at old travel photos in your bed at 1 am kind of missing?
I think we can all agree that COVID-19 was a buzzkill for all things international travel. All of the extra time at home this year had me hardcore reminiscing on my time studying abroad in Dublin during the spring of 2019. Like many twenty-something-year-old wanderlusts, I fell madly in love with my first experience in Europe. The culture, the people, the food… my goodness the food… the scenery, the art, all of it was unforgettable. To mutually commemorate the golden days of pre-pandemic travel, I bring you the top 5 cities I traveled to in Europe (not including Ireland because, well, it rightfully deserves its own list):
5. Rome, Italy
If you’ve seen Italy and movies and always wanted to visit it like me, Rome most definitely checked the boxes. Great food, gelato at every block, and stunning cobblestone streets with pastel buildings and picturesque balconies. The historical sights in the city were unparalleled by other European cities. The Colosseum and Vatican Museum are must-sees of course, and if you loved Lizzie Mcguire as a kid like me you have to throw a euro into the Trevi Fountain because it’s truly what dreams are made of. Despite my love for the city, it is extremely touristy and crowded. Expect many street sellers to insist that you buy their bracelets or selfie-sticks, even if you turn them down numerous times. Nonetheless, if you go into the experience knowing the crowds are a bit wild, you can adjust your expectations and remind yourself to stay patient. And if you focus on the beauty of the place you should be okay, as I assure you it is ever-so prevalent.
4. London, England
London was easily one of my favorite trips taken while abroad. I had the opportunity to visit a close friend who was studying at King’s College, and it was a blast having a tour guide to show me around the city. London is a massive city, so I feel like I barely got a chance to see all of its glory in the two days that I was there, but what I did get to see was fantastic. Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Hyde Park were some of my favorite sights and worth taking the time to see! Perhaps my favorite part of the trip was London’s diverse and expansive food scene. I tried dim sum in Chinatown, ate at an Indian restaurant with mouthwatering small plates, and experienced flavors from across the globe at Borough Market. Sitting down to a traditional English breakfast with tea is a necessity as well. All in all, London was lovely, but beware of the priceyness of the city, especially if you choose to eat out as much as we did!
3. Munich, Germany
My experience in Munich was quite a surprise for me, in the best way possible. Not that I wasn’t excited to see Germany, but it was never at the top of my list the way cities in Italy and Spain had always been. I was taken aback by how clean and breathtaking sights of the city were. In almost any direction you looked, you found a new, ornate cathedral or building to explore and snap a photo of. I saw so many people enjoying the outdoors, bike riding, and hanging out in the expansive park settings of the Englischer Garten and Hofgarten. We even stumbled across a group of people river surfing! One of my favorite parts about Munich was that despite how big the city was, it somehow maintained a quaint, relaxed environment. A historical must-see when visiting Munich is to go a little way outside of the city to the Dachau Concentration Camp, especially for someone with a Jewish background like me. Though it was quite upsetting to see such a horrific sight in person, I learned immensely from the experience. The transit to the sight was also very easy to navigate, as was all of the public transit in Munich.
2. Palma, Spain
My first ever solo trip was taken on the Spanish island of Palma de Mallorca, off the coast of Spain (a quick plane ride from Barcelona). This island was a paradise for the solo traveler, and the capital city of Palma was breathtaking. I was very nervous to go to an island off of Spain as my first solo trip; most of my high school Spanish skills have worn off and I had never even heard of the island before doing a bit of research while abroad. But when I arrived on the island and met my lovely Airbnb hosts, I felt extremely safe and secure traveling alone. My favorite part of the trip was taking the bus for about 45 minutes from the city to the Playa de Illetes. Never in my life had I seen water so clear, a magnificent shade of turquoise that glistened in the hot Mallorcan sun. Overall, I preferred Palma over Barcelona by a landslide. It was less touristy and a lot more manageable to explore, while still maintaining beautiful Spanish culture and architecture. I only wish I had a rental car to explore other parts of the island with ease.
1. Florence, Italy
Florence was an absolute dream and takes my number one spot. Picture a city with the beauty and culture of Rome, but more manageable and a little less face-paced. Florence was also quite touristy, but it was more contained than Rome and centered mostly near the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. My favorite part about Florence was the numerous ways to view the incredible cityscape. We climbed to the top of the cathedral, or Duomo, the church’s bell tower, and the Piazzale Michelangelo, all offering slightly-different views of the magical city. My favorite was definitely the Piazzale Michelangelo, as we arrived at the perfect time to see the sun sink over Florence’s horizon. Climbing the hill was also much less taxing on your lungs than the endless staircases of the Duomo. I had the best pasta of my life in Florence made in a cheese wheel, and had the chance to tour parts of the Chianti Region of Tuscany. We visited two family-owned vineyards, a medieval city, and sampled 8 wines and lots of aged olive oil and balsamic. It did not disappoint and is a must-see to anyone craving a dreamy Italian getaway.
Dreams Of Future Travel
I am completely aware that I merely skimmed the surface of each place visited, as I often had to fit an entire city within the confines of a weekend. Nonetheless, I genuinely loved my visits and cannot wait to return to Europe to see more of the beloved cities I grew to love in my short experiences with them! That is, of course, when planes and travel are safe once again.