Welcome Players! I really don’t like the word ‘vacation’.
It’s kind of depressing to me. The idea that life is so miserable or unenjoyable that you need to dedicate time just to escaping it.
So, vacation is out. “Traveling” is in!
I just returned back from spending 2 weeks traveling in Italy, from hiking in the Dolomites to relaxing on the shores of Sorrento, with a couple stops to see some famous sculptures, artwork, and a former ancient civilization in between.
I am sad to report that unlike some people my entire personality will not be made up of this trip, and no I unfortunately did not get any tattoos to celebrate the occasion.
Instead, I kept a note in my phone about random thoughts that crossed my mind, and made an effort to write them down.
Without further ado, here are 46 thoughts I had while traveling abroad:
when I turn my chair diagonal and cross my legs, the meal is over
Smoking (cigarettes, vapes, nicotine) is the grossest and most unattractive thing a person can do
Community is the key to both happiness and longevity
Americas biggest disservice to its public is not building walkable cities
The quality of ingredients is single handedly the most important part of any nutrition plan
People love to remember the positive things people contributed to history but so conveniently forget the negative
Dairy is a superfood
Eat local, eat in season, and eat fresh
Learn to say please, thank you, hello, goodbye and I’m sorry in as many languages as possible
A smile is recognized the same in every culture
A sign of intellect is self-awareness in a crowd
An Italian espresso is infinitely better than any espresso made in the States
Creativity does not run endlessly
Boredom is a necessary part of growth
The concierge at a luxury hotel is worth the price alone
Ask for a restaurant recommendation, then ask the waiter for a food recommendation, let them pick the wine; sit back and enjoy
Always let the elderly, then women, sit down on public transport before you do
A tour is a 10x better experience than wandering yourself, and a private guide is 10x the experience of a group tour
Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it sure as hell buys convenience
Never count your chips at the table (and don’t look at how much you spent while traveling)
COVID drastically changed the tourism industry (for the worse)
The world needs people who wait in lines
Dressing well invites better experiences
Why do people who live by a beach, travel to places to visit the beach?
Exercise was America’s (poor) solution to an inactive lifestyle
I believe mineral water single handedly cured my exercise and alcohol-induced headaches
Closed mouths don’t get fed
America’s success (and freedom) is fueled by capitalism, be careful for wishing it away
Without incentive for growth innovation becomes stagnant
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day only if you want it to be
Always get dessert
Don’t spend less, earn more
Recommendations are 100x better than anything you could research on your own
Business cards for people is dead, business cards for businesses is very much alive
Having headphones in cuts you off from reality; do so sparingly
Love people, not brands
Culture rules geography, not maps
Not looking for something is often the best way to find it
Posture is a reflection of attitude
Experiences are meant to be shared, not hoarded
Speaking multiple languages is a power-trait
If there is any audible sound coming out of your phone in a public setting (aside from ringing), I hate you
An exasperated Italian saying “Mamma Mia” could win an Oscar
German cars are best driven on winding mountain roads
Bidets are amazing
The United States of America is the greatest country in the world
Ciao!
(I told myself I wouldn’t do that, yet here we are)
- Trainer 01