Getting out of our own neighborhoods to explore fresh horizons is good for us. But you already know that.
For me, it’s about traveling to a place where things are just a bit different from home, whether it be climate, terrain, culture, language, food, or approach to everyday life. I hope for moments of enlightenment that come from a shift in perspective and experiences that will delight us years later as we relive them in our memories.
The whole world awaits, but choosing where to go can be daunting - where to begin?
For some, it’s a search for heritage, others might retrace the steps of a famous author or artist, while some follow competitive events. Tired mothers who need a break might choose a beach with Mojitos. Whatever floats your boat, right?
For the first 29 years of our marriage, Bjorn and I limited our travels to North America, mostly roadtrips, mostly with our kids. We camped out in National Parks and ate pizza in every town. There was plenty to do and see for sure, but I still hoped one day to travel in Europe.
Bjorn is not fond of flying. He feels like it’s his duty to keep the plane aloft by sheer will power. Physics has nothing to do with it. So the thought of a 10 hour flight, much of it over water, filled him with dread. So we stayed on the ground, on our own continent.
But then, after 29 years, Bjorn announced “We can go now - I’m ready to die”. This made me very happy. And I knew just where we should go.
The previous year, my choir had performed songs from Light in the Piazza, a musical by Adam Guettal. The lyrics celebrate the city of Florence with vivid affection.
On a central square, the beginning of a kingdom republic.
There were princes, painters, noblemen of logic and art.
Firenze
Leonardo…Michelangelo, the start.
‘Twas a dawning day unfurling from the heart.
The painting of the world we know.
The world we know.
On a central square
In a city made of statues and stories.
It ignited there like a beacon coming out of the dark.
You can feel it, you can follow the spark.
From an age to an age
In Firenze…
It started then and there and here we are.
It’s a new old world to me.
It’s a new old world and we are finally here.
-Statues and Stories from Light in the Piazza
Enchanted by the musical’s portrayal of the city, I promised myself I would go to there someday. And that is why we chose Florence for our first trip abroad. And when I say “we” I mean me.
We went to Rome and then Florence. Captivated by the art and sculpture, we marveled at what the Renaissance had done for humanity. The experience filled our hearts and souls. And it was a song that led us there.
As it turned out, Bjorn really loved Europe, so we have returned several times.
Because Bjorn is a Bach enthusiast and an organist, I thought we should do a musical tour of Bach’s heritage for our next trip. When I mentioned my idea to our choir friend, Jack, a retired airline pilot, he didn’t hesitate: “You should go to Vienna.” So we did. Our goal was to attend at least one concert every day. And we did. Organ concerts, baroque trumpet concerts, chamber music, Bach, Mozart and more.
After Vienna, we headed to Salzburg and then Venice, with numerous stops along the way. I had read an intriguing book about the 1996 La Fenice fire, which destroyed Venice’s 200-year-old opera house, leaving only the exterior walls standing. Eight years later it reopened, restored to its former glory. I wanted to see it first hand and was elated when I was able to purchase tickets for a concert there. The performer was a favorite son of Venice: the charismatic cellist Mario Brunello. He brought down the house and the audience wouldn’t let him leave until he performed two encores. And we got to be there.
Music keeps taking us back across the Atlantic. Over the years, Bjorn and I have sung with the Pops Chorale on tours of Ireland and Slovenia. (You have to go to Slovenia.)
We’ll be heading out for a long awaited adventure soon. It was supposed to happen back in 2020, but the world shut down. And so, like so many others, we have waited years for this trip.
Bjorn and I will be joining the Pops Chorale as we travel to London, then York, and finally to Scotland where we will join with the City of Glasgow Chorus to present a summer concert at St John’s Renfield Church in Glasgow.
Once again, we will see where the music takes us.
Love Florence more than any other European city. Thank you for sharing and reminding me that it has been 20 years since I made only my third trip to Italy and other European countries - the third with my new bride in the form of a honeymoon. I remember fondly standing with her at the top of the Spanish Steps of Rome proclaiming that "We shall return every year" and then we did "return" to the states and found out a couple months later that my bride was pregnant, and we've been busy with a family of three daughters growing through life ever since. Through two busy careers, surviving cancer and big health challenges for the family, hospice performed for two family parents, and lack of time and finances that seemed so available after the nuptials were performed. I now am retiring, and a new page of life invites a return across the Atlantic for sure.
Love your guidelines for choosing locations. Sounds like a LOT of fun, and good way to meet locals too.