MONDAY, AUGUST 31
The most surprising thing for both of us was how tired we were…from the moment we got out of bed. And for me, that was at 6:30am. I had a restless night worrying about finding work when we return.
Chloe said she thought it was the year of travel that had worn us out. It’s also the emotions of returning, the mental work going on without us even being aware.
But we did know something major was going on, in every muscle of our slow bodies, including the muscles in our brains. We managed to pick up the much-coveted polka dot skirt at Top Shop for Chloe, and try on some ugly sweaters at Mango. Most importantly, we bought all gifts we needed to take back with us.
Lunch ended up next to Fresh Market where the Grand Canal meets the river.
The day was super windy and walking back to the hotel it felt like we might not make it…the wind was so strong. I looked longingly over at the barge boat homes. “We could do that,” I said. “No way,” said Chloe. I’m grasping for straws. I always want to live on the edge. The constant movement in a boat sounds good to me…not Chloe.
The wind made me think of a favorite Irish phrase, “blow ins. ” Maybe the wind would cause the blow ins to stay. But no, and now it is better to turn a happy face to the future, let the road rise up to meet us.
