Concise and Poignant Metaphors

“Il miglior souvenir di viaggio è un biglietto tranviario che una mattina, rivestendo un vecchio abito, troviamo in fondo al taschino del gilet, dove l’avevamo messo mesi prima, in una lontana città e poi avevamo dimenticato la sua esistenza. All’improvvisa scoperta, balza il cuore, quel pezzetto di carta è una metafora concisa e straziante.”

Taking a Spanish Lover: Barcelona

First it was the ancient city of Athens, then it was off to the paradise island of Santorini. Next: Paris, the City of Light and Love. Finally, one week, two countries, and three cities later, it was off to the last destination of my global journey: Barcelona, Spain.

Feeling like a competitor on The Amazing Race, I left Paris on a dreary and cold Friday morning feeling both tired and anxious. Yet despite the gloomy conditions, the outlook was bright: the weather forecast for Barcelona promised clear skies, plenty of sun, and temperatures nearing sixty degrees. After two amazing, but cold, days in Paris, it was fitting that I conclude my break in a city with sun and sand.