“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the guy who will decide where to go.”
“Oh the places you’ll go!” – Dr. Seuss
Here in Southwest France, as in all places that are dealing with confinement orders, life has a definite routine to it. I typically wake around 7:00 a.m., lay there for what seems like several minutes more, asking myself, “What will I do with this day?” It usually takes me a minute or two to face the fact that I’ll probably do pretty much what I did the day before, or the day before, or the day before. Monotony is the new black.
I have been squandering my time a bit. However, emotionally, I think all of us need to squander time a bit. We need to nurse ourselves and our loved ones. Those are the priorities. All the rest of it, we can get to later. Overall, the last two months have taken their toll on my pre-pandemic to-do list.
A small taste of liberty
My heart was torn about whether to try to return to Italia, but it is better to stay put here. Even though I would like to be in Italia to experience the gradual reopening of the country, freedom of movement is still far more restricted. Additionally, the need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon my arrival and challenging travel logistics made me change my mind. As a result, since I’m in no hurry and there’s plenty to see, I decided to linger for a bit and expand my travel footprint. When life hands you lemons, right?
Starting on Monday, May 11, things will change dramatically in France. That is, France moves into its “Phase 2” stage, and many of the limitations on outdoor activities will be eliminated. Additionally, we will have the freedom to leave the house and travel up to 100 kilometers (about 60 miles). 100 kilometers sounds as vast as driving across Europe right now after 8 weeks of a one-kilometer limit. This wanderlust-stricken soul feels like he could be shot out of a cannon! Oh the places I’ll go!
Welcome to the Aquitaine
The area of France I’m staying in is called the Aquitaine region. This recent unexpectedly lengthy stay marks my third visit to this region. I found it because my good friend Maurine decided to relocate here several years ago. It’s steeped in history from Henry IV, populated with a blend of locals and expatriates from around the world, and has a rich agricultural landscape. Additionally, there are strong Basque influences in the region, and Spain’s border is only about two and half hours away, along the Atlantic coast.
I started to plot out a map of just how far 100 kilometers would take me. I found that I can get to a number of towns that have been on my list to visit: Saint-Emilion (yes, the wine region), Bergerac (as in Cyrano de Bergerac), Montauban (nothing too notable, but its sister city is Pawhuska, Oklahoma..really). And finally, the beautiful village of Lectoure. These all made my list. I’m sure I’ll find many more places along the way, but at least I have some destinations planned. Oh the places I’ll go!
I will be renting a car and will likely put that Peugeot to good use as I explore the region. I haven’t had my own car since I moved to Italia 15-months ago, and the freedom will be exhilarating. I expect to find amazing sights and meet interesting people, as I attempt to psychologically nudge myself back to center.
It’s been a rough 2020 so far, but my problems pale in comparison to others. I’m fortunate to be healthy and still here.
We’re not out of the woods yet
There is a lot of continued anxiety and fear throughout Europe, for all of us know that at any minute the numbers can swing and a new phase of confinement can begin again. The pictures from Italia show people slowly moving about the streets and tentatively accepting the freedom to move.
This is really an individual effort going forward. All of us will need to actively participate in preventing another lock down, and it could come back worse than before. Giuseppe Conte, the Prime Minister of Italia, said it best,
“Come mai prima, il futuro del Paese sarà nelle nostre mani. Serviranno ancora di più collaborazione, senso civico e rispetto delle regole da parte di tutti….Non sperperiamo quello che abbiamo faticosamente guadagnato in cinquanta giorni.”
“Like never before, the future of the country will be in our hands. We will need even more collaboration, civic sense and respect for everyone.…We do not squander what we have painstakingly gained in fifty days.”
It’s also important to note what we lost in the last fifty days, not just freedoms and a sense of security, but 100,000s of people. These include, mothers, fathers, children, sisters, brothers, grandparents, lovers, and friends. My heart aches for the grief that was created by these extinguished points of light that have moved on to their next journey. I know the pain. The feeling is recent and familiar to me. Going forward, my mind demands I live responsibly and respectfully among others during this fragile time.
Stay tuned
So starting now, Europe begins to unfold into something new and different than what it was. It won’t be easy, but I’m happy with my choice to be here in Europe during this time. I believe that all will be well “andrà tutto bene.”
For now, I’m going to squander some time and try to enjoy today. I’m going to breathe this remarkably clean air, view these splendid green valleys that surround me, meet remarkable people and visit towns that have outlived all of us by many many generations. Oh the places I’ll go!
What’s the first thing you will do when you have the chance to feel a little freedom again?
Luke
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Excited for the stories of your new adventures! I’m sure you’ll burst out of the gate at mach speed! Enjoy!
Thank you, Linda! Those wheels are gonna squeal! I can take 60 miles and make it stretch! Hope all is well and sending a big hug to you and the family. XOXO
What a beautiful post Luke, thank you for brightening my morning. Like you I watch Italia’s emergence longingly from a distance, our Lucca apartment beckons, but for now we are in California with family…waiting, watching our world as we poke our heads out our doors to see if it is safe outside……..not yet, but hopeful with Europe’s guiding light and lessons learned. We are in a bit of a mess here in the US, as I am sure you are aware.
Thank you! What a nice comment and I’m glad I could brighten your morning a bit. It seems there is a lot of darkness around, but I can feel that it’s just a matter of time before the light breaks thru. Oh I long for Lucca too! That beautiful round central piazza just stole my heart! I’ll be wishing you a speedy and safe return to your home away from home. I hope we do not waste these lessons in vain..there is such a longer road in front of us than behind us, but I think many of us are now awake and doing the best we can do. I have many family and friends all over the US and I send positive thoughts for their safety and resilience. I’m going to include you on the list as well! Wishing you and your loved one in the US and Italy are happy and healthy. Be well and thank you for your kind comment. Andrà tutto bene!
Hello.
Answer to Dr. Seuss’s question is – Yes! 🙂
👍🏻👍🏻 Yes. It’s one of my favorite stories! Thanks for checking out the blog. Be well!
Enjoy!!!
I’m excited to hear about your travels, and see photos. As always… stay safe!
Thank you! We will see where freedom takes me. You be well and stay safe my friend!!
Sounds like staying put for now is the right decision. Glad you’re safe. Stay well.
Thank you! Yes..I agree. I know how much you like Nérac as well, so you know my attraction here. You be well – and sending a hug to you!
So glad you are doing well and now can travel to some off the beaten path but beautiful parts of Southern France. Enjoy!
Thank you, Armine. Yes..these last few months have provided a much needed introspective period, but I’m now ready for some liberties. Travel has always been my healing salve. Hope you are well – and enjoy the weekend!
Glad you’re doing well, Maurine too. At this point still planning Italy in October although we have to be prepared for the disappointment should COVID-19 response dictates otherwise. Crazy times. Stay safe, love you.
Thank you. Yes for now, all is ok. We’ll see how things change in the next few days. Let’s keep fingers and toes crossed. I’m not sure when the EU will open up to tourists again, but if there’s anyone I want to see at the arrivals area of an airport – it’s you two! Crazy times indeed but stay safe and sending a big hug to you, Dan and the girls!
Another beautiful pause for thought! Thank you for sharing your journey!!! I can’t wait to see the rest oh L’Aquitane! Adoro che ricordi i nostri cari perduti. È triste qui. non negli Stati Uniti, pensavo di sapere.
If we could get there we’d do it! Enjoy and keep writing.
Caro Rob…grazie mille per le tue parole belle. Spero di avere esperienze meravigliose da condividere. Negli Stati Unitis, mi sembra che tutte le cose siano cambiate. Per favore…stammi bene mio amico. Luke
Per sempre amico mio !!! Stai al sicuro e continua a vedere il bene in tutte le cose !!!!
Luke, Thanks as always for your wonderful view on life whether it be in Italy, France or wherever! This whole scene messes with our psyche on a daily basis which is not really any fun. Forget the 3 faces of Eve, I am now the many faces of Toni! And YES, we totally need to be cognizant of not taking any steps backwards by just going out and going back to the same ole ways. We need to move forward cautiously to make sure that each move is ok. For you, for me, for all of us! Thanks for this simple reminder…. Keep bringing us whe wonderfulness of your life.
Toni, aww that is very kind of you. Sometimes my view can get a bit cloudy, but I think overall I’m trying to live in the day and let tomorrow take care of itself. This is most definitely a messy time for all of us, and I recently saw a quote “We’re not all in the same boat – but we are in the same storm.” I thought that was very appropriate. No matter what position in life we are watching this unfold, it’s hard on all of us. We do need to “proceed with caution” and remain kind and patient with the world. Andrà tutto bene! Thank you for being part of the wonderfulness of life and be well my friend!
Thanks for the update Lou! Glad you’re doing ok. Yes! Make lemonade out of lemons! I only wish I was able to be there too (although I live in Grass Valley, CA which is a gorgeous place to be stuck). Please be careful and give us updates as you go in your travels! Best to you and those you love. Tammi
Tammi…thanks for checking in and following my posts. Yes..I’m doing OK, which is pretty good all things considered. If I was in Grass Valley – I would be doing ok too. It is a beautiful place, rural and peaceful. I will definitely be on my best behavior and will keep the updates coming. Best to you and your family and be well! Hope you have a wonderful week.
Lucca,
Oh the places you have gone and the place you will go! So glad you had some quality time with Maureen and be safe as you venture out in France and beyond. Go home when your ready… you have to pick up ur new puppy soon!!!
We r looking forward to the simple things like a haircut and a mani/pedi!! A bit of overdue pampering is needed!
Bye for now my friend!
Lisa, thank you! I am very fortunate to have a “partner in confinement’. Today we begin to slowly restart some of the basic things we took for granted. My first task this morning is a 10:00 haircut! Oh the simple things in life. How did I fail to appreciate them before?
I’m looking forward to seeing what interesting places/people I will find along the way…I’m sure we’re all going to have that coming out the cave feeling after 9 weeks.
I’m still working on logistics for the puppy..wish me luck!
I hope your mani/pedi isn’t too far behind mine!
XOXO and sending big love to you girls!
Omg coming out of the Covid cave is a perfect depiction of what comes next. We r all so lucky to be quarantined with ones we love! This is a nutty time for sure. Hope the haircut is good! U would look good bald! Ha ha. We can’t wait for our “gal scaping 2”. Our (Maggie and Marley dogs) are unrecognizable 2.
We love u! Stay safe and miss u tons! Hi to Maurine.
Yes..it’s like the first people who exited after the meteor hit! Haircut was great – looking like a new person. Gal scalping..OMG..I just choked on my coffee! Maggie/Marley probably are wishing for faux extensions now! MIss you and love you bunches! I will send your greetings to Maurine!
All the best! Aquitaine region loos fascinating. Maybe one day I can make it to France after all these years.