“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
Thank you for following The Spaghetti Diaries. If you want to follow my blog, please subscribe in the box below. If you like what you read, please share on your social media page or sending a link via email.