The sun is chasing me.
I thought it was the moon but it’s getting lighter and lighter, even though we are flying away. It’s impossible to run from him but I almost wish I was turned around so I could see him following me.
I’m grateful to my two macaroons left. One now.
I’m saving the last chocolate one for the perfect moment.
I planned well.
Traveling home is always fraught with issues. I’d rather it be on the return rather than going. I think. It is nicer once you are DONE to just be DONE but the whole trip was so worth it and lovely that it can’t even disturb me.
Only slightly did it disturb me when I was hangry.
The last three weeks have felt like some sort of weird summer camp.
The CEO Kaizen, feeling so strong and capable. Getting MVP, a funny summer camp award that had no meaning but was appreciated and made me smile.
Flying to Zurich with my work bestie.
We snagged seats together – premium economy is SUCH a flex – and thoroughly enjoyed our time. I made her watch The Drama and we had a long discussion about it, and I… I can’t remember what I did. I read a little. Oh! I actually slept. At least 4 hours. I was shocked. Thank you half-Tylenol PM.
We arrived and immediately rallied to go down to the lake. We said – let’s NOT tell anyone because we can’t be “social” right now and then promptly ran into 3 co-workers at the train.
The first one was my old direct report and we got confirmation – after reading the ALL HANDS email command meeting for the next morning – that a long-time employee was let go. It was time. But the drama of it. No one got any work done that next day.
The other two were more benign (and had no clue what had just happened in the office) and M took us down to the lake and suggested a spot for dinner.
We weren’t quite sure if he wanted to hang out with us or not but luckily (that’s kinda mean, I love him) we were left to our own devices. We really loved that walk on the lake and dinner without anyone else.
The entire week was a rush.
I covered it in an LI post and it really was so much fun. Exhausting but fun.
That Friday evening we said NO and protected our time with A – we needed the 3 hour wine and gossip session and OH did we enjoy it. So good.
Plus, A and I had another 1.5h before that to gossip.
The hours we have now spent together… We got in a 4m hike on Saturday with this beautiful view. It cracked me up, this adorable German couple came up and said, in Switzerland, it’s custom for empty seats to be shared – and we are not Swiss but can we sit down? haha – They were so cute. We had a lovely conversation.
I was SO tired. Day drinking is tiring so we said we were going to go back and nap but promptly we decided to get going after a shower and quick 20m and enjoy the last day (for her!) and together.
Oooh, the weather was beautiful.
We knew what we wanted. We wanted to sit down and stare at the lake.
We made some very questionable decisions.
We had way too intimate of talks. Having discussions about if there is one person for us in our lifetime or multiple. Getting her perspective and then asking her why in the world she just got married when she feels that way – so interesting.
Worldy too and very accepting. Made me think.
I’m so sad she moved but happy she is still around and hopefully we get to travel to Zurich more. And basically take over everything. Some day.
My Dad was so funny. He was determined to go see me in Zurich even if I told him it wasn’t a great time. But I said I would save Sunday for him, so save it I did! Poor Ryan, he seemed a little tired and annoyed from traveling with him the last 3 days. They saw some awesome sights.
I wanted to say, treasure this time! But he will have to learn that on his own, I think.
We spent 2 hours at the heavenly spa – my favorite. Dad said he was coming back and bringing Cindy.
We did a brunch spot that Dad wanted to go to which was fun.
We did the chocolate museum.
I had to laugh, for some reason, Dad had to go back to his hotel twice inbetween all of this. I had my backpack, change of clothes, was ready to go… but… anyway. Probably why Ryan was a little tired!
We went back to his hotel room to rest for an hour and I played a bunch of solitaire and we talked about current events. We then went to my favorite steak restaurant that I went to last time which was called Simone’s.
SO GOOD! It held up! Everything was delicious from the sweet potato fries, to the mushrooms, veggies, and perfect filet.
I said goodbye to them and headed back to my hotel and went to work for 3.5 more days.
That was really productive again. I got to go get drunk with F, which was my #1 main goal for the week. Let’s see if it will work out in the next few months. I made my point and we got to bond.
I helped my teammate run a VERY successful workshop. She did all the work, I just got to enjoy it! Everyone loved it too. Social media is such an easy topic. Everyone has an opinion.
I had dinner with her. We got to have her promotion IN PERSON, which was so great. I want to say I nailed all the 1:1s I setup for myself but one of them was a slight train wreck but I knew the potential going in and I survived it and he apologized after for being a dick – but he’s always a dick so at least I got an apology?
The last evening I was so exhausted and wanted to enjoy the lake one more time but I couldn’t. I enjoyed the sunset from the hotel.
The next morning I worked briefly (had to login on the company IP – ha) and then took off to my train to Lake Como.
I got great advice and switched up my travel right in the middle but I trusted myself and it worked out.
I did have the WEIRDEST thing happen where I was sitting at a cafe, and the waitress was unfriendly and never checked on me so I went in to pay. A guy and – I presume, his wife – sat down near me as I was getting up. I had my suitcase and backpack (on the suitcase) angled behind me as I paid and I turned around because I heard something maybe – and the guy was behind me and had opened my backpack!
I always feel mad at myself after in these situations. I was not strong enough. I was so taken aback. I said something and then he said something in Italian – and said pickpocket – and then behind me his wife came out of the bathroom holding up her wallet like she found it. And then he looked apologetic.
So I think he thought I was pick-pocketing him, no one around us spoke English but it was NOT okay for him to open my bag like that. It was so disorienting and as I turned to the waitress after to be like WTF, she just shrugged.
Made me a little worried for traveling alone but also thankful that I’m smart and had my passport and wallet in my cross-body bag attached to my body!
Anyway, I hopped on the ferry and did the rest of the way (instead of the train!) to Bellagio and found my adorable little apartment.
I was so thrilled with this. I feel like I spent more than I wanted but being alone, I wanted to be in the middle of things, in an easy to get to spot. And this worked out.
I immediately ran out since it was still light and explored. I found Nando, a cute little restaurant in one of the steps and had fish and potatoes. It was so perfect.
I wandered around and had gelato and then sat on my balcony and watched the world go by while I read my book.
I got some great sleep, a 3 mile run before the rain started… got my laundry done – no dryer so set them out to dry before I went on my way. Very thankful I borrowed my Mom’s rain jacket. It was light and perfect for the raining morning. It was just drizzly enough.
I found the ferry and went to Varenna!
It was so perfect. Super adorable. I think I wasn’t in the right frame of mind because early in the morning my boss texted and asked if I could run the CEO sustainement call if I was back. I was not back but he was in a plane delay so if I had to…. It was hard to be in the moment and I wanted to be back in my own little town because the ferry lines were INSANE…
So thankful I had purchased my return trip in the morning and didn’t have to wait in line!
But I ended up not having to do it. Which was nice but I totally forgot about going to visit the flower gardens.
But I did shop, I had the most delightful lunch along with cappuccino – how am i going to stop drinking those?
But once I knew I didn’t have to have the call, I settled in with an espresso martini. While watching the people and the water. The water taxis were delightful too.
I went shopping. Oh! I had french fries at the BEST place. Babayayas or something. The gals next to me were like THOSE LOOK SO GOOD and I made them try some.
I have to say, I had so many of the best conversations this trip. I’m tempted to write them all down but almost every day, I had a memorable 5-10 minute convo that was so delightful. All the travelers are so nice.
The workers, not all of them, but everyone else, yes.
I had wanted to have an ending glass of wine at the place I had the night before but when I turned the corner it was MADNESS.
The 50th Bellagio Wine Festival.
SIGN ME UP.
It was SO FUN!
I met Ethan and Tyler, whom I thought were going to be my new gay best friends but after a short break, I came back and found them, and made a comment and they were VERY offended that I thought that.
It sucked a little because I had to hear some news from home that I couldn’t do anything about. I was proud of myself for how I handled it and asked questions.
And then I went right back out. The one on the right just got dumped 2 weeks ago and we had a very intense and deep conversation about life.
The next day was perfect. I made my way over to Menaggio and I was going to sit down and have breakfast but I kept walking, and walking and walking… I felt like I really wanted to see the beach club I had my eye on and if it was going to be warm enough to warrant the expense.
Oh, it was.
I had such a nice breakfast on their overlook of the lake.
I got my seat out in the front row.
I enjoyed the heck out of everything for 4 or 5 hours.
They had a cute little inlet and I put my feet in the lake to say I’ve been IN Lake Como.
Beautiful and relaxing day! I finished my book. It was perfect.
The book was fantastic too.
I found a very cute restaurant within the walkways and really wanted to get pasta. Just to get Italian pasta but I had to get the steak.
I did have the bread though.
I need to go on such a strict diet after this, ha ha. It’s terrible.
I enjoyed the evening more, I wandered around, continued to make questionable decisions.
Ahh well. I was happy I wasn’t lonely.
The next morning I woke up early and instead of doing a workout, I decided to throw everything in my bag and not wait until 10 to get going.
I grabbed the 830am ferry. Which I was happy because the train was late and I was glad to just BE there.
The train was easy to Milan.
I spent about 8 minutes going up and down stairs to try and figure out the Metro but then said… nah and grabbed a taxi.
Got my room, dumped my stuff, threw on my dress and hit Milan – not running but I got in 20k steps.
Ahhh so lovely! I visited Teatro Allo Scala, and decided to grab lunch. One of the fun conversations that I had been having had mentioned the Rooftop. There were at LEAST three but this one was closer.
Oh, how happy I was. I got the best spritz.
I had the most amazing pizza. Yes, pizza. AND French fries.
The girls I traded taking photos for looked at my meal and gave me the thumbs up. I read a good chunk of my next book while watching all the people visit the Duomo.
That pizza was amazing.
I then had to walk all that off – not possible but at least I tried – and walked through the Parco Sempione which felt like a Central Park knock-off. The music blaring, the people walking, sitting on blankets.
I sat on a bench and read my book to take a break.
I walked back and had another drink at a cafe.
I hung out in the room for an hour or two.
Then hit a 2nd rooftop bar/restaurant for dinner.
OH MY GOSH it was amazing. I sat there for almost 2 hours watching the sunset, the people, and reading. I was too lazy to get up so snapped photos from my table.
But the guy next to me got up and then I made him send me his photo – haha. He had to fiddle with it and make it perfect but it was so nice.
I walked around a little bit more and thought about shopping.
But it was fairly quiet. Oh! I did have my last gelato. Every night! So good.
The next morning I didn’t sleep super great but was up for my 9am walking tour and rooftop visit of the Duomo. I almost tried to change it to the day before but I’m glad I didn’t. Visiting in the morning was PERFECT.
I loved my tour guide. It was just enough info. I took so many great photos and had a good time.
This was on the rooftop and it amused me.
But had to get a photo of the gold Virgin Mary and all the spires. I also lit a candle in the church below. I really do like doing that. The other two churches I toured in Varenna I didn’t have a chance to.
Then have a last breakfast in the square, along with a last cappuccino before heading to the airport.
Which ended up not being my last because I got stuck in the air traffic controller mess of the UK and Scotland for like, the 30 minutes it was having a problem, and got to hang out in London for the evening. Not quite enough time to actually go INTO London given I had to wake up at 5:30am but oh well.
This is why I’m glad I plan so well. I had carted my little cooler around and had my prosciutto and cheese handy. I had the leftover of my macaroons, my beef jerky, and the last packs of my cashews and nuts.
Plus the fact that I always bring (what seems like) 10 pairs of underwear, a change of clothes, and deodorant on the expectation that I was going to get stuck.
So it wasn’t the end of the world. I got to read another book. I got to hop on the first action plan call – and then reassure my newbie for a full hour on things he could work on. Sigh. I warned him starting before I went on this trip was madness but oh well, here we were.
I had some intrusive thoughts of dying the last few days. This trip felt so beautiful in that I was so lucky to have taken it that something bad MUST be about to happen. Because I need to take these opportunities and savor them.
I had so much fun at work and meeting people. I had so much fun by myself and was also a little introspective and reflective and sad. I need to explore it more in therapy.
But I got SO much work done the last 4 hours. I typed this up.
Having the extra day in what felt like to me, the daytime, was productive. Even if I will die a little bit as I’m landing at 10:45am on a Tuesday and oh my god, how am I going to stay up and not sleep? Do I have more coffee.
Help.
The final chocolate macaroon was perfection.
