Do As Much As You Can Before You Go

It’s 6:55 a.m. and I’m heading to the airport at 8 to catch a flight to Orlando. My bag isn’t packed, but a 2 1/2-hour domestic flight is about as easy as it gets.

I got back from Rome yesterday at 4 p.m. after leaving last Wednesday. It was a short stint, but eventful. I spent a night in Rome, took a train to Assisi for a friend’s wedding, got a ride back to Rome, and popped back to Philly.

When I got back, I made sure my car wasn’t stolen, dropped off my dry cleaning, cleaned my house, and went to sleep at 6 p.m. I woke up at 4 this morning and have already run four miles because you will get fat if you don’t exercise under these conditions.

This is the schedule.

However, you will be rewarded with cool moments like this sunset at Terrazza del Pincio.

What I’ve learned – or already knew – is that my proficiencies are budgeting time, following through, and socializing. There were zero errors made during the international trip, and traveling has gotten to the point where I have almost zero anxiety.

That’s not entirely true. I did spend some time wondering why the bathroom didn’t have a toilet seat before eventually realizing I was in the women’s bathroom at a museum by the Vatican. I think they accept that now, but when I walked out, a few people were looking at me funny.

I also booked an extra night at a hotel due to some scheduling confusion and bought a train ticket I never used because I ended up getting a ride instead. So maybe “zero errors” is generous. Let’s call it zero consequential errors.

There are still annoyances. The lady behind me on the return flight must have coughed 700 times. If it were up to me, these people would be moved to a special row where they can all cough together.

The hardest part about these trips is the dehydration and constant moving, aside from the eight hours of constant sitting, which is also hard. I managed to get one run in, but these trips are mostly eating, drinking, walking, sitting, and trying to keep yourself functioning.

Kyle did introduce me to affogato which was delicious and, once again, you get to see some awesome sights.

Now I’m heading to a tradeshow where I have to turn it on again and schmooze with acquaintances I’ve known for the past 20 years. It’s a quick in and out because Evan is getting married this weekend in Philly, and I want to make sure I’m there for the action.

This type of schedule is undeniably difficult and uncomfortable, which is probably why most people wouldn’t make the effort.

But I do believe this is the point of life, so it’s worth it.

Do as much as you can before you go.

With that, I need to pack a bag and head to the airport. There most likely won’t be another post until next week.