will travel, indeed

In the last 13 days, I've been in Frankfurt, San Francisco, New York, London, and Paris. Why? Some work, some play.





In California, I spent a few days at my 10-year college reunion. (Pictures above, courtesy of my friend Jenn: http://jennsjourneys.blogspot.com/.

I'd love to report that I felt an extraordinary sense of connection to my classmates; that formerly vapid peers have evolved into deeply interesting, thoughtful, adults; that I left the event feeling energized and motivated to change the world -

- but I'd be lying.

There were a few bright spots - seeing dear friends, making a couple new, meaningful connections- but for the most part, I left feeling overwhelmed, insecure, and tired. Ever the optimist, I can't help but think that, as one of the organizers, we could have done more to help people connect more effectively...but how?

After two nights back in London, I was off to Paris. Ah, Paris. On a weekend during which some 50,000 tourists flooded the city for the Rugby World Cup Final, the transit workers were on strike. Seats on the trains that arrived before kick-off (is it even called that?) were £300. That's not a typo: three hundred pounds. With the entire country, apparently, traveling to watch their beloved team play South Africa, it's a miracle I got in at all.

On Sunday, we visited the gourmet supermarket, but of course, it was closed.
At some other stores, I did, however, manage to buy a nice sack of sea salt, a couple bottles of wine, a jar of terrine, a box of dark chocolates, and some lovely French honey. I was smirking at the cleverness of my arbitrage (so much cheaper than the UK!) until I realized that I would have to check everything to fly back. I stuffed all the food and wine in my backpack, put my laptop, iPod, and keys in a plastic grocery bag, and felt sheepish.