travel piece

I've got to write an "article" about my trip to Italy, and I am pretty unsure about where to start. I've got an idea referencing the power of a travel agent, but this was such a unique experience I think it's almost worth just writing something a little less journalistic and a little more about the experience. Vignettes maybe.

The memorable moments of the departure and the subsequent malfunction that led to the flight's cancellation. The young girls who lost all shreds of composure, Sobbing into her cellphone, "I just... I don't even care about going, I just want to be home with you. I will not get back on this plane." The awful smell, the plane banking back towards chicago at such a low and slow altitude. The groans of the hydraulics... this would be no ordinary trip. It was friday the thirteenth, we were scheduled to land in Rome on the ides of march.

The whirlwind walking tour of rome (to and from trainstops/bustops, an apt. and the vatican on no sleep. Crushed in between my girlfriend, my mom and the upity snoot in front of me. Up all night on the plane reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X. Walking the streets of rome, hurrying back to the apartment, feeling like I was dreaming (best "high" i've ever had - au naturale - just a touch of exhaustion), it was amaizing. Crouding onto the bus, the chilren. Aqua, and I held up three fingers. Blissful sleep. Waking up with children staring at me. Fiat ride up the hill. Pat. Dinner with Carlo, Celso, Pat and Pete. "You just want a salad? you've got to at least get some soup."

Perugia.

Todi.

My european jeans, and the tailor on the square. Trains planes and automobiles. Cab ride back to the airport. 20 hours of traveling home. Halfway around the world in one piece.

I kissed the ground. 5 good landings, I only thought I'd need four.

!الحمد الله