Travels with a Humble Narcissist

Do you think the cows care that they live right on the ocean? Do they occasionally lift their heads from the grass, glance around and go, “Wow, what a beautiful view”? Do they brag to the other neighboring cows about their amazing spread? “Hey Bessie, you should have seen the sunset last night OVER THE…

It’s been a while since I have had to share my space. But in thinking about it, I have had to share my space most of my life. I grew up with a big family, so bunkbeds were the thing until we moved to bigger digs. Even then, we had one bathroom for all the…

In the US, almost every small talk conversation begins with the inevitable: “What do you do for a living?” My favorite response so far is, “I’m an escaped prisoner.” That response can make conversations very short or very long. Here, on the Camino, no one one asks your profession. . . or your incarceration status.…

By my nature, I am often lost. I don’t mean spiritually or mentally, I mean physically, I don’t know where I am or where I am going. When you see me, the chances are highly probable that I am heading in the wrong direction. I mention this only because I am walking a trail of…

The Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is, among many things, a Mother F#$%!. The first day, I hiked 22 miles. The second day, 15 miles. Way too far. Way too fast. I am carrying a backpack weighing approximately 18 lbs. It felt like a 1000 lbs. I sent the rest of my…

Aged White Port wine! Who knew they aged fortified white wine? Something for Mad Dog to consider? Traveling exposes you to new experiences that you may not normally have the opportunity to try. Traveling also gives you the excuse to do things you wouldn’t normally consider. I’ll try the Aged White Port, please.

Packed. For the next 3 1/2 months. 55 lbs. of stuff. Everything I put in my bag(s) has to serve multi-purposes to justify carrying it around Europe. . . on my back. I spent the last month getting projects done at work. Fixing up the townhouse. Dealing with insurance and other bureaucracy. Spending time with…

So comes the end of the first phase of my travel adventure. I am returning to the United States to rest and recuperate (I know, from what? Drinking wine and eating crossiants?) for a few weeks. The last month has been amazing. I have gotten to spend time with my daughter as she begins her…

They speak French. Nothing but French. Nary a word of English. They could be talking about the weather, lovers, children, quitting smoking (probably not), or revolution. I have no earthly idea. Perhaps they are asking, “Who is that man drinking sparkling water over there pretending not to be staring at us while we smoke our…