Best Laid Plans (8.28.24)

Gang aft a-gley.

There is so much to see in Rome that a light day can feel like a missed opportunity. One such day started at 3 am on the narrow street outside our hotel, getting to know the people across the hall because a hotel guest “forgot” there is no smoking. Sleeping in scrambled our plans to see the Roman Forum before the heat set in. And I missed that the wonderful Museo della Forma Urbis – featuring an ancient map of Rome carved into stone – is closed on Mondays. Worse, we only figured that out after making the trek there. Yes, there was a Plan B, but with no taxi stand nearby we had to hoof it in Rome’s oppressive 100-degree heat.

But there were small mercies. Shade on the left side of the street. A lemonade stand. Our route took us past the Circus Maximus – the largest chariot race arena ever built. It was worth the pause for a photo, no matter how hot. Plan B, a second-hand store, lent welcome shelter, and tchotchkes: a linen dress, a Pan Am model plane, a first-generation Commodore C64, a tiny diecast Matra sports car.

Roman holiday rule #1 is don’t fall for the tourist trap restaurants. But Diet Coke and burgers at the tourist trap next door was a great way to cool down and recharge. Still taxi-less, I remembered Rome has Uber, which supplied both a ride and an unforgettable music track. “Dance with Me” by Kevin de Vries provided a frivolous counterpoint to the day, its relentless night club beat and sultry vocals so hilariously out of place that we bopped to it all the way. The welcome refuge of the apartment’s AC beckoned; an afternoon out of the sun, teasing each other while we competed in our favorite iPhone games, enjoying some Italian soda.

We’ve had some great vacation days in the past – seeing sights we will never forget. There are also times in the past when a day like this would have frustrated me. Annoyed at the inconsiderate smoker, dismayed to have missed one of the “must-see” checklist attractions, irritated by the heat, spending good money in Rome with bupkis to boast about but bric-a-brac and burgers. But yet, it was a good day. The family was forgiving of my oversight, was grateful to have a memorable souvenir, and good-natured about the food. We were thankful for Uber, a new song in our vacation soundtrack, and some laughs.

Photo by Jim Wilson on Unsplash

Not every day turns out as you expect. Whether you are on vacation, at work, or having just an ordinary day, your plans don’t always go as you might hope. It’s too much to say all lemons make lemonade – some days truly are crappy. But the day ends eventually, and a new one begins. And if you can find your way to a place of gratitude for small things, other good things might pile on – and you might discover that the unexpectedness of it all is what makes it all the more memorable. I hope you have had some such days – and if so, I wish you many, many more.

Arrivederci, Roma.

J

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