I am back from Italy. The picture above is of the beautiful town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Although the weather was a bit grey during this part of our vacation, the sights, food, fashion, and culture was still spectacular. Italy is a beautiful country with an envious lifestyle. In short, it appeared as though the Italians worked to live, rather than lived to work as so many of us do in North America. Siestas in the afternoon and listening to the Italians' passion for life, family, food, and vino reminded me of what's important in life.
My wife, Andrea, and I traveled by plane, train, automobile, bus, subway, and ferry boat to see as much of Rome, Florence, the Tuscan countryside, and the Amalfi Coast as possible. Mission completed and successful. By chance, we even arrived in Sorrento (Amalfi Coast) just in time to grab front row to the Giro D'Italia cycling race! As a cycling fan, this was a real treat. It was unbelievable to first see the leaders of the race cycle by us at speeds I cannot even imagine riding at on my own. And then to see the remainder of the riders (the peloton) cycle by us in such a tight group before heading up Mt. Vesuvius - a seemingly impossible task on its own - was truly a sight to see as a cycling fan.
I was inspired by the Giro to get back on my bike when I returned home to continue my preparation for my first triathlon this weekend. Unfortunately, jet lag on the way home wiped us out spoiling an additional week of tri-prep. Nevertheless, this week has allowed me to get prepared and I am really excited for my first triathlon on Saturday. Barring a disaster, I look forward to posting some pictures and results when it's over.
Until then ... don't forget to love life and make time for the things you are passionate about.
