I love this (particularly as someone who gave you lots of Rome recommendations) “the best” is something I have been thinking about. A lot. I think I have 3 different essays in my drafts folder) Sometimes the best is an ok coffee at the train station, or the gelateria with a bathroom & a place to sit. (you already know how to make brodo. I have seen you make it! It just chicken broth 😉)
I feel this HARD. There's so much pressure to do/see/hear ALL THE THINGS but also ALL THE BEST THINGS. Traveling (and watching TV and listening to music and going to the movies) begins to feel like a game, where we're trying to reach some higher level, always, and for what? But it's so difficult to get out of this pattern. Anyway, I hope you enjoy your pasta!
I loved reading this one, and it reminded me of a conversation we had in Paris, while walking to “find” lunch because the reservation fell through (😂), and I (to your horror) admitted that almost all my meals are in places I stumble upon, or tried and true places I return to.
As someone with very strong opinions and guilty of recommending things without being asked, I still find that my best days are the unplanned ones. The meals aren’t always “the best” but the memories are my own. It sounds like that’s what you did with Italy, and it is the best way to go!
(And, echoing another commenter, I bet the brodo you make at home will be better than whatever overcrowded and over-recommended place can serve up on a busy night).
I love this (particularly as someone who gave you lots of Rome recommendations) “the best” is something I have been thinking about. A lot. I think I have 3 different essays in my drafts folder) Sometimes the best is an ok coffee at the train station, or the gelateria with a bathroom & a place to sit. (you already know how to make brodo. I have seen you make it! It just chicken broth 😉)
I feel this HARD. There's so much pressure to do/see/hear ALL THE THINGS but also ALL THE BEST THINGS. Traveling (and watching TV and listening to music and going to the movies) begins to feel like a game, where we're trying to reach some higher level, always, and for what? But it's so difficult to get out of this pattern. Anyway, I hope you enjoy your pasta!
Just back from italy and I can relate SO MUCH to this. Somehow I did not eat cacio e pepe in Rome and phew I am glad it’s not just me :-)
Ooh yes, I can relate! "Best of" lists actually stress me out! I like as few options as possible!! Thanks also for the Quartz shoutout.
I loved reading this one, and it reminded me of a conversation we had in Paris, while walking to “find” lunch because the reservation fell through (😂), and I (to your horror) admitted that almost all my meals are in places I stumble upon, or tried and true places I return to.
As someone with very strong opinions and guilty of recommending things without being asked, I still find that my best days are the unplanned ones. The meals aren’t always “the best” but the memories are my own. It sounds like that’s what you did with Italy, and it is the best way to go!
(And, echoing another commenter, I bet the brodo you make at home will be better than whatever overcrowded and over-recommended place can serve up on a busy night).