Why Europe

Back from a three week trip (journey) that came full circle in Dublin, thanks to Aer Lingus and its no nonsense approach to travel, I have a few more photos and thoughts to share. 

I come home just as the President is being impeached by the House, and Boris Johnson has won a clear majority in his Parliament. 

The political landscape is bleak, shaking democracy at its core and making those of us who still believe in it utterly depressed.

Yet, my European trip restored -- as it often does -- a bit of confidence in what is good in the human made environment.  I saw people handling transit strikes with utmost stoicism, as unions fight to preserve their retirement benefits. I saw people handling a railway breakdown with humor and patience. Mostly, I saw a world that is still in place, a world that values its...people. Europe always strikes me as a place that emphasizes the human scale. I saw more bike lanes in Paris, for instance. I saw pubs where friends and colleagues hung out after work. I saw museums where people linger in front of paintings. I visited a record store where the owner takes his time to consult a customer's list. I visited a charity shop where the manager took the time to note down a band that I recommended she see (The Milk Carton Kids). 

 Charity shop, Manchester, UK

 Used record store, rue des écoles, Paris

 Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris

                                               Pub in Dublin

 Grand Canal, Dublin

Dubliners deal with the harsh weather with a no nonsense approach. I loved the faux fur coat and floral skirt, flat shoes, on the woman above. It's raining but so what.

Meanwhile, back in the US, I talk to the taxi driver taking me from Newark Airport to Manhattan in the snow. I opted for the taxi because the public transit options at Newark are complicated. I learned from my taxi driver that he is not allowed to transport passengers back to New Jersey from Manhattan. Hence, this is his only fare for two hours. He was making a very small wage for his effort.

Nowhere is perfect, I know that. I cannot make the argument that life is better in one place over another. But somehow, I always feel that Europe is more chill, that we can slow down a bit over there, and let our senses linger. It might also be a little more equitable for everyone.