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Why Everyone Should be Giving Thanks this Thanksgiving

Why Everyone Should be Giving Thanks this Thanksgiving

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It’s that time of the year again, Thanksgiving. Whether or not you’re American, taking a few moments to think about what you are thankful for is powerful stuff. And not just because I said so, that is also what decades of research have to teach us about finding what for many is elusive – happiness.

Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, lists gratitude as one of the main avenues to happiness. Read the book if you get a chance, but more importantly take the time daily to reflect on a few things that you are grateful for that day. I know some people who write this before bed or discuss it at the dinner table. In any case, the act of practicing gratitude leads to a mental focus on the positives in any situation. As Brené Brown (another researcher and author I’ve enjoyed reading) has noted, it is the active practice of gratitude that leads to happiness, not the happiness that comes first.

I certainly have tried to be more mindful each day, and especially during difficult times, to focus on the many ways I am blessed and fortunate. Even if you are in a less-than-ideal situation, you can still be grateful and even find peace in the moment. With Thanksgiving, for me it is a more formal time to mark the many reasons to be satisfied.

So, what am I thankful for in 2016?

Opportunities for Travel

I truly believe that everyone has the opportunity for travel of some kind even on the most limited budget, but I also realize that I have been especially blessed in this department. Not just for having the financial resources to do so, but also having the flexibility in my schedule to make many trips happen. I’ve been to 9 (!) new countries this year, I think the most I’ve ever visited in a single year, and 2016 isn’t even over yet. Most have been in Europe, but not only. What an incredible gift.

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Living in Europe

Let me just say, European life really agrees with me, ever since I first arrived in Milan just after Thanksgiving three years ago. It takes a bit of adjustment, but the Italian approach to living – from a sweet pastry with your morning cappuccino to an evening aperitivo out with friends – is an opportunity to savor the little moments of your day. Not only that, but distances between cities and countries in Europe are small, and transportation by train or budget airline can be quite inexpensive. For someone who likes travel (and good food) like me, it has been such a wonderful experience to be based in Europe.

Being Good with Languages

Living in Milan I’ve seen many foreigners struggle with learning Italian. Don’t get me wrong, speaking another language takes countless hours of effort and practice, but I’m also fortunate in that I seem to have an easier time learning a new language than most. Even for languages I’ve never studied formally, I have definitely picked up a bit of “Menu French” and “Menu German” in my time living and traveling in Europe, something that can prove incredibly useful in a country where there is very little in English, like Liechtenstein. Anything that makes everyday life abroad and travel just that little bit easier is something to be thankful for.

Experiencing Beauty

I am much more likely to be stopped in my tracks when out in nature – at the peak of a mountain taking in the view, enjoying a colorful sunset, or inhaling the intoxicating perfume of flowers in bloom. But sometimes there are also physical objects of art that are so breath-taking they literally stop me in my tracks. Last year, it was when I saw the Vitruvian Man sketch by Leonardo da Vinci, which was part of an exhibition in Milan. Something about the sheer beauty of the original really stunned me.

This year I have been wowed beyond description by three very different objects, that I am so thankful to have been able to visit:

  • Gutenberg Bible. In January I was privileged to see three Gutenberg Bibles in a single room at the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany, close to Frankfurt. Famous for being at the forefront of the printing revolution, these large books were printed and then decorated by hand, and the three Bibles on display were all turned to the same page so you can clearly see the variations that came with the different illustrations. I was mesmerized and stared at them for quite a while. At one point with the flow of other visitors I was alone (alone!) with the Bibles. The thrill continued as I left to see the other displays on the floor and then came back for another peek. And of course, before leaving, I couldn’t resist and took one more chance to soak up the moment and just experience the sheer beauty of the books.
  • Stradivarius Violins (and Guitars). Like me you may have heard the name Stradivarius in connection with violin-making, or know that these violins are the most expensive musical instruments in the world. But seeing a picture in a book is nothing compared to seeing one in person, or seeing a roomful of them as I did this year at the Stradivarius Museum in Cremona, Italy. The craftsmanship is excellent, and even distinguishable from the other similar violins on display. Something about the sense of proportion and lines and curves creates this incredible, beautiful result that is hard to describe other than to say that something about it is just so aesthetically pleasing. And did you know Stradivarius made guitars as well? Standing in front of any of his musical instruments, I was simply awestruck. And feeling so lucky to be there.featured-dsc_0474
  • David Statue. Many people make the trek to see Michelangelo’s original David statue in Florence, so you are certainly not alone when you see it. Despite the crowds, I had an equally awe-filled time seeing the statue back in September on my third visit as I did on my first visit a couple of years ago. The sheer beauty and craftsmanship is just incredible. It’s not just the details like the veins you can clearly see on David’s hands, but also something about the sense of proportion and balance of the whole that cannot be explained, although the stark beauty is clearly felt being dwarfed by the statue in person.

Opportunities to Grow

2016 has been a year with many professional and personal challenges for me. Sometimes I’ve been absolutely petrified, like when taking on a leadership role in a non-profit organization or when first having my blog go live. But I also remind myself that fear is a sign that you are about to embark on something unknown and challenging. And having these opportunities to blaze new trails or try your hand at something new are really just reminders of being alive. New things to tackle keep life interesting and exciting, and often take you by surprise, which is something to be grateful for regardless of the outcome.

Amazing Friends and Family

Many of my travels and memorable experiences of 2016 would not have been possible without my incredible friends and family. I have been really fortunate to have so many visitors to Milan this year, as well as friends in Milan and throughout Europe that are willing to join me for a crazy weekend adventure or checking out a sight around town. For being a travel buddy, opening your home to me as I travel, and being my most vocal cheerleaders, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!

 

It’s nice to reflect on an entire year at a time and the many things that you are grateful for from that period, but even more meaningful to incorporate a little bit of Thanksgiving into your daily reflection. What 3 things are you grateful for TODAY??

Unexpected Foods to Seek Out in European Cities

Unexpected Foods to Seek Out in European Cities

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I wholly subscribe to my grandfather’s assertion that “travel is an adventure in eating” and enjoying the local food specialties of a destination is an essential part of my travel, especially lately. Living in Italy has given me a even deeper appreciation of the concept, as food here is not just regional (Italy has 20 different regions), but is often particular to a specific town with a traditional dish and a local grape that produces wine that pairs perfectly with that culinary specialty.

While eating local food has its perks, sometimes there is an unexpected food – often from another culture – that has become a typical food of the area worth seeking out during your visit. In Washington, DC where I lived for many years, you may not know that there are both large Ethiopian and Salvadorean populations, making it a prime city for swiping a chunk of injera through a mound of kitfo or sampling pupusas for the first time.

In Europe, several cities I’ve visited also have non-native food specialties you’ll see available everywhere you turn, but with long enough traditions that you can find particularly delectable versions with just a little bit of sleuthing.

Here are some of the foods that have been unexpected for me, and where to find them:

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Amsterdam: Falafel

My first trip to Amsterdam was visiting a friend who was studying there at the time, and I was quite surprised when she told me how excellent the falafel was there. The word may be out already beyond Europe, at least among my DC friends, as there is actually a shop in DC called “Amsterdam Falafel.” So why is falafel so popular in Amsterdam? I honestly have no idea (if you do, please share in the Comments section below!) but whether you’re a vegetarian or not, it is an excellent snack during your time in the city.

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Berlin: Kebab

Kebab is an ethnic food found in many cities across Europe, from Paris to Vienna, so why do I associate it in particular with Berlin? As you can see in my recent Berlin rundown, kebab options are plentiful in Berlin. There is a kebab stand – or several – on pretty much every corner, and you’ll frequently see people walking around with a kebab in hand. And the options and opinions about kebab abound. On my recent trip, I waited in line for over an hour at possibly the most popular spot for a €3 kebab, which was well worth it as the kebab was by far the best I have ever tasted.

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London: Curry

When you think of British food, you’re likely to conjure images of fish and chips, and possibly bangers and mash or shepherd’s pie. If you’ve visited London though, you know that its colonial history on the Indian sub-continent has resulted into curry being an art form, available in excellent renditions all over town. While there are some renowned chains (like Dishoom) in many parts of the city, there is no need to take the tube for ages. In any neighborhood you stay in, there is likely to be an excellent restaurant serving up traditional curry. Do a bit of research or asking around, and then like me, curry will be on your “must eat” list every time you’re in London for a visit or just passing through.

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Stockholm: Korv (hot dog)

You probably don’t know the word korv if you’re never visited Sweden, but calling it a hot dog or even a sausage is a misnomer. Again, like Berlin, korv is available all over town and is a frequently consumed street food. However korv is unique in that the places that really specialize in it don’t just offer one or two versions, but 20 or more combinations of meat and spices to entice the palate. I also appreciated that the “korvspecialists” are really catering to locals, with posted menus only in Swedish (although asking will produce an English recommendation or possibly even a menu behind the stand). In any case, I enjoyed my spicy lamb sausage on a baguette with all of the toppings.

 

What are some non-native food specialties in your city? And what is the most under-the-radar food you’ve sampled somewhere you were visiting? Share in the Comments below.

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