This email is coming to you from the plan from Nice to London. Once we get to London we have a 9 hour flight to back to Seattle. Whoa!
And that picture is from the iconic DH Men trail in Finale.
Here’s what I found fun, interesting, or noteworthy this week…
Our NEW YouTube video –
Feeling VERY Sick but on a Mountain Bike Trip… Let’s Ride!
We thought we had a good case of jet lag but it turns out it was more like a car crash flu. I couldn’t get out of bed for a day. I have literally never been sick like that before!
There was a point during the next day that we went riding and I had to stop and take a break on the flat section (not even the up).
Best meal in Finale –
Il Basilico Napoli Pizza
We could only find one certified Napoli pizzeria in Finale, BUT it was so good that we went 3 times in 1 week. Hahaha! When in Italy…
The US way of life is broken (my opinion) –
I feel like at this point in my life I’m pretty well traveled. Both in the US and I’ve been to quite a few places abroad.
What I’ve learned is that most areas of the US (even small towns) seem to value work and production (or hurrying to get things done) over enjoying life and connecting deeply with people. Where the opposite is true in many places that I’ve been lately. Specifically Colombia, Portugal, France, and Italy (outside of the large cities of course).
It’s not that these places don’t get things done, it’s just more important to do things you enjoy and really connect with people than it is to work as much as possible for a (potential) future freedom (retirement).
You can literally feel this from walking down the streets and feeling the energy of the people (assuming you’re in touch with the energy of people and places).
It was wonderful to have the shops and grocery stores closed in the middle of the day and on Sunday’s. Yes, closed!
Having a high quality of life is SO much more important than being able to buy stuff 24/7. I can even wait a couple of days for my Amazon order, I don’t need it next day if the postal person is happy. Happiness is infectious!
Even the service staff in places from grocery stores to bike shops are actually happy to do their jobs in these places. It’s wonderful!
What I hope for you is that if you live in this high stress, hustle and bustle US lifestyle (basically most places in the US)… that you get to travel to these places that value quality of life and get to FEEL what I’m talking about. Go sit outside a cafe with a friend and enjoy a coffee and conversation for a hour (without checking your phone)!
The thing that I think the US is misunderstanding is that when you are happy and fulfilled you actually are more passionate and productive when you do work. Weird! I believe we can have our cake and eat it too!
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That’s what I have for you this week. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and treat everyone you encounter the way that you would want to be treated yourself!
Cheers!
Joe
