Running in Circles

ARUBA

Since my last entry, I have journeyed across six countries – seven if you count Aruba (but I found out it’s actually a colony of the Netherlands... who knew?). During my adventures, I discovered a few more things.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

One, Geneva has been taken over. Instead of cute French swiss, the place is swarming with internationals from all over, especially, those sheiks, princes, and what have you, just flown on their private jets, from Saudi, Bahrain, Dubai, Oman. Not only do they bring their extended families, wives and daughters shrouded in burkas, but they also bring their cars. The streets of Geneva now parade some of the world most ostentatious vehicles - Lamborghini's, Ferrari's, Luigo's and Mario's, all bearing Arabic license plates.

Sitting in the lobby of The Grand Kempinski Hotel waiting for a taxi, I meet the secretary of one such Sheik, who soon greets an elegant blonde. He soon mentions that the Sheik will need... comfort... during his visit. "Oh, of course," she responds in an exotic, refined accent. Mmmmhmmmm, I SEE why Geneva is so nice.

From there, I take a very modest Merecede's, which duly impresses my European friends because it is an automatic! I've never had the privilege of teaching someone to drive automatic. (No, not the left foot!!) On our way to Italy, I necessarily pass through France, where, two, I discover French cops pull over cars by running fullspeed into oncoming traffic - on the highway (!!!) - and then hand out speeding tickets with a “have a nice day!” – smiling and waving. I drive away 90 euros lighter in under five minutes. Very weird. U.S. Patrol-people have a lot to learn. So do immigration officials.

RIMINI, ITALY

Three, it’s more important who you’re with than where you are. (Ok, this was a discovery from India, but bears repeating.) While I had a blast spending the weekend in passionate, open Italy - and had just acquired a train ticket to return there - somehow I find myself on a direct flight to New York City less than 6 hours later. Crazy. Yes, I love, love to travel but my heart was tired. I needed to tell all the important people that they are.

It’s more important who you’re with than where you are. Love goes out to all, my inspiration - who remind me of my ideals, of what's important.