I didn’t think it would be so easy and so hard. I forgot what it was like to say hello to people with a warm smile. I spend a lot of time at home by myself since the all the kids are in school, so I was looking forward to greeting new people everyday, especially in a new environment.
I didn’t know it would be so physically and emotionally hard to work the conference and expo with my Sister’s company.
Physically because I was up with the sun (not something I EVER do on purpose and the sun comes up in Amsterdam at 5am) and so tired by the end of the day (remember the sun going down at 10pm? yeah…).
Emotionally because I wanted to be a good worker bee, please my Sister and not embarrass her in front of her co-workers and boss, and also because I was away from my family. I have never been so far away from my husband and kids before. I did better than they did I think; I tried to be strong.
I only broke down once.
It was a long, long day of greeting, putting out fires, following directions, and fighting jet lag. I was out of patience and my body was done being brave. It hurt and I was exhausted. I lost my temper and lashed out, then broke down in tears up in the room. I missed my kids, I was tired, I was frustrated, and did I mention I was tired? I really tried to keep the complaining down to a minimum. I think I did a pretty good job. Except that one day. I got the emotions out and had a good cry. I may have freaked my Dad out a little, but he knows how I am. He’s known me a LONG time! Once I let it all out, I’m good. Reset. Move on.
I think I am more connected to my Sister than we both realize because I could feel her tension and frustration. It was palpable. She warned both my Dad and I that until the 17th of June, she was NOT going to make decisions about where to eat or what activities to do until AFTER we got to Florence where she was officially on vacation.
She kept her word. Let’s just say, between the 3 of us not wanting to make a decision, we might have walked around in circles looking for dinner a few times. I’ll never tell.
It felt like we didn’t eat many places, so I don’t know why my pants were tight.
From right to left: McDonalds, Hard Rock Cafe, Sicilia Pizza,
Argentinean Grill, Room Service, Sicilia Pizza
We ate breakfast in one of the restaurants downstairs. They had a breakfast buffet. It was different. Most mornings, I had cheese, a soft boiled egg, and bacon. I tried their yogurt. Um…it was sour. I snuck a couple of bags of chocolate granola out during our stay. I still have one, but I haven’t tried to eat it yet. I think it’s stale now.
Room service was nice. We all ordered Wagyu Beef burgers and fries. It was a delicious burger! Like Kobe beef, very tender and expensive! The second time we ordered in Room Service, Dad and I went back up to our room completely exhausted and ordered two Chicken Caesar Salads; Okura Style. They were unlike anything I’ve had before. Soft boiled egg on top of romain lettuce and “rocket†salad, with chicken. There was barely any dressing. It tasted good, but was weird.
Both times they sent up the cart, it was draped in linens, with sterling silverware and a sterling silver ice bucket. I felt like royalty. Each time there was a flower arrangement on the cart. Orange Gerbera daisies the first time and these gorgeous roses the second time! I kept both arrangements next to my bed. How could I resist?
In addition to the flowers, I also got shin splints. We did a lot of walking. Everywhere.
Next time I’ll tell you about where we walked, until then…
Love and windmills,
