A Nice Touch

As I was walking down the cobblestoned alley back to my apartment this morning, I noticed that one of the two little cafes located there had comfy blue/green checkered blankets draped over each bench at the outdoor tables. Cafe-goers can wrap themselves in cozy warmth while enjoying a drink as the temperatures continue to drop. That alone would make me want to stop for a coffee (even though I don't drink it). I would take much more satisfaction in sitting outside snugly wrapped in a blanket.

Even as the temperatures drop, the sky is still an aquamarine blue and the sun shines for most of the day. It's the little things that get people. The unexpected. I guess if you're expecting something to be great, like seeing the Parthenon in Athens...it will be good, but nothing with too much build-up can really live up to your expectations. For me, the Parthenon was much smaller than I expected, but taking in the Acropolis and seeing the little unexpected temples here and there was much more fascinating.

To enjoy life as much as possible, I think it's important to stop and notice the tiny, generally passed-over things...the changing of leaves, the coursing of a river, a basket of flowers, the beat and rhythm of a song, the taste of a fresh vegetable or fruit...

These things stand out when you're abroad, because the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life is in a different language that I (as much as I try) still can't understand thoroughly. Instead, the dull constants that are familiar become comforting and beautiful. In America, it's easy to get swept up in getting things done as quickly and efficiently as possible. But, sometimes efficient isn't always the best thing. When something is unexpected and takes you away on a different path, it's easier to notice those nice touches.