Bringing home the perfect souvenir may not be the same for all experiences. One of my favorite souvenirs is something to wear. It may be a scarf from the museum shop with the painting of a famous picture, gloves from my favorite shop in Florence, Madovo’s, or the piece of jewelry I could not resist! What do you like to bring home?
Then there are the items for the home that I have shipped: a rug from Turkey, a vase from Venice or a Masi Woman bust from Nairobi! I loved the bust but had no room in my luggage as it is about 14 inches high and heavy. So it was one of the objections I used to try to talk myself out of the purchase. But quickly I was told they could and did ship it! So if you really want something there is always a way to get it home!
Bringing back something is very important. When you wear the item or look at it you are quickly reminded of your holiday. It is amazing what that does for the spirit. I have bright green gloves and often receive a comment. I wiggle my fingers and say “Florence” with a big smile.
My condo is filled with reminders of my twenty-five years of travel. I can tell you where each one was purchased, but maybe not when! One other ritual I often do is frame a picture from a major trip. And believe it or not most of them are hanging in my bathroom! As it is one place I go every day. I have about a dozen pictures framed and they will go on the wall of my nursing home! When the time comes!
Meanwhile, I continue to gather souvenirs and memories. Actually on my first trip to St. Lucia I said I liked a huge clay cooking pot and to my surprise it was given to me so I brought it home!
I wonder what I will bring back from St. Lucia this time…
AlwaysHarriet 