Dream About Flying

Flying high in the aeroplane over the sea, the mounting excitement of my journey hits me hard and heavy like a change in cabin pressure. The geometric red cross logo of Swiss Air cutting through clouds over the Alps made me reconsider the term "mountains" as we flew over Zurich. Never had I seen such infinite stretching snow-capped delights in all my life.

On the flight, I perused the Swiss Air Magazine and some Italian guide books to glean hints as to how to prepare for this "Euro" experience. While seeing ads for streamline, expensive watches, Swiss chocolates, and the relaxed, laid back European lifestyles, I read about obscure art nestled in Prague hotspots. I felt so addicted already. In fact, I scribbled notes into the blank back pages of my pleasure book so I wouldn't forget all that inspired me as the friendly multi-lingual flight crew patrolled the aisles.

Here are some tidbits I learned while Wagner tunes flooded my free plastic headphones...

A poet of the Czech 'decadent' movement described a scene at the Prague Castle where horse-drawn carriage rides and romantic strolls through medieval cityscapes still exist...

"In the autumn dusk, slightly hazel, the moon is shining with the light of a shaded lamp."

-Karel Hlavalek 

There is also a gigantic circular architectural tower made of books at the city library in Prague...a must see for any nerdy gal. 

I also learned about Prague's Baradov Studios, one of the oldest film studios with beautiful antique equipment.

It seems I need to go to Prague someday.

As an aside, if I ever make it to India, I would love to see the Devi Art Foundation at the Vadehra Art Gallery in Gurgaon where esteemed husband and wife artists Subodh Gupta and Bharti Kher make beautiful sculptures out of Bindi dots and metal eating utensils (separate sculptures of course).

&So my list of "places to go" grows larger and my world expands with every turn of the page of the in-flight magazine. Go figure. I am sure my parents would have been happy to learn that all I needed for adventure was a few glossy feature articles and an aisle seat. 

Lastly, I will leave you with this quote out of an article I read that gives me a feeling of inner peace as I embark on this new and intimidating new phase of my life. I decided upon reading this to follow this philosophy while in Italy...as I will be seeing things I have never seen before and may perhaps never see again...

"Detoxify. Cast off everyday routines. Forget all about roles & functions. Empty the mind. Take that long dreamt of journey into the inner self. Encounter peace & calm. Become not merely still, but unhurried. Take it easy. Marvel."

-Frudi Von Fellenburg-Bitzi

More to come on how I have applied this mantra with fun in Florence, running around Rome, and finally some peace in Parma!