I rarely start a post, write conversationally, and immediately post it. I tend to draft, step away, come back to edit, and then schedule it for some specific future time. (That probably tells you a lot about my personality.)
But it’s Sunday morning in Vienna, and I have the apartment to myself! The dishwasher is running! I’ve handled a few work tasks (invoices still need to be sent! credit cards still need to be paid!), I’ve done some planning for the week ahead, a second load of laundry is running, and now I just feel like… talking.
Every time I write one of these posts, I think of Jeopardy (circa Alex Trebek’s era), and Potpourri. Remember that category? It’s where all the unrevealed clues came back and it ended up being a random smorgasbord of trivia. I loved that category.
Side note: I miss Jeopardy. I have such happy childhood memories of watching the show, and I used to be absolutely giddy when I got answers right.
I guess this post is my version of Potpourri.
BLOGGING A LOT
I’m blogging more than I expected to. But it’s a relaxing outlet and, now that I’ve stepped down from my university role, a bit of a side gig.
It’s also how I process things (and how I document and remember them).
That does translate into a lot for you to read. I sometimes feel guilty about how much I publish because I know people take time to read it, and time isn’t something most of us have in abundance these days.
I fairly regularly have to talk myself off the ledge of “I’m overposting.” And then I shake myself a bit and remind myself IT’S A BLOG. No one is being forced to read these posts!
This is apropos of nothing, just thoughts rattling around in my head.
Two quick mentions:
- Someone reached out via email to say they’ve been enjoying my posts but didn’t want to add to my “workload” by commenting. Please feel free to comment whenever you want; there’s zero pressure, but I always love hearing from readers.
- My frugal posts continue to be a hit. Thanks to Sara who wrote to say she loved reading about how we’re saving money in Europe. She’s in luck… I have a growing list for post #2 🙂
SLEEP APNEA
Pivoting entirely: a few days before we left for Europe, I got my sleep study results.
I have sleep apnea!
I have to admit I was surprised. On the intake quiz, I scored 1 out of 10 for risk factors!
Maybe this explains my constant fatigue, waking up tired (and, recently, morning headaches)? Also, I feel like everyone has apnea these days; I know so many people who’ve been diagnosed in the last few years!!! But, also, I’m inching toward perimenopause and at least once a week have horrible night sweats. So meeting with my GP to talk about HRT is top of my list for when we get back to Canada.
THE JOYS OF BEING A WOMAN.
Unfortunately, because we were leaving the country within days, I haven’t been able to do anything about the apnea. I’m planning to trial a CPAP when we get home. My doctor also mentioned a mandibular device. Both options are pricey, and I don’t have private insurance, so I’ll think carefully about next steps; a CPAP trial for a month seems like the logical place to start.
One downside: my apnea is not positional. That would have been a much simpler fix. Womp, womp.
My doctor also mentioned weight loss, which I’m 100% sure would help, but it’s not something I want to focus on right now. She noted it’s only a permanent solution (for apnea) if the weight stays off long-term, and even mentioned bariatric surgery, which left me scratching my head.
According to BMI (which I mostly hate, but realize it is useful to a point), I’m overweight and within arms-reach of obesity. That said, I’m straight-sized, generally healthy, and now have my hereditary cholesterol issues under control with medication.
In the era of GLP-1s, jumping to bariatric surgery felt… odd. I don’t think she was suggesting it specifically for me (???), but that’s a hard pass (also, I don’t think I’d qualify???).
I’d love feedback from others with sleep apnea. Has anyone used a mandibular advancement device with good results?
PLANNING
I underestimated the logistics involved in exploring Europe. Not a complaint—just an observation. But I feel like half my day can disappear into planning: mapping routes, checking opening hours, figuring out transit. It’s… a lot!
We’re currently planning our road trip, which starts in two weeks. I’m excited and also: IT IS SO MUCH PLANNING.
Here’s the rough idea:
- Vienna (Austria) → Munich (Germany; pick up rental car) → Vaduz (Liechtenstein) → Zurich (Switzerland) | Two nights in Zurich (including a day where Catrina plays tour guide!!!). This day is pretty cool because we’ll be in FOUR countries in one day. Only in Europe 😉
- Zurich → Milan (maybe stopping in Lake Como?) | Two nights in Milan (all the standard tickets for The Last Supper are sold out; private tours are 10x the price… is it worth it??? I did read they release cancelled tickets on Wednesdays at noon, so I’ll keep checking).
- Milan → Nice | Two nights in Nice (we’ll visit Monaco, but stay in Nice for obvious—$$$—reasons)
- Nice → TBD | We’re leaving it open to see what appeals.
- TBD → Munich | Overnight in an airport hotel and then fly to Helsinki for a month in Finland!
The good news: since we’re not staying long in any one place, the adventure is mostly in the getting there.
If you’ve been to Milan, Nice, or Monaco, tell me what I need to know.
TOOTHPASTE
I told you this was random!
Someone commented months ago how fun it can be to buy something like toothpaste abroad, and we finally ran out of our North American stash.
The verdict… not great?
Belle’s take this morning: it tastes like meat (???), liquorice (definitely!), and chest rub (menthol/Vicks). I agree on the latter two, not sure about the former—but it is very different.
What else?
- There’s a woman across the lawn in our apartment complex who sits on her balcony and chain-smokes. We’ve named her Marguerite. I am deeply curious what her real name is. She sits outside for AGES, sometimes in the literal freezing cold. It has become a bit of a daily game to look out and see her.
- We saw another older woman watering plants, dressed to the nines; she reminded me of my grandmother and it made me so happy.
- I am definitely drinking too much coffee. Having a coffee maker is… dangerous.
- I FINALLY got the last document I needed for my personal taxes, but not without way more effort than necessary. Back on February 18th (why yes, I AM keeping track), I emailed payroll at the university. Since I’m no longer an active employee, I can’t access the online system, so it had to be mailed. They said it would go out the following week. Over a month later it STILL HADN’T ARRIVED. The payroll office is literally a 10-minute walk from my house, so it does not take a month to get through the postal system. After multiple unanswered calls, I finally sent another e-mail and received a response (with no explanation, mind you) with a time-sensitive download link so I could access the document and send it to my accountant. ARGH.
- And then there’s the corporate tax situation. Any investment interest is (highly; sigh) taxable and has to be reported. Last year, we had to refile after getting an official document late, and I wanted to avoid that this year. We supposedly have “concierge” banking access of sorts. I emailed over a month ago explaining I couldn’t access the document and wanted to confirm numbers ahead of filing. She replied two days ago with NO APOLOGY FOR THE DELAY. I had gone ahead and worked out my own solution to the issue but it makes me VERY grumpy.
Happier notes:
- Belle is officially signed up to volunteer at camp again this year—very exciting!
- My niece is having another baby… and it’s a boy! They did a gender reveal last night (we were already in bed), but she told Belle in advance. For the record, I called it 😉
- My parents are back in New Brunswick. I felt guilty not helping with the move, but they had amazing support getting packed up in Nova Scotia (including friends who are professional cleaners; that couldn’t have worked out better). I’m glad they’re settled.
- My brother has booked his Airbnb in Helsinki. Ironically, he’s never been to Finland (despite living in Denmark for well over a decade now).
- Things are looking good for us being able to meet up with Coree and her family in Edinburgh!!!
- And plans are coming together for our time in Cardiff where we will be seeing (hopefully lots of!) Rachel and her crew.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Nicole recently mentioned using world geography quizzes to stay sharp, and they’ve been a huge hit in our family during this trip (Indy has offically mastered European countries and capitals). Belle has basically all countries and capitals memorized, but not geographic location.
Our favourite has been GeoGuessr. Highly recommend.
I feel like I have more random things to report, but can’t think of any more right now. I’m going to post twice today because I’m “falling behind” on recaps.
Okay. Your turn:
- Tell me some random updates from your life.
- What’s something you’ve purchased abroad (like toothpaste) that wasn’t well-received?
- And any feedback on sleep apnea?
- Thoughts about hidden gems (or must-see things) in Milan, Nice, and/or Monoco?
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I thought it might be apnea! Snoring nor required. My daughter developed it again , even after her tonsils and adenoids were removed a few years ago. She snored then, but not now. The CPAP has given my daughter more energy for the day, better sleep at night, and fewer accidents ( though i don’t think wetting the bed is among your issues!).
I think her CPAP and accessories cost about 1800 dollars (US). The mask is pretty comfortable, and there are a variety you can try. I will probably buy replacement parts through amazon- the mask insert cost 32$ there,versus the insurance billing $200. (I might have read the invoice wrong.)
Sorry about the toothpaste. I am so picky, I’d probably just use baking soda and not risk weird flavors. Why can’t they just make plain mint?
I would LOVE to have more energy. Overall, my sleep feels pretty good and consistent, but I basically never (ever!) feel rested. Like a handful of times a year?
I’m so glad your daughter has had such great results. I hope it continues to stay on okay? I know you had to help her adjust it/get it back on in the night and that’s important for the insurance coverage.
Ugh. I HATE the taste of baking soda, so that’s a hard pass for me. I don’t hate the new toothpaste but it’s definitely VERY different from what we’re used to. The kids will survive and it makes it all more memorable, right?? 🙂
My first thought when you mention Milan is to ALWAYS keep an eye/hand on, and know where your purse/phone/etc is and especially if random people start talking to you, then they might want to distract you while stealing your things (been there done that, sadly). On the positive side, don’t miss strolling in what is called Zona Brera. Milan is ugly but has some really beautiful areas and this is a pretty part of the city centre with beautiful little streets and shops, NOT to be missed. The shops are very fancy and expensive but you can always stop for coffee! And if you’re a coffee drinker, coffee is extremely cheap in Italy (although, probably a bit more pricey in Milan than in Abruzzo)! And, go through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, just next to Piazza Duomo, it’s a beautiful shopping centre that takes you from Piazza del Duomo to the Piazza della Scala with the famous theatre. This square is also sort of the start of Zona Brera. There’s lots more that is pretty if you want to walk around… I used to love the walk from the city centre on Via Torino and towards the Navigli, depending on what way you choose. Fairly close to this area there’s also a nice street market on Saturdays, on Viale Papiniano. A city like Milan has a street market somewhere almost every day and if you’re interested in that, just ask someone in a coffee shop or at a tourist office about where to go.
Sorry about this long ramble! I was an au-pair in Milan many years ago and have a love-hate relationship with the city but it gives me tons of nostalgia.
I hav ZERO desire to go to Milan, but our daughter REALLY wants to go to Italy and Milan is not nearly as far out of the way as Rome would be.
Good reminder about pick-pocketing. Thankfully, we’ve never had an issue but I know in general Italy is notorious for this and this will help me remember to be extra careful!
Fun updates!! Well, except for the sleep apnea part. The idea of you needing bariatric surgery is preposterous! You definitely are not even close to being “obese”, by any stretch of the imagination, omg.
I am also a little surprised/impressed at how much you’re blogging! I had that thought the other day but then thought, actually, it makes sense- it’s the perfect little outlet (solo!) when in the middle of a LOT of family time. Also, I am sure your slightly slower pace (with a longer trip) than you would be keeping on a regular, shorter trip helps allow a bit more downtime as well. I’m selfishly glad you’re keeping up with the blog!! 😉 I had wondered if you’d go radio silent for long stretches over there and then I’d miss you. 😁
I can’t really do any other activities other than explore, read, and blog! It’s a weird new reality which I really enjoy but it is unusual!
Bring on the random! The great thing about blogging is that there are no rules: you can write as much or as little as you want.
On the one hand yay for the diagnosis on sleep apnea, but what the heck on the comments about weight and bariatric surgery??????????? I don’t even know how to process that. Just in case anyone hasn’t seen a picture of you or met you IRL, you are not a large person. I did a quick google which is of course not a substitute for medical school, but my read is that most people with sleep apnea are not overweight. Hmmm, seems like there is more to the story here. But in any case, researching the options and picking the best device for you will be money well spent.
Meat toothpaste!!! Good times.
My random thing is that now that the weather is better I can literally travel anywhere, so I have a whopping case of decision fatigue and can’t decide where to go. I’m taking it as a sign to stay home for a bit until my next destination chooses me.
I mean, I definitely do have weight that would impact apnea BUT the mention of bariatric surgery threw me for a loop. Maybe since it was a tele-health appointment she forgot my proportions???
Yay for nice weather. It is cold and wet here in Vienna, but we’ve had really nice weather up until the last few days, so I’m not really complaining 🙂
Comment about Nice/Monaco: go by train (TER train). Monaco is 100% walkable and not that expensive when considering the average worth of its citizens.
& Maybe print-out or search for the Formula 1 itinerary, definitely fun to check out 🙂
We went by car. It’s a mountainous area and the route from Nice is an experience ☺️
We didn’t have problems, but it is a small area and overall I agree, it may be less stressful going by train (we were without kids at the time).
We will be taking a train/bus from Nice! Definitely not driving in and around Monaco!!!! But very exciting to visit.
Yes, we plan to stay in Nice and “commute” to Monaco. DEFINITELY not driving there. It sounds like it’s a very quick train or bus ride from Nice. We’ll go at least once, maybe twice. Monaco is a HUGE draw for our family because we love Formula 1. They’re also on an extended break because of the unrest in the Middle East, so maybe we’ll spot some drivers out in the wild!
I love your travel posts and all the unusual things you find.
I was wondering why you plan to visit Vaduz? We stopped there to break a trip, but my experience was it’s a small town that is nice to stop off in if it is on the way, but not somewhere I would make a detour to. Maybe consider for on your way back to Munich ( if going that way). Also check the traffic situation at the Gotthard tunnel if going that way to Milan.
Grasse, about 40 min from Nice is famous for perfume production.
Monaco – oceanographic museum and palace, and soak up the atmosphere.
Just looking at your itinerary, was wondering if you had considered doing it in reverse once you arrive in Zurich?
Look forward to your posts 😀
The stop in Vaduz is literally just to say we’ve been to Liechtenstein! We don’t plan to stay long at all (long enough to get a souvenir key chain for the kids). Could also do it on our way to Milan, but a bit less back-tracking if we do it when coming down from Munich.
I DID actually think of going from Zurich to Nice. It’s a long day of driving… but then could circle back and do Milan on the way back. I would love to skip Milan entirely and do Lake Como, but the kids aren’t overly keen. Milan is an Italian city Belle has heard of and she has her heart set on going to an Italian city. Rome would be so cool (John and I have been and loved it), but it’s so out of the way…
Thoughts??
I love miscellany posts!
I’m glad you have an answer for your exhaustion, even if the next step isn’t obvious. Hopefully having forced time before you can take a next step will help give you clarity in what to do. Can’t believe your dr even mentioned bariatric surgery?!? What?!?!?!?!
Your road trip sounds fun! But also so much planning. We’re thinking about taking a road trip this summer – my uncle is having a 70th birthday/retirement party in July and it is a good way to see a lot of the extended family in one place. In theory it sounds wonderful. In practice I already done want to think about the logistics and planning.
Some random tidbits from here:
– There is a noticeable increase in birds singing in the morning and I saw noticeable buds on a bush yesterday in the warmest and sunniest spot in the yard. I’ve also seen a clump of snowdrops and a couple little appoints sticking up from the ground. Spring is on the way!
– I have lost all the newborn/small infant hats we have. How?!?! I have a couple more (unlikely) spots to look, but I’m annoyed for sure. It will still be baby needs a hat season for awhile and I really liked those hats and it’s super annoying to have to replace something that was in good shape and well liked. Argh.
– My parents are visiting and it’s always so nice to have them around!
Logistics of trips are… a lot. The road trip is the last thing really stressing me out (though there are still SO many things to plan… BUT our month in Helsinki should be relatively low-key, so I’m leaving some planning for the UK until that point).
But, it will happen and I bet it will all be great. Sometimes making decisions more last minute removes some options which can actually make the whole process feel a lot easier.
It is SO frustrating to know something exists and not be able to put your hands on it. All the best with the hat search. There might still be some at thrift stores?? Though I know the seasonal merchandise is shifting to spring/summer.
I’m so glad your parents are visiting; some extra hands to help out AND to love the new baby.
BARIATRIC SURGERY WHAT THE FUCK
Sorry, I know you hate swearing, but I think this is justified. BARIATRIC SURGERY. That is WAY too extreme. I have huge feelings on this having two family members who have had the surgery and GUESS WHAT their health is not great, Bob. I mean, if you were anemic before, this is not something that would improve with BARIATRIC SURGERY YES I AM YELLING WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT DOCTOR TALKING ABOUT
I literally had to step away from the laptop and breathe for a few minutes. I am SO worked up about this. What even IS that. That is an INSANE thing to say to someone in your body.
Okay, okay, slightly calmer now. Seriously had to just walk around the kitchen for a moment. Rex is wondering what’s wrong with me.
Now, the sleep apnea, that is something that would explain your fatigue and your 8 minutes of deep sleep per night. Both my brother and dad have sleep apnea and CPAPS have helped them so much. Oh! And of course our friends Michelle and Stephany also have them.
I totally lost the plot of the rest of your post. I saw bariatric surgery and then my head exploded so I didn’t see any more. Hang on.
Oh! I’m glad you like the geography games. I’m working on Africa right now and it’s tricky but I’m getting it!
Well, we’ve now talked about this via text and I think you’re feeling calmer.
But, yes, I am definitely not the target for this sort of intervention.
YES to the deep sleep issue alerted by my Oura Ring (and something that led to me getting the apnea test in the first case). Interestingly, my Oura ring didn’t catch any breathing disruptions, but it sure caught my horrible deep sleep.
I haven’t touched Africa yet, but that is my goal next week. I have Europe DOWN and that feels great. It’s very satisfying. It’s a “game” but it’s also useful knowledge.
Why Milan then? There are several lovely little towns in the north worth visiting and much nicer than Milan. Bergamo for example – it’s a bit north of Milan, there should be trains from Vienna somehow (otherwise flights) and in a lovely mountain area, there is a low/new part of the town for shopping etc and then the old town, “Bergamo alta”, that you can access either walking up the hill or through a cable tram sort of thing, and it’s absolutely stunning. And Como is lovely too!
Our daughter really wants an “authentic” Italian town and I think Milan ticks those boxes since we figured Rome was too far away and Venice is so far the opposite direction.
But you definitely have me rethinking this!!
I showed the kids pictures of Como and they liked it but also didn’t know how much they’d find to do there other than walking/wandering. (I’d gladly skip Italy entirely since I’ve been and I’d rather go for like a week… but Belle REALLY wants to go and I get it Italy is awesome!)
I’m so sorry you have Sleep Apnea! Hopefully you can try the CPAP when you get home, and it’ll do the trick! I’m stunned that your doctor would mention bariatric surgery. That’s beyond ridiculous! My sleep doctor told me that losing weight might help some people, but not everyone, and CPAP is the gold standard. I have an appointment coming up soon, and I’m really dreading it because I feel like I’ve completely failed at CPAP. To be “in compliance” I need to use it for a minimum of 4 hours at night, and I often don’t quite make it. However, during the time I use it, my instances are really low, so I know it helps me. But hopefully it’ll work wonderfully for you! Everyone is different.
Your upcoming plans sound wonderful! I’m so happy you’re inspired to blog often – I love reading about your trip!
I know quite a few people with CPAPs and they definitely sound like a nuisance. But I’m so glad it has been helpful when you’re able to use it.
1. Love a conversational/miscellany post!
2. Thank you for thoughtfully posting health updates. It’s really impactful to be able to relate with an identify with internet friends- especially if a topic isn’t discussed as frequently with IRL friends. So grateful for your thoughtful, measured perspectives to health. ❤️
Thanks for such an intentional and uplifting comment, Maura <3
How do you plan to return to Munich, because if you’re coming from the south then you’ll probably pass close by Liechtenstein. We had a similar motivation to stop there, but it was not quite what I expected.
If you would like to visit an Italian city I would suggest Verona, which is also close to lake Garda, and just a little bit past Milan. You can visit Juliet’s balcony in Verona (Roméo and Juliet) and the arena.
If you don’t have time constraints, how about Zurich – Switzerland/France (Strasbourg/Lyon/Grenoble) – Nice – Monaco – Milan (lakes) (or more time in Italy less in France) – Vaduz – Munich. Venice is about an hour from Verona I think so if you did an extended stay in this region you could base in Verona and easily visit Milan and Venice (Croatia?) before going north to Munich.
We only have a seven nights total. Zurich must have two nights and Nice must have two nights (Nice because the boys both want to go into Monaco probably twice). I want to give Belle two nights in Italy. So that leaves us one bonus night (because by the following Sunday we have to be back in Munich to drop off the car/fly to Finland). So the big question mark is what to do in Italy.
I would prefer Venice, I think, because it’s much more iconic…it’s a bit further driving, but maybe worth it. And Verona is definitely a place I’ve always wanted to visit! Thanks for all these suggestions and for allowing me to bounce ideas off you!
I’m really curious to see what you do as you’re visiting many of my favorite places!!
I’ve only been to Venice by train but as you may/may not know it’s not possible to take a car in the city, so you would have to find somewhere to park it. Venice is iconic but can also be very crowded, but most Italian cities are. We were there around Easter time and it was cold and damp. I was there without kids, but your kids seem open to explore.
Maybe look to see what there is to do in both cities and see which best fits your family? I think the smaller cities in this region (also Bergamo as someone else mentioned) will give you a better taste of Italy.
One thing to keep in mind is that the whole area you’re planning to visit is a mountainous region, so roads will be going up, down, around and through mountains (even if they are motorways). You may find driving more tiring than you expect …
Have a great time – it will be a memorable trip!
Yes, we are looking at places outside the city that have free parking. We’re used to walking places and Venice has that in spades. Literally a city to be walked (and boated) through.
I’m curious about the road trip too, haha! It feels very “unplanned” compared to other things we’re doing in Europe, but that’s part of the fun. Right???
We have booked our car (very small! a VW Golf), our accommodations in Zurich and just outside Monaco (ended up being cheaper than staying in Nice and we’re walking distance to Monaco… and can just do the reverse trip to Nice via train that we had been planning).
[…] In an effort to not get too behind in recaps, I’m posting twice in one day! […]
I will second the advice about being very very vigilant about pick pockets in Milan – because I remember a seasoned traveler work colleague who had such an incident. I have heard that Milan is “the arm pit” of Italy (in the unflattering sense). When I visited I was as surprised at how the apartments all had fencing and that they faced inward to courtyards not visible to pedestrians on the streets. A favorite memory however was going to a local family type restaurant on a Sunday evening and watching multi-generational family members so relaxed and enjoying an evening out. The pasta was amazing and the pizza also delicious but very different from American pizza.
I definitely recommend some time in Lake Como if you can manage to fit that in. It was magical.
Eeks – the “arm pit” of Italy is definitely NOT flattering. I’ve only been to Rome and Florence and was definitely warned about pick pockets in Rome.
Lake Como looks stunning. I’m just thinking about how to keep everyone happy… maybe Venice would be a better option than Milan??
I think potpourri still posts are what made me love blogs so much! Little bits from life and thoughts and all that are just the best! Even if I am haw a nightmare about meat-flavored toothpaste tonight, haha! Congrats to your sister and family!! Something random from my way is that I’m feeling a slightly disproportionate amount of pride in timing our bread for the week being done baking with picking up my daughter at her dance class; the bread came out to cool one minute before my reminder to leave for dance. Small wins!! Sending you all the fun travel thoughts and so enjoying your posts!
I am literally brushing my teeth right now and… it’s growing on me. (I do NOT get the meat reference at all, to be honest. But 100% yes to liquorice and Vicks chest rub).
Having the timing on something (like bread! timing matters SO much) work out is a huge “small” win. Also, FRESH BREAD. Can there be anything more delicious?
My Dutch friends always brought back salted black licorice and while I am a fan of American black licorice, the salted stuff is not my jam! Also, Turkish Delight is not delightful.
Random updates: I can’t find green beans anywhere (I went to FOUR grocery stores), the dog got a bath today, and it’s forecasted to be 70F/21C tomorrow, but maybe ten inches of snow on Thursday. Huzzah!
Danes also LOVE it (and Finns) and I think it’s disgusting, but I won’t yuck their yum, so I just politely decline. (Between you and me: SO GROSS).
What’s up with the green beans? Is this like toilet paper pre lockdown????
Spring weather is nuts. It felt like -6C here a few days ago and next weekend it’s supposed to be 20C and sun.
G has a mouthguard for sleep apnea and it works for him, but I know it doesn’t always work for everybody.
For Milan, the Duomo is a must-see. We went onto the roof, which I felt was worth it. There is so much to see up there. John will love taking photos of the architectural details. Panzerotti from Luini in the area. Galleria Victtoria Emmanuelle II is also a beautiful shopping arcade near there. We took H shopping (she was 17) along the Corso Beunos Aires, Milan’s longest shopping street. Great for window shopping too, if that is of interest. I don’t love shopping when we are traveling but H was keen and likes browsing. I managed to snag tickets to the Last Supper when we went (we were there at the start of the trip and missed that day but managed to work out when they would be on sale for our half day in Milan before we flew out). I don’t know whether with the four of you, the cost of a tour would be worth it. It would depend on your interest level, and the kids.
Nice – walk along the promenade to the Colline du Chateau – great views from there. Vieux Nice is gorgeous we had mutliple trips there. There was a little fresh pasta shop there where we picked up ravioli Nicoise and a pesto sauce to make for dinner. Maison Auer, a historical chocolate and sweet shop the kids will love, Promenade du Paillon, a linear series of parks with fountains and playgrounds. Includes Place Messena and a mirror fountain. You must try socca from a street vendor.
I think we might pivot… and do Venice instead. Very touristy but also, ICONIC. And Rome just isn’t in the cards this time because of the distance. We might pop into Milan for an afternoon, but I think we’re moving our sights to Venice after some less-than-enthusiastic feedback about Milan 🙂 (I am a hard pass on shopping. Unless it’s thrift stores, which I’m thinking would be slim pickings in Milan).
Thanks for the suggestions for Nice! We ended up booking a place last night IN MONACO (cheaper in the end), but we’ll go into Nice at least once via public transit.
OMG, thank goodness Nicole said everything I had to say about Bariatric Surgery, because WTEF. Something that impacts your bodies ability to absorb nutrients for the rest of your life? And by the way, doesn’t always work? (A good friend who had probably 150lbs to lose had it, and it worked for a few months, and then she gained it all back. So now she feels gross and has trouble getting nutrients, and still has 150lbs to lose.) I am shocked that you are even in the overweight category via BMI, because you are not big at all. Ahem.
I think the mouth guard MIGHT be an easier lifestyle adjustment than CPAP, but I haven’t tried either. My BIL tried the mouth guard and it started to shift his jaw forward and changed his diction, so I might check into that issue and how common it is. FUN.
I’ve only spent a day in Nice. We went to the Chagall museum, which you might love. We went to a Russian orthodox church, which is supposed to be the nicest outside of Russia. We went to the Promenade and spent time watching folks parasail. We were staying in Mougins, which is between Cannes and Grasse. What I would say about the area is that it is beautiful, and there are so many amazing little mountain towns, with medieval villages at the top. I love them. I don’t know the difference between them well enough suggest one over another. We went to Mougins, Cannes, Grasse, and Nice, and we took a day trip via boat from Cannes to St. Tropez, which was a lot of fun. My cousin wanted to see the coastline from the water, is why we went. We also drove over the border into the neighboring towns of Ventimiglia and Sanremo, and the road between Nice and Vetimiglia (sp!!! I cannot spell!) was scary. My cousin wanted me to take video on my phone, the mountains were stunning, but it was too scary for me. Also, driving in Italy is crazy. So many people on motorbikes. You’ve experienced this in Rome, I am sure, so not a surprise for you at all. I wish we had gotten a smaller car. That is a lot of not specific advice, but if you have time, pick a mountain town above Nice/Cannes and check it out, they are beautiful.
I am so sorry for your friend. How horrible! I have to admit I didn’t really know much about the surgery. I think it was an off-hand comment and I didn’t actually take it to heart, but it was SO bizarre. To be clear, I adore our doctor and wonder if it was just a moment of confusion of some sort? Reading off a script about apnea? Also, it was tele health AND 7 am.
I read that often with mandibular devices you have to wear something in the morning to help correct the adjustment done overnight which sounds… horrible. But so does a CPAP. We shall see!
We have a VW Golf which is pretty small. John will be driving 100% of the time, THANK GOODNESS.
what a fun post! I love these spontaneous post to share in the moment thoughts, random but also a sneak peek to your mind. sorry about the apnea situation. My husband probably has it and snores a lot so I have to use earplug to sleep. every doctor we talked to says weight loss is the most effective way and I notice it works as he snores less when he loses a bit weight. But it’s not easy. Hopefully the other solutions works for you.
random thing to share: the white chicken chili I made yesterday seems to be the same as Peruvian yellow chicken as I gave it to my Peruvian colleague and he loved it. As cook, that’s the best praise one can hope to hear.
That food sounds delicious and it’s always so rewarding to have positive feedback after preparing a meal for someone <3
AH! Finally, a possible explanation for your fatigue. The people I know who use a CPAP are really happy with it, because they feel so much better. I’m wondering if my husband has sleep apnea, and I’m going to encourage him to look into it over the summer. I’m not going to comment on the “bariatric surgery” suggestion, because Nicole already swore enough for both of us : )
To be honest, I didn’t love Milan. But that was partially because I was used to Germany and Austria, which have a nicer, cleaner vibe. I did see The Last Supper, but my favorite thing was a day trip to Venice. If Belle really wants Italy, then I don’t think it’s a terrible option for the day. It’s just not the nicest city in Italy.
I’m VERY happy you’re posting so much! I was nervous you would be too busy. We want to hear everything!!!
I think with all the feedback about Milan we will pivot and just go to Venice!!!!
In Monaco, just sit on a bench near a relatively busy street and watch all the fancy cars go by. During our visit we had some time to kill and that quickly became a highlight of the trip. Also, they park very fancy cars in front of the casino. Your son will love being able to get up close to those cars.
YES! Monaco is mostly for Indy’s benefit and to see all sorts of nice cars. It will definitely be one of the major highlights of the trip for him (if not his life)!
*cracks knuckles* Alright, where is this doctor so I can break someone’s nose? To suggest BARIATRIC SURGERY for someone who is straight-sized and not obese in the least is INSANE. I’m going to say this lovingly, but you need a new doctor. Even though I could be a candidate for bariatric surgery, my doctor never suggested it when I got my sleep apnea diagnosis. And my doctors have been very clear that weight is only one contributing factor, but there are MANY thin/straight-sized people who are diagnosed with sleep apnea. Sometimes, it’s just about genetics! I’m really sorry you had to hear such insensitive and stupid comments. Since you are not overweight (the whole BMI system is BS, in my opinion), I would assume it’s not necessarily weight-related.
All that said, being on a CPAP machine has been life-changing and while I know some people hate using the mask, I haven’t found it to be too uncomfortable. (Actually, I sleep way better when I wear the mask than when I don’t.) It’s annoying, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Okay, I LAUGHED out loud at the cracking knuckles. This is so sweet <3
Thanks for such helpful and insightful words.
I am excited to trial a CPAP when I get back to Canada!!
I can’t believe you have sleep apnea. It’s an epidemic— it seems like so many people have it now. I honestly always thought sleep apnea affected two kinds of people: Old, or very overweight. Turns out, that is not the case. Also, how could a Doctor even mention bariatric surgery AND you in the same sentence? I demand a second opinion. I didn’t read others’ comments, but I’m sure I’m not alone.
I recall having to buy shampoo and ibuprofen from outside the country, with good results. Toothpaste that tastes like meat? GAG!!
FYI: I love a potpourri post!
How fun that you’re gonna meet up with your brother and a friend soon. XO
I’m with you—it feels like everyone is being diagnosed with apnea these days?!
It’s fun to buy normal things in a new country. We’ve bought laundry detergent and conditioner and soap and it’s kinda thrilling!
I never watched Jeopardy as a kid, but I love the sound of potpouri! More of this, and we can never complain about too many posts!
Re: the mandible thing, I’ve had a friend use it and report some good results. And i’ve heard lots of overwhelming responses about the CPAP machines.
Personally, I haven’t got sleep apnea, and admittedly have been on some GLP-1’s for weight loss (it was needed), and sleep better since. But that’s also personal to each person, and it blows my mind that something as permanent as bariatric surgery was so casually tossed out there (sharing all the outrage from above). Something else I discovered is that if I have any sugar in the 4-5 hours before bed, then I have really terrible dreams and wake up feeling like ass. So i’ve tried to cut back on my sugar too. I also use the little nasal clip things too that open my nostril passages – I have a deviated septum so breathing through my nose isn’t super efficient, a huge problem when I sleep too.
All that to say good luck for whatever journey you opt to take. Don’t be afraid to trust your gut (pun unintended) and do only what feels comfortable and right for you.
Thanks for the wise advice! I could definitely stand to lose some weight, but also DEFINITELY not via surgery. I have wanted to try a nasal clip.