Navigating my way around unfamiliar territory can be difficult and time consuming. Maps and directions can be helpful, but still challenging to use. I try to be extra careful and even when I've checked and rechecked, and think I’ve got it, the circuits in my brain just don’t connect properly. Because of this I really try to focus on my surroundings and using landmarks to help.
My second day in Florence I had booked a full day excursion and needed to arrive at the meeting point by 8:45am. According to Google Maps it was a 11 min walk. I gave myself an extra 30 minutes and still didn’t arrive until 8:44. I got lost quite quickly, within a few blocks of my hotel. With paper map in one hand and Google maps on my phone I stopped and recalibrated to continue on. It wasn’t too much longer I could see I was getting farther instead of closer to my destination. The extra minutes I had given myself were quickly disappearing. I knew in order to arrive on time I was going to need some help and there were no taxis in sight. Drastic measures were needed. I approached a delivery driver, a lady walking by and a random guy sitting parked in a vehicle. Everyone did their best to help with limited English, guiding me a bit further to my destination.
The last person I approached was an older man on a bike. Communication was a combo of Italian, English, some hand gestures and my map. He was thankfully able to point me in the right direction, and off I went again. Thankfully he watched and followed after me when I veered the wrong way at the end of the block, (the street had split, one of those fork in the road moments). I was redirected and made it to my meeting point with a combination of running, jogging and speed walking. I made it just in the nick of time, most likely looking like a crazy tourist along the way.
Imagine being in a different country and foreign city by yourself. Add in massive crowds of tourists almost everywhere you go. It can feel chaotic at times and also have a beautiful flow of movement and synchronicity when you stop to breath it all in and appreciate life and how we all contribute.
In Florence the vehicles move around differently, with pedestrians and traffic merging together at times. Designated crossing areas with lights are available at times, but don't always need to be followed. Pedestrians crossing against lights could be locals or tourists, so watch, learn, have respect and apply common sense.
Awareness is needed as is the ability to make adjustments on the go. Following directions is even more challenging because signage which is usually found on the side of a building can be faded or difficult to locate, or not even present at all. Some streets are straight, many curve or angled and often split into two streets. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells and languages are everywhere.
I remember feeling my anxiety start to climb and stress levels rise as I became aware I was temporarily lost in a foreign city, on my own and the clock was ticking. I also remember feeling a strong sense of determination! It was able to stop and breathe momentarily, making mental and emotional adjustments while in motion and ask for help. It was that awareness and ability to make adjustments along the way that helped me to regain some control over the situation. Setting aside my fear and asking for help numerous times is what got me to my destination.
As I sat on the bus enjoying the relief of having made it and ready to enjoy the day ahead, I thought back to the past 45 minutes. Sparring came to mind right away. Wow, I had made use of the many lessons and tools sparring provides. Stay calm, breathe, assess, recalculate, make adjustments in the moment, be decisive, be proactive and make use of your environment.
I also learned more about myself, what I'm capable of and expanded my bubble. And I practiced my sparring which I know has helped to stretch and strengthen the lessons taught and I've gained more appreciation. Thank you again to my Kung Fu training. Sparring can be applied to many things. An adversary/opponent could be a person, place or thing. It can also be a battle with myself or often all of the above. Having this experience is an expansion of knowledge, perception, ability and self.
*Numbers to follow next week.
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