After The Trip Is Over

We're back with big decisions to make.

VOL. 3 ... No. 105. June 4, 2025.

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Howdy Humpsters,

(A Humpster is a groovier kind of Humper. Kind of like a hipster. I’ve decided y’all are the grooviest!)

We are back from vacation in Portugal. I caught a miserable cold that didn’t manifest until I got back to North Carolina. For some reason, KLM/Delta decided to keep the air conditioning on the flight from Amsterdam to “just-under-freezing” for 9-1/2 hours. I should have known something was up when we were all issued blankets and pillows. Even well-padded men were huddled under their covers and crying for their mamas.

In order to keep us sedated and glued to our seats, the kind, pleasant, flight attendants came by every two hours with some serious carbs and sweets — bread, pasta, pizza rolls, cakes, cookies, and some coffee to ward off catatonia.

Near the end of the flight, Stu and I said, “No more! We will not eat another bite.”

Then, we’d see that little cart coming our way, and immediately turn off our binge-watching of Yellowstone. We would lower our trays, ready to eat more. This flight was a learning experience. What we discovered about ourselves is that we are like those experimental lab rats. They will eat cocaine until they die. We will eat carbs until we explode. I shudder to think what would have happened if the flight had gone on for a few more hours.

There will be more to talk about next week when I get rid of this cold. Until then, remember to laugh at the absurdities that come your way each day. You can’t do much about them — except to laugh — especially at yourself.

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A few photos for your pleasure . . .

Bet you weren’t expecting this one! Do people on a plane really have to be told not to flush their socks? Or diapers and hypodermic needles?

We are not the brightest species.

We only had one day in Lisboa (Lisbon). We asked a new friend to direct us to the “Greenwich Village” area cause — ya know — we dig the artsy crowd. We were sent to the Chiado section, which did not disappoint. We had lunch at A Brasileira, a historic coffee house opened in 1905. It had an amazing interior, great food, and two outdoor seating areas. Fernando Pessoa is one of Portugal’s greatest poets and writers. He spent a lot of time at A Brasileira. Here I am soaking up some of his intellectual vibes.

At some point, Pessoa was unable to continue his education, so he became an autodidact.

Doesn’t that sound better than self-taught?

I am also an autodidact for much of my education.

Sounds a little risque, doesn’t it?

From the Boardwalk. A tidal river at sunset in Cabanas de Tavira where we stayed. The pastel colors and stillness were soothing to our souls.

Overlooking rooftops in Lisboa with a view of the bridge. I happily stumbled across this house. I want to know these folks!

Until next time, my friends . . . Obrigada por lerem a Gazeta do Dia da Hump! (Thank you for reading The Hump Day Gazette!)

Janna

Quote Of The Week:

If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears.” – Cesare Pavese