The Dolomites
Northern Italy
Christmas in
December 2023
Issue # 2
Happy-ish Holidays
It’s been a long, unsettled, and sad December for me. There has been a lot of hopping around, not a lot of Christmas cheer, and some challenging family dynamics.
Nevertheless, I’ve got another collection of pretty pictures and traveling thoughts to share, so here we go…
Where I am:
Madonna di Campiglio, Italy
Why I'm here:
I like to spend Christmas snowboarding, and I want to do it in the best destinations on the planet. My goal is to visit ten different resorts over ten consecutive Christmases. This year was number seven.
What it's like:
The scenery is unique and breathtaking! It's easily the most dramatic views I've ever seen from a snowboard. Despite a shortage of snow in the region, the slopes are surprisingly well maintained, and nearly all of the pistes are open. The town of Madonna di Campiglio is charming but not Christmassy. It's the biggest resort within the Skirama Dolomiti region (which is on the Epic Pass), but it is a challenge to get here without a car. At the same time, that makes it a more local experience.
Where I’ve been:
Since my last update, I’ve spent time in Washington DC to visit my parents and renew my passport. On the way to the Dolomites I made a quick detour to explore Venice for the first time.
What I’ve seen:
a sampling from my camera roll
What I’ve thought:
[ Seven things on my mind ]
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I'm not entirely sure why I share some personal things online. Part of it is a desire to be seen and accepted, part of it is a contrast to the superficial, another part is an effort to live an honest, integrated life. But every time I post something real I end up feeling like I've disappointed or hurt someone I care about. Yet, others have said they felt less alone after reading my posts. It's starting to feel like a dilemma that doesn't have a solution.
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I finally filled a passport! I've carried that little book to 31 countries across six continents for almost a decade. There are very few things I've had for that long, so I got to thinking: What is my oldest possession? What physical thing has been a part of my life the longest?
Is everyone getting spam texts from Asian women, or am I as special as she tells me?
My invoices now include a note that says, "No tips, please," because tipping culture has gotten out of hand. Turns out it's not that hard to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.
It's hard to see my parents struggling. All I want for them is to feel loved. I try to show up for them, to be present, to offer help, to make an effort --especially this time of year-- and yet, I feel helpless. It's infuriating to watch my dad deteriorate as their beliefs prevent them from acknowledging what's happening or even asking for help... Maybe my responsibility is to learn to love them as they are, not as I want them to be.
The internet today: Want to read an article? That'll be $12. Want to watch a video? Here's a commercial for soap. Want to close a pop-up ad? Have fun finding that tiny little x somewhere. Personally, I want this site to be a place where viewers are respected like curious humans instead of a target for advertisers.
I realize it's cliché, but everywhere I've been in Italy has been super impressive. Rome is a giant museum, Venice is delightfully fascinating, and the Dolomites are wildly majestic. Plus the food is decent, prices are affordable, and the pace is laid back. I gotta say, Italy lives up to the hype!
What I’ve felt:
Belly laughter playing Apples to Apples with my sisters and niece
Deep sadness for my parents
Remarkably out of place carrying a snowboard in Venice
A bit depressed and drained (Dad is sick, work is slow, obligations abound)
What’s in my bag:
[ aka product reviews ]
Mizzen + Main
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I was gifted a Mizzen + Main dress shirt from a client, and it instantly became my new favorite. The best part, for me, is that they are made of moisture-wicking material, so it’s not obvious when I'm sweating profusely. This also means it's noticeably cooler (in temperature and style) than anything I ever bought from J Crew.
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- Secondly, they are seriously wrinkle-free. I've been living out of a suitcase for the past three years, and even my mom was impressed that my shirt didn't need ironing.
- Their shirts come in a "no tuck" length and a trim fit that has me feeling like a well-dressed man every time I put it on.
- Also, their flannel game is strong! Last winter I wore the "Upstate Flannel" almost daily, on the slopes and around town. It kept me warm without overheating.
- The only downside is that their stuff is expensive. Fortunately they have a referral program, so if you order something using my referral code, you and I both get $50 off.
Photography tip:
Go from this…
…to this…
…by taking 20 steps back, and then zooming in.
The subject in these two photos (that’s me!) was standing in the exact same spot for both images. The reason they look dramatically different is because the camera/phone was much further away and the lens was zoomed to 5x.
The closer the subject is to the camera, the bigger it will look. That’s why I am towering over the mountains in the first photo. However, by backing up and zooming in, the background looks much bigger in relation to the subject.
What I’m looking forward to:
Returning to my favorite hostel in Switzerland for three more weeks of snowboarding and shared meals
The optimism of a new year
Being done with a couple lingering video projects
What I’m
grateful for:
I got my passport renewed on-site, in one day
My dad was willing and eager to workout with me
A free room upgrade at the bed and breakfast I stayed for Christmas
Sunny days and breathtaking views from the slopes
Blanket forts on Christmas Eve
Cappuccinos in Italy
Physical activity, time to write, and friendly social interaction every single day this week (this is what Stutz calls the “Life Force” tool)