12 Hours in Venice So far....

Once again, I am traveling, and I have failed to bring a camera along......maybe there is something psychological in that...but let's not stray from the path. I am exhausted, I have flown so many hours just to get here, but have had two meals where no one spoke English and so far the goal of this trip, is happening as planned: To discover Venice avoiding all of the tourist spots, to discover Italian Venice...... not just the Grand Canal and St. Marks Square.


Like the Himalayas, Like the Taj Mahal, Venice has to be experienced. Nothing in film, description, or pictures prepares you for the reality of this place.

I came this time to heal; to work on my humanity; to listen to the Universe. And, such a beautiful place to start.... For this I am grateful.

I am still reading the book, the journey of a woman back to herself in Eat, Pray, Love. I just want to copy her words, they speak so loudly to me. It is like I should not be writing. The words are already in print.

But, I began this trip with a miracle. I got to inform a patient he did not cancer when both of us thought he did. There has been so much pain lately; So much bad news; So significantly more than usual.....that I cannot explain it.

I also worked my last night in Seattle till after 1 AM, the longest day of my career post residency....but I also got to teach at the University of Washington Medical School for the first time that day......and was reinvigorated by the enthusiasm and idealism of the students....I have hope for the future of medicine and that others will be there to carry the torch of activism and peace and social justice and healing.

The universe conspired to switch my seats on the flight from Seattle, and I sat next to one of the most interesting men I have ever met. An American Indian Tribal leader who writes, travels the world speaking and working on policies to heal and help indiginous peoples in the world; we discussed poverty, isolation, the lack of access to health care, the lack of understanding that in the 'system' we live in there are people who are ready to help and be available and how to get that information to those who do not trust the White man, the system, the larger nation we both live in.

So, for now, since I have had wine with dinner I will end this tale....but I am still full of stories and adventures and feel at 50, like I am just beginning to explore and live and travel and understand the awe of the Universe and this opportunity to be alive.

Rob