Getting Away

As those of you who follow me on Facebook know, I’ve been away for the summer—visiting my in-laws in Kolkata, India and now, on our way home, we’ve stopped off in Paris and next week we’ll be in London for a few days before we catch our plane home to the U.S.

There have been studies that have recently come out saying that going away on vacation leads to greater creativity, and more productivity as well. Since I’m only into my third day of vacation here in Paris, I’ll have to wait to tell you how that works out for me (my time in India wasn’t really a vacation, I was working just about everyday, although my hours were odd: usually I worked from 6-10 am and then from 8-10 pm: the times when my clients in North America were awake and at their computers).

I do have to say, though, that it only just hit me that it was Sunday and I needed to write my blog (I’m usually very good at posting every Saturday, usually in the morning), but I’ve been on vacation. Truly on vacation: the only thing that I’ve been thinking about is where we were going to go next and how we were going to get there (oh, and how much my feet were hurting from all the walking around Paris we’ve been doing).

But this is Good (yes, with a capital G). This is what leads to that greater creativity. To the higher productivity. Not working. Not even thinking about work. It’s amazing! It’s lovely!

Oh, I know that I should be writing something everyday to keep my “writing muscles” strong and working well. But, hey, I’m in Paris! I’m going to enjoy myself. It’s been 14 years since I’ve been here. My daughter, now 18, was four the last time we were here, so this is all new for her, and I am now enjoying showing her this beautiful city.

So for your enjoyment, I’m including some pictures from my last few days in India and our first few days in Paris. I wish for you a relaxing holiday at some point this summer. And don’t forget to join me on Facebook so that you can tell me all about it! I love to travel (as you can tell), even if it’s vicariously through others.