Camino de Tarifa

As I stretch out across the couch with the late afternoon sun baking the apartment walls and to the hum of intermittent construction noises in Tanger, I reflect on how every book writing process differs. I should be working on my latest piece, a collection of travel essays from when I explored Poland. 

The topic itself is intriguing and fun to revisit. With twenty-something trips during the school year, I explored everywhere I could in that country. Still, as I put those memories to words, it's slower than I expected without the vlogs to drum up every detail. I fixate on street names when it’s unimportant or focus on random side stories that fellow travelers aren’t going to relate to, and yet that’s okay. 

At this stage of my writing career, the fun is simply creating. I’m 36,000 words in, and that’s a nice amount. While I hoped to be at 40k by the end of the weekend, a rib injury is also draining me of creative energy and the urge to write. I am remiss of that fact, but then again, we have to pace ourselves. 
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With Emotional Spending out, I have been able to focus on other projects, which has been nice. Brindisi and Me, the project of projects, is finally at a point where another read-through will be enough, and then that memoir on time living in Italy will be complete. Here’s the working book description.

Sent to southern Italy to live and teach for two years, this book focuses on Jonathan’s time spent in Brindisi and Puglia. Growing up in New Hampshire, Jonathan had enough preconceived notions to make even him blush upon arrival. While culture shock certainly took over, Jonathan found a connection to the area, the people, and the energy that permeates this part of Italy. Years later, he looks back fondly on his time spent teaching at a small international school, while navigating the ups and downs of being an expat in an area where few spoke English. Culturally, the area is not user-friendly for introverted people, and this was one of the many challenges Jonathan faced head-on.

Serving as part memoir and travel blog, Jonathan reflects on the early stages of navigating the visa process, from first impressions upon flying over the Atlantic to getting acclimated to apartment living, cats, dogs, and siesta times. He delves into the refugee situation, the concept of the good life, and where to find the best, ideal holiday retreats, among other topics. 

This book is intended for expats or those considering a move to Italy, particularly those interested in international school teaching and what to expect, not only in Brindisi, but also in other countries where life differs from our hamlets in the United States.  

In the weeks ahead, as the school year ends, I hope to have another update. Who knows, maybe I can get to 50,000 words next month for the Poland book and give you a timeline for when Brindisi will be ready for your eyes to enjoy. 

In the meantime, here’s my vlog from Tarifa, where I announced the release of Emotional Spending. Even if you don’t feel pulled to the book, the hike has some great views and some ice cream to die for. Till next time.

​JFK

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