I live in a small town without much traffic. We have no stoplights. Most people pay minimal attention crossing the road.
When I travel to the UK, most people to my right and left appear to pay minimal attention crossing the road. They’re used to it. What they’re experiencing is “normal.”
Me?
I ceaselessly chant, “Look right, drive left, look right, drive left.” I learned the mantra for driving in places like the UK and Australia. It keeps me on the correct side of the road.
My attention is riveted to where the cars are coming from. It keeps me alive.
Even after a week, I’m still chanting. My attention is still high.
What’s funny is when I get home, I have to remind myself to drive on the right side of the road. My attention is still high.
Coffee is the same way. I drink a cup every day while I read the paper. Sometimes I even notice.
When I travel, especially to a place like Italy, the coffee tastes sooooo much better. But is it really better? Or is it because I’m paying attention, not reading, entirely focused on the story I’m telling myself about drinking coffee in Florence?
Worth thinking about.