The art of slowing down and staying awhile

We’ve all seen the look. Eyes glazed over after attempting to see too much great art at one shot in a major museum. By that time even the greatest art is overwhelmed by the desire for physical, intellectual, and emotional rest. I have seen the same look in those who backpack or travel by any mode across the world, attempting to “do” as many cities and countries as they can. You can almost feel a sort of pity–not condescending, but empathetic–for those who attempt to take in too much at once.

My experience is that one can enter into the unique space and time of a particular city or region of the world by taking one’s time and not attempting to impress others with all the cities, sites, and places you have “done”–as though it is genuinely possible to take in centuries of history, culture, and customs abroad in a rush of superhuman energy.

Whether staying in youth hostel, homestay, bed and breakfast, agriturismo (farm stay), or short-term rental, there is no reason not to make longer-term reservations in order to allow a deeper immersion into the local culture, life, and their unique experience of time.

Rather than attempt to see all of Italy in one trip, for example, try to find a central hub from which to plan one’s exploration. When staying in Tuscany, why not make Florence or Siena a home base and take day trips to the hundreds of local and regional sites?

By staying in one location, you can:

• Find the time to read the literature and history which permeate the atmosphere, to daydream, to visit the great museums, churches, mosques, and city streets again and again at different times of the day while in different moods, and begin to feel the rhythms of the land you are visiting.

• Discover the best food markets where the local produce is sold by memorable characters who respect your interest and curiosity. Rather than searching your guidebooks for great local eats, you can enjoy a great picnic in your own room or in a beautiful historic park.

• Visit cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs regularly and perhaps make friends with the natives or other travelers.

• Get up and go to sleep at any time without being bound by the type of schedules which are often exhausting and from which one has possibly sought escape while living a more mundane life at home.

• Begin to feel that the distinction between being a tourist and living like a local starts to becomes blurred, and how unconsciously the local language begins to permeate your imagination.

TransitionsAbroad.com has compiled some great lodgings and locations to stay a while. Check them out and give the slower life a chance. The experience will likely leave a deeper impression on you than those you might wish to impress at a cocktail party in some "Amazing Race" across the globe.