Primavera
Springing forward (but not just yet); some fun clips; and a timely urgent source request
As I write this, a gaggle of teenage girls wearing shorts and tank tops is tearing around our block on roller skates like bats out of Holland (winter) hell. It’s almost fully light for the school run in the morning — and the sun still hasn’t set by the time soccer practice is over (to wit: the photo above, which I snapped on the way home last week). Cheerful Easter displays have popped up in shops everywhere. Temperatures in Amsterdam topped 60 — 60!!! — degrees this week.
No surprise what all of this means, everyone: Spring is knocking on the door, hallefreakinglujah. I love this time of year: The weather really lifts my spirits; a day of eating chocolate and candy guilt-free is right around the corner; and there’s just a vibe of renewal and hope and optimism, even amidst ever-troubling global developments.
The US springs forward time-wise this weekend, but we have another two weeks in Europe. It knocks me for a loop every time, and I will for sure be a bit cranky as I adjust. Even so, it means there’s more sun to soak up — so bring it on.
Recently Published Clips
For the New York Post: This piece about the fancification of the Florida Panhandle stretch, right around the corner from where I grew up. It ran in print and online.
For Afar: I appeared on the fantastic Unpacked podcast to talk about how to exeprience Amsterdam without the crowds. While it’s always so cringey hearing my own voice, I love these opportunities to do some storytelling in a different medium. (It’s also high time to invest in a high-quality microphone. If you have any tips, drop them in the comments!)
Source Request
For a major outlet, I’m looking for ideas about Americana in the South, Midwest, and West (NOT the Northeast, which my editor says is covered) tied to the 250th anniversary. I know that’s pretty vague, but that’s all I really know, so send me what you have — major bonus points if it’s not a hotel package.
I just found out about this one, so hit me up ASAP, by Monday at the latest. Send a SEPARATE email to blanebachelor[at]gmail[dot]com with the subject line: America 250 and a quick, concise graf or two about your idea. I’ll share the name of the outlet via email. Thank you!
And That’s a Wrap!
After a three-day trip to Turin for an assignment, I’m currently enjoying one last Italian cappuccino in an unexpectedly cheerful, cozy, and well-outfitted airport lounge. The only disruption to this tranquil scene? Some crypto bro pacing around in Birkenstocks that look like they’ve been through a shredder while shouting into his phone about optimizing and scaling and world domination blah blah blah. And of course, he’s American. :/ Sigh.
But wait — Crypto Bro just announced to whomever he’s talking to (and, by default, the entire lounge) that the has to go board his plane. Arrivederci, dude!
And for me, too, it’s ciao for now,
Blane
After a long winter here in Philadelphia, we are looking at the high sixties next week. Yea!