If you remember from my very first introduction post, I live in a small town in the north of Italy.
I love this place, because it’s close to the Lake of Como, which is amazing, and I am surrounded by woods, hills and other smaller lakes equally lovely.
I’ve always lived away from the big cities (Milan is 35km far from my place) and, even if I sort of like them, I can’t think of moving my roots there.
The reason is here I have the peace I need to keep myself perfectly balanced.
Just an example: when the weather turns to good in spring, I keep all my windows open and, especially on Sundays, I find myself impressed by the deep silence of the surroundings. No cars, no crowd shouting. Just birds singing their tunes and nature. And this is recharging.
However, being an IT guy, most of the companies I’ve worked for in my 20-year-long career established their headquarters in Milan.
And here start the problems.
The railway line that serves my town does not head directly to Milan. I’d have to go first to Como and then over to Milan. Which would be an incredible waste of time (and money).
The only option is to drive to the City.
The highway, during the rush hours, is a total mess. It takes me an average of 1.5 hours to arrive at the office. If I’m lucky enough not to find any accidents along the way. And more or less the same time is required to get back home after work.
Things have completely changed in the last 3 years, when this crazy pandemic has hit us. The lockdowns forced companies to reorganise and allow their people to work from home.
I have to admit, this is the only great consequence of all this mess.
Since then, I’ve won 3 hrs a day of life. I’ve won a more flexible and productive way of working. And I can be closer to my son in his day-by-day growth.
Also for my photographic works, living away from the big cities is a beautiful advantage. My area is full of amazing locations I can go to when I organise outdoor shootings. It can be on the lake, in a wood, in the middle of green meadows, up on the mountains. There are plenty of choices.
On the other hand, if I want a more urban look, I need to move because there are few options.
In the end, cities have a lot of pros if you are looking for business opportunities, infrastructures and services. And of course network.
However, I prefer to be more in contact with nature, to feel the warm and quiet atmosphere of a park.
And to enjoy the silence.
Take care and talk soon!