How temporarily stepping away from the fray aids the development of perspective is demonstrated by the links you provide in your 'home again' article.
Judging from posts and comments, i doubt many read the Politico article about Hoyer and FISA, for example. You missed a lot of outrage on that one- lucky you!

I'm looking forward to more posts from you.

You are a crazy man, of course…travelling in Euroland with the dollar in the tank the way it is.

But as you say, when one has windows and special moments, one has to just do it. Later in life, you won't remember the cost at all . . . but you will have the memories.

Re: your travel news “cone of silence” …I love that aspect of travelling. It is a break from being too connected.

Most of the time, nothing happens. The world is like a soap opera when one can get on or off, with little appreciable change in the plot. For example, I took a week offline in the middle of the primaries…came back to find the daily outrages and gaffes had changed…but little else.

Of course, not always: I was on an extended haj of sorts in the early 90s…which was surreal with the Wall falling, and Mandela being released…and the world changing completely in the space of my moving from one town to the next.

Anyhow, good on ya. Sounds like a great time…and welcome back to the fray.