Sojourner - Traveling with the “Canman”

Jetting back in June after 3 weeks working in Europe to a U.S. that seems “on fire” across two juxtaposed fronts. The contrast between the two continents is stark. COVID-19 infections in Lombardi region , the Italian infection epicenter when I left in February are  minuscule  now.  Italians, normally an independent lot rallied together, not in small part because of extensive lock-down enforced by police checkpoints that issued fines for leaving one’s home without a permission slip.  We were sequestered in a compound near Cameri, Italy to ensure "our safety".   Gave me an opportunity to create a song I titled Cameri Prison Blues  (inspired by Johnny Cash). You can  listen  here        And safe we stayed validated by weekly testing and a quarantine upon returning to Texas.   In contrast to my European experience, Texas Covid cases are skyrocketing.  American 's independent streak combined with arrogance and ignorance is  unfortunately miring the U.S. with adverse health and

In June I took part in an amazing and surreal odyssey to complete a high priority mission in Italy.  With the fear of Covid rampant my small team was given the experience of flying over and around Europe VIP style (i.e., can you say Gulfstream 650 !) OMG.  This is a spectacular way to travel!   But as the old saying goes, "there is no such thing as a free lunch", there was the "piper to pay".  We were sequestered in spartan  "cell block" with no chance to enjoy the perks of the locale. On weekends shuttling (VIP air) to the Netherlands from Italy to comply with EU COVID public health decrees.  It was as they say, the " best of times and the worst of times ".  When on the "ground" we were in essence VIP prisoners if not at work.  Isolated from the world and recipients of weekly COVID nasal tests the first kind that go well into the sinus cavity.     Staging "prison escapes". Long nights of poker and meaningful talks about life,