Quick note to RS friends:
Fourteen months of planning - QE2 to Southampton the last week in April - a month in the Cotswolds and Ireland-train from London to Florence- AIRB&B reservations throughout- 79 days in Florence attending drawing & painting courses in world class Altiers - all paid in advance - gone.
We live in amazing times. Every single entity contacted allowed me to postpone - reschedule everything until 2021 - with no penalties. ( Cunard gave me an upgrade for not cancelling.)
When i was advised how citizens of the art community in Florence were to be affected - 100% tourist based economy - I contacted both schools where my tuition had been paid and arranged for the funds to be distributed to those that needed them. singers, models, writers, photographers, musicians - shop keepers, bakers -all immediately had nothing. We were able to pay rent, buy groceries & medicines for many individuals and families with children.
Eventually the money will run out. I will have to pay my tuition's again - In the end -
It is the best thing I have ever done.
So Grateful - to have been raised in a manner that recognizes the suffering of others - and to have the opportunity to do something about it.
Calvin
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19091 posts
Calvin, is that it?
Update: that's better.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
Brevity appreciated.
Posted by
DALTON, MA, USA
169 posts
You are the light in the darkness !
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
696 posts
Lovely.
If everyone who could do this, did this, the world would be an easier and nicer place.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
Thank you for sharing. You made my day.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4822 posts
What a thoughtful and generous thing to do. I applaud your actions, and hope your trip next year comes to fruition.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15794 posts
You rock, Calvin. 👍
Posted by
franktown, colorado
2252 posts
This is a lovely and heartwarming post. It was a pleasure to read of your kindnesses and generosity. Good karma will be yours when you need it, too. Thank you for posting.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6288 posts
Bless you, Calvin.
Posted by
Phoenix🌵
2711 posts
Thank you Calvin. Your empathy and humanity show that you are a very special person. We should all be so generous, each in her/his own way.
Posted by
OP
58 posts
Thank you for the kind words - you would do the same.
So many of you in this forum assisted me in planning this journey. Your knowledge and willingness to steer me on the right path was wonderful. I felt I had a personal agency staffed by hundreds willing and able to help. From accommodations, driving instructions, The Chelsea flower show, hotels, back country inns, train schedules and a hundred other things - you helped me shape this journey.
When I saw the empty streets of Florence - and considered an economy based almost entirely on tourists - and suddenly - they were all gone - I was compelled to find a way.
I would say to you - consider the empty streets and museums at the destinations you planned to visit this year - and find a way.
We can not do everything - but - we can all do something.
God Bless. See you in Europe next year.
Calvin