How could I have forgotten that the down is not any easier than the up?

Those hikers in the house know what I'm talking about.

First, to set the scene:  It's laundry day, so I'm sitting here in my suit writing to you all.  I look out the window and see an old church tower, with the ocean stretching behind it.  It rained about an hour ago, and now the sky has opened up and the sun shines through, like an enormous window to something even more beautiful.

I am in Cinque Terre, one of Italy's National Parks, which consists of 5 small towns that run along a protected coastline.  The hiking here is stunning, and the towns are quaint with great food (and gelato!) with many benches to sit and admire the view.  After a very long day on the train yesterday and a night at a very dodgy hostel last night, I was thrilled to find a new hostel today and head out to hit the trails.  I am pleasantly tired now, ready for my laundry to finish so that I can head out for a nice dinner now that the rain has stopped. 

The thing that has really struck me today is the reminder of those very simple pleasures in life.  It is one of my favourite parts of travelling (not vacationing, but travelling).  Suddenly a nice hot shower, a dry place to stand for a few minutes, or a shared room with no snorers becomes an absolute blessing.  It's amazing the things we take for granted at home, and the things we (I) let irritate me.  Travelling brings me back to appreciating those little things, it makes life so much simpler.  Is there something (or someone?) that you take for granted?  Take a moment to enjoy it.  Just one moment.  Your life will be so much richer for it.