Nomadic Narrative

I’ve been thinking a lot about chairs lately. When I haven’t been traveling, I’ve stayed pretty much put in the thin-cushioned aging white-wicker chair in my living room. Nestled up against a long wooden table, there is nothing ergonomically correct about the way I sit.

As I think about chairs, it practically makes me want to break out my yoga CD again recalling the many seating options I’ve encountered in my travels. The most uncomfortable arrangement that comes to mind was the time I had nothing more than my own bag to sit upon, thanks to summer travel — train travel that is — from Belgrade to Athens, Greece. Trips lately have been a lot cushier to say the least. Still, I don’t like to spoil myself for fear that it will diminish my acute perspective! Crammed onto Tica Bus last month in clase ejecutiva (Yes, you still have to fold your legs underneath the seat.) from San José, Costa Rica to David, Panama with the conductor reminding passengers again and again that the toilet is only “para orinar” still falls into the no-pain-or-suffering category. Again and again, it all boils down to perspective.

All in all, I’ve always found that a little discomfort is worth quite a bit of overland suffering, especially if it leads to a footprint-free white-sand beach. Still, any kind of travel can be exhausting and hotels are kindly adding amenities to make sure that guests have every possible opportunity to relax. Thinking about seating options, desks now come equipped with ergonomic chairs, cushioned chaise lounges are always a nice touch and one of my new favorites pictured below — and no, it’s not that quintessential symbol of relaxation — what every hotel room should have (or heck, my living room right now!), a suede full-body massage chair.

A glass of Cabernet and I’m set!