Elections Overseas

It is the Big Day and I am in an Irish Pub called the Lion's Fountain, 200 meters from my hotel in Florence. It is 10am and nothing is happening in the US but we're getting ready for the vote here with newspapers and buzz at the pub about whether it will be crowded tonight. The Swedish bartender is trying to understand how 52% of the US voted for Bush and how they might now vote for McCain-Palin. Needless to say, I don't have a sufficient answer for him and he complains, "But he's soooo old! And she seems soooo stupid!" I asked him if he votes in his Swedish elections and he replies, "usually, though this last time I didn't because I didn't care." "Well my Swedish friend, that is exactly what Obama supporters are worried about, youngsters that don't care."

My friend Lyn sent me the funniest thing from Moveon.org. It's a video you can send to your friends about how YOU (actually fill-in the blank with your friend's name) ruined the election by not voting. It is the funniest thing, so if you have any young voters in your life (ie: anyone under the age of 35) feel free to pressure them with it. Here's my video below (don't worry I voted!)

http://www.cnnbcvideo.com/index.html?nid=4zVhnauBBJq6c2LhiWjmnDI3Njc2OQ--&referred_by=6190027-7Pm_AIx

I can't tell you how good it feels to be in Florence for this election. This is a very college town with something like 26 US colleges with programs here. I wouldn't say I am lonely for home but after spending a weekend trying to figure out Milan with the parents and a month of trying to figure out Toscana and Umbria, I am relieved to be a place I "know." This is my 3rd time in Florence and I know where to get my panni and I know where to get my caffe and I know both the local and the touriste markets. Adventure is exciting and exhausting, familiarity is quiet and comforting. Of course, one needs both.

Enjoy your election.