David and I share a rather warped and juvenile sense of humor.  This has proved especially valuable in situations where one or the other might be grumpy, tired, or threatening to torpedo an otherwise pleasant afternoon.

In case you had any doubt, “the one or the other” is usually me, and I was ever-so-slightly grumpy and tired as we found ourselves in the way, way, way back of a commercial water taxi to Naples, Italy.

Yes, I was on the stunning coast of Italy and I was a bit grumpy.  It can happen.  Let’s move on with the story, shall we?

Did you know that 75% of the people who go to the way, way, way back of a water taxi are there for a smoke?  The other 100% are from countries where “personal space” means absolutely nothing.  Blank stare.  No comprehension that we are just a teeny bit too close with you standing right there resting your arm on my head.

We were babysitting our suitcases and half my rear-end was on a narrow, metal step that had certainly cost us enough Euro for several big rear-ends to lounge on plush velvet.

The diesel fumes, foreign body odor (mine the worst) and Marlboro smoke was taking me to an unhappy place when David saw a story unfolding, grabbed my attention and the camera, and went undercover.

The gentleman in the blazer is taking many, many minutes of video of the sea.  More minutes of video than I have taken of all four children in seventeen years combined.

He is a part of the 100% with no personal space boundaries, as you can see…

And I thought my seat was bad!

At this point, David and I are shaking with laughter while the poor Italian man says not a word.   He just takes it like a saint.

Where can he cast his gaze? He actually paid for this?

Still filming ten minutes later, now with one hand…

Just before arrival at port, my very special agent is finally busted.

It’s Friday, saints!  Find the fun, and share some with the ever-so-slightly grumpy ones around you, no matter how close they might be.

Kim (and David)