Earlier this year, I finished reading Antifragile by Nassin Nicholas Taleb. I must acknowledge that it took me 2-3 months to complete it and I will probably go back to it in the future, as I feel that could obtain more from it.

At the beginning of the book IV, Taleb starts describing what optionality is and how can make things work and grow. Before getting into details in the following chapters, he describes a comparison between a tourist and a flâneur.

Obviously we all know what a tourist is: someone who plans the trip well in advance and sticks to the plan. Probably, this person is ticking all the boxes in the destination and does not miss a point of interest. Most likely will not modify the plan as may miss some of the main attractions. On the other hand, some of the most interesting things as connecting with locals and living the city, instead of visiting it, will be lost.

On the contrary, a flâneur may plan in advance though, once arrives to the destination, may follow their instincts and get lost in the city, without knowing clearly where is going but taking advantage of what this new city or country is offering.

Reading this part of the book, took me 25 years back to 1999. I visited Rome and, as you can imagine there were lots of preparations, planning and a long checklist of places to visit.

The first three days were hectic. Vatican, museums, roman ruins including the Colosseo and Foro romano, Fontana di Trevi, Bocca de la Verità, Piazza Navona….

By the end of these initial days, we were exhausted and, at some point, nor even enjoying it.

Then, in the afternoon of the fourth day, we decided to stop for a coffee. It looked like just a simple bar. No tourists, just some locals taking a coffee and having a conversation. We stayed. The whole afternoon. Just talking, enjoying the place and the coffee.

Then, we moved to Piazza Spagna, remained sat there until sunlight went.

We realized that this was our way forward. From that day onwards, we avoided queues, enjoyed meals and coffees. Then, we visited places though relaxed, not looking to the watch. Sitting in a terrace, enjoying environment close to the Pantheon.

Visiting a park (Villa Borghese) and spending the day out and about.

Without knowing, we were transforming in flâneurs. Not only in Rome but also with all trips that came afterwards.

When we returned our friends asked for this and that place, some of them were missing. No regrets. This is a reason to go back again, and I hope it will not take long.

Please notice that all the credit for the photos goes to my wife. I have just taken pictures from her 1999 album.