Small life shifts inspired by my first trip to Europe

Stories from Rome and Barcelona, and the simple joys I’m bringing home

Author

Jenay Zhyrov
June 17, 2025

Hi! Thank You For Being Here is a collection of reflective notes on courage, comfort, and the books, films, and music that keep us company along the way.

I hope you’re safe and well during these maddening times. So many of us are stretched thin—mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. The news continues to be harrowing: ICE raids, drone strikes, wildfires, plane crashes (I knew two people who recently died in one). We can carry a lot of tension in our bodies as we worry about our loved ones and neighbors, both next door and abroad. 

As a writer, I’m often at odds with myself about how to show up here. I want Thank You For Being Here to feel like a hug, as one of you once described it. I also want it to be fun! But not in a way that ignores real pain just to keep things light. Life is often difficult, confusing, violent, shocking, and exhausting. People are hurting. Sometimes, so am I.

Still, I’m trying to ground my writing in the belief that we can move through life in ways that feel more manageable, more humane, and more joyful, even when joyless things are happening around us. 

For a while, I’ve been thinking about what I want this newsletter to become. I want to feel excited to write it, and for it to be worthy of your time. I’m not sure what that looks like yet, but I’m hopeful my brain will do me a favor and reveal the answer soon.  

💌 In this issue, I’m sharing stories about how my first trip to Europe is shifting my daily life in small, feel-good ways. Plus, some book and music recommendations. I also want to write more in-depth about my five-week social media sabbatical, but I’ll save that for a future letter. 

Thanks so much for sticking around and being here with me.

Warm wishes,
Jenay

Today’s letter is about an 8-minute read and might get clipped in Gmail. If that happens, hit “View entire message” or read it online.

A taste of Europe at home

Vadym and I spent an incredible 10 days in Rome and Barcelona—my first time abroad—and I was in a state of awe for most of it. My worldview expanded as I took in the stunning architecture and art, ate delicious meals, and marveled at how easily we could get around on foot or public transit. We didn’t get pickpocketed or sick, and our luggage arrived when we did. Wins all around!

Even when our legs and feet ached from walking 20,000+ steps a day, it didn’t matter. We were in Europe! And in love! Making memories that will last forever. 

The trip was a dream—made possible by three years of saving in Ally and racking up Chase points that covered our flights. Travel is rare for us, so we made sure to savor every moment.

The second half of the trip was especially meaningful. After nearly four years apart because of the Russia-Ukraine war, Vadym’s mom met us in Barcelona. The reunion was emotional, and saying goodbye was difficult.

On our flight home, I asked Vadym, “What’s one thing we did in Europe that you want to do at home?” He wasn’t sure at the time, but I had an answer ready because it was something on my mind throughout the trip: “Drink mineral water.” 

Three weeks later, I’m still reflecting on how to add a taste of European life to our life in Houston. Here are some of my ideas.

💧 Drink “fancy” water

I rarely drink sparkling water—it’s always felt strange to pay extra for water. The last time I consistently drank “fancy” water was when a company I worked for stocked the office fridge with La Croix.

That changed in Italy. Our flight from New York to Rome made me bloated and a little nauseous—not from jet lag, but from cabin pressure and eight hours of sitting. Google confirmed it’s common. You’ve been warned!

I wasn’t feeling great, but I wasn’t about to waste our first day. After unpacking, showering, and resting for a bit, I rallied for €9 cacio e pepe from a food stall in a tucked-away market not too far from the Colosseum. It might’ve been the best pasta I’ve ever had, but sadly, I could only stomach a few bites. The nausea stuck around until I drank a bottle of mineral water. I was hooked after that (also, the public drinking fountains were super helpful!)

My favorite brand is now Vichy Catalan, which I first tried at a Japanese-Spanish tapas restaurant in Barcelona on my birthday. Back home, I make do with a small pour of Topo Chico and a squeeze of lime, sipping it like a cocktail. 

👟 Walk whenever possible and embrace spontaneity

We hit 15,000-20,000 steps most days—and one day topped 25,000. Vadym’s karate coach, a family friend he hadn’t seen in 11 years, flew in for less than 24 hours. Before meeting him for dinner, Vadym and I had already walked plenty that day, touring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican. But when his friend invited us to join him to see the Fountain of Trevi, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps, we couldn’t say no, even though we saw all of it the day before. He came all that way to see us! There was no way we weren’t going to spend as much time as possible with him.

I was exhausted, but our night adventure was magical. Sitting on the Spanish Steps after midnight, romanticizing the moment, I thought, “Wow, I’m really here. How fucking cool is that? I’m so lucky.” Even the 30-minute walk home, because we missed the last metro (oops), it didn’t dampen my awe. 

It makes me want to find more chances for spontaneous, on-foot exploration—even if most American cities aren’t built for it—because sometimes, that’s where the magic happens. 

🍅 Eat until satisfied

I wasn’t exactly one of those kids from the movies who had to eat every bite before leaving the table, but my elders taught me to finish what’s on my plate. That mindset is tied to my awareness of food insecurity and not wanting to waste food. Then, with American portions often being plentiful, I sometimes end up overeating without even noticing until my tum feels a little too full. 

In Europe, portions felt juuuust right. I was satisfied, not overly stuffed or bloated, and always had room for a scoop of gelato. At home, I’m slowing down, paying more attention to how I feel while eating, and stopping sooner than I usually would. I’m feeling better because of it.  

🎶 Listen to more music from other countries

Last year was my first time watching Eurovision, the iconic song competition where European countries send an artist or band to compete under their national flag. This year, we happened to be in Europe while Eurovision was airing, and watched the live stream on YouTube from our flat (built in the 1800s!) in Rome.

Portugal’s selection, a band called NAPA, became my instant favorite. Even though I couldn’t understand the lyrics of “Deslocado,” the melodies were heart-achingly beautiful. I later learned the song is about the feeling of being displaced and longing for home, and I listen to it at least a few times a day. 

Here are my other favorites from this year’s competition:

And here’s a wise proverb:

“No stresso no stresso, no need to be depresso.” 

From Tommy Cash’s viral hit Espresso Macchiato

🗣️ Take language learning more seriously

I always joke, “Other languages are hard for me. I can barely speak English.” It’s an exaggeration, but honestly, Vadym probably speaks better English than I do, even though it’s his third language. Talking’s never been my strongest skill, which is why I prefer writing. 

Since I was a teenager, I’ve resisted language learning, mostly because I was more interested in practicing music and art. I took Spanish in high school and college to meet requirements, but I didn’t retain much. Honestly, it’s always felt intimidating—like I’d sound dumb or embarrass myself. 

Before our trip to Europe, I used Duolingo to learn some basic Italian, while Vadym continued his Spanish streak. But once in Rome, I barely used it. Most people spoke to me in English, and I got shy beyond “ciao” and “grazie.” 

Then in Barcelona, Vadym confidently communicated with the service staff in Spanish and translated conversations for me in English and for his mom in Russian. He’s not fluent in Spanish yet, but watching him try (and do well) was impressive and inspiring. 

After we got home, he asked if I wanted to learn Spanish with him. I was hesitant, but I’m ready to push through the resistance and actually try. Now we’re working through a beginner workbook at our dining table most evenings. I still struggle with pronunciation and have trouble remembering grammar rules, but I’m doing my best. What helps is having an encouraging and patient learning partner, as well as a strong reason to stick with it: for future travel, for conversations with people who only speak Spanish, and, honestly, to help ward off dementia.

Other items on my list:
👢Dress like the cool Spanish girls
🎨 More art! More beauty! More wonder!

💌 Want to say hi or share a thought? Respond to this email or leave a comment.

Think about a time you visited somewhere new. 

  • Do you miss anything about that experience?

  • Are there habits, activities, or treats from your visit you can try at home?

  • Pick 1-3 to try soon.

📚️ Books

While backpacking through Italy, Lo Zhao-Jensen believes she’s destined to meet The One after finally experiencing the romantic vision every woman in her fortune-telling family has had. But as sparks fly with a stranger and long-buried feelings for her best friend Teller begin to surface, Lo starts to question whether love is up to destiny or free will. This story was a fun read, and I enjoyed the more existential moments when Lo wrestled with discovering what she truly wants for her life, not just what she thinks others expect of her. 

Funny Story by Emily Henry

After Daphne’s fiancé dumps her for his childhood best friend, she’s left heartbroken and stuck in his hometown with no support system—except Miles, the ex of the woman her fiancé left her for. When she and Miles become roommates and start posting misleading photos on Instagram, their pretend relationship starts to feel real. But surely she can’t fall in love with her ex-financé’s new fiancée’s ex…right? The banter, in true EmHen fashion, was delightful, and beyond the romance, I connected with Daphne’s journey of building community after a lifetime of keeping people at arm’s length. 

España: A Brief History of Spain by Giles Tremlett
(A special guest review by Vadym!)

“España” paints a complex picture of the region occupied by modern-day Spain, from the days when the Iberians, Romans, and Moors shaped the early political landscape of the peninsula to the bloody dictatorship of Francisco Franco and the arrival of contemporary European democracy. Approaching the subject matter with passion, yet remaining honest, Tremlett writes about a country in which its diverse, tumultuous past is evident in its geography, language, architecture, and culture. Few authors are skillful enough to pack this much information into three hundred pages, leaving little to be desired from this surface-level overview.

*Written by me!

😮Strolling through tiny cobblestone streets and gasping when a two-thousand-year-old monument appears around the corner

🎸 Watching flamenco on the rooftop of Casa Batlló

🖼️ Being in awe of the Vatican’s art and chapels

🚆 Reaching the Metro platform just as your train pulls in

🛍️ Shopping in Spanish clothing stores like Pull&Bear, Mango, and Zara

🍦 Eating gelato on an evening walk

☀️ Reading outside in a hammock

🖤 Singing emo songs at karaoke with friends 

🧀 Learning to make homemade farmer’s cheese

🍅 Nailing a recipe the second time around

Thank you for reading TYFBH!

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