Reading 7: "The Adventure of a Traveler"

Italio Calvino's "The Adventure of a Traveler" was quite a relatable tale, though I haven't been in that specific situation. This story, unlike some of the others I have read so far, felt more modern in the sense that it could be experienced today. The author captured the haste yet serenity that often seems to surround traveling. The story reflected the eerie calmness in routine, even if it doesn't go quite to plan or if we're running late. I also found the constant reflection on the end goal understandable. How often have I reminded myself what's at the end to get through the middle of a situation. The character continues to do this, but his reason, Cinzia, holds so much power because of what seems to be love. Because of that, this story has a timeless feel in the sense that long distance relationships nowadays experience the same thing. While it may not be traveling by train, people will go to great lengths to see those they love. I also think this story is unique because while the meeting at the end is the goal for the character, the routine of a traveler, and those things which we might consider mundane, become an adventure. Each character that shares the compartment with Federico has their own story, but they also affect his story. Calvino did an incredible job writing about the adventure that we might not see, but that daily life provides us.