There’s a particular kind of strength in choosing to replicate an experience that was hilariously wrong the first time. For the majority of people, a 39-day trip filled with missing trains, missed reservations, and language confusion is enough; however, it is not for us. After ten years of our initial European excursion, Leslie and I decided it was the right time to do the same thing over again — bigger, more adventurous, and with more sense.
In 2024, we took off with our bags to embark on what would turn into an odyssey of 78 days across Europe, starting from Italy’s twisting streets to Norway’s frozen Fjords, and Iceland’s mystical landscapes. At the time, we were celebrating love, life, as well as the realization that, following two surgeries on the Achilles tendon and a lifetime of lessons, we’d never found a way to stay at home.
The result was sh#! Happens AGAIN! Traveling with John and Leslie — a novel that captures the humor and chaotic nature of travel over long periods with a couple that understands that life isn’t always sticking to the schedule.
From the first moment, things turned out to be a mess, obviously. The driver we had in Milan dropped us off on a bustling street, with the rain dropping down, and luggage strewn. The two of us laughed (eventually). The Amalfi Coast is where we discovered beauty that would be awe-inspiring to anyone, but also some roads that were so narrow that I’m sure we’ve left some of our car rental behind. Florence, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Stockholm, each location was filled with new experiences and new discoveries, as well as many opportunities to say, “Here we go again.”
This non-fiction book isn’t only about travel, it’s about rediscovering. It’s about the meaning of aging and change, and to cherish the journey through life’s curveballs. In between the laughter and the shattered reservations, Leslie and I rediscovered the reason we were so in love with travel — and one another — in the first place.
In Interlaken, we were celebrating our 41st wedding anniversary with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. This moment made us realize how far we’ve come, both literally and metaphorically. At the point we reached Reykjavik, Iceland, we’d amassed not only souvenirs, but also a new feeling of gratitude for each mistake or moment of joy and every moment that wouldn’t be there in the event that everything went “right.”
Readers have informed me that”Sh#! Happens Again! feels as if it’s a sequel to itself. It’s the kind of tale that reminds you that it’s not too late to go on another excursion, make a mistake, or just laugh a bit.
If you’re looking for the top non-fiction books to devour, this book is the one for you. It’s funny, heartfelt, and completely real. It’s a mixture of humanity, humor, and the hard-earned wisdom of life that celebrates its wonderful uncertainty.
If Sh#! Happens was about finding out the world. It is now about discovering the world. Sh#! Happens Again is about rediscovering the things that really matter. It’s an unrequited love story disguised as a trip diary, a comedy woven with the wisdom of aging, and a reminder that happiness can’t be found in a perfect itinerary. It’s located in the messy, beautiful middle of everything.
If you’ve ever fantasized about exploring the world, or perhaps you’ve been in a situation that didn’t go as planned, these two stories are ideal for you. They’ll inspire you to laugh, reflect, maybe even write your own personal trip. Read “Sh#! Happens Again!” now and join us on a trip in which every turn leads to laughter, love, and a tale worth telling.
