God sometimes gives us unexpected gifts. Our gift has been a grandson who enlivens our lives and makes retirement very different than the one we anticipated. He is a special joy. And that's "Casey." In 2006 we fulfilled our dream of living in Italy for a year. It was every bit as wonderful as anticipated. This blog begins in 2005 as we prepared for that experience. Since then we have explored many places together. That's the "Travel." And finally, I am a person of opinions--spiritually, politically, on just about anything and that's the "Other Stuff." Welcome to my blog.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Just a Month.....

Boy, does it seem longer than that! But, yes, it was August 19 that we left lovely Montepulciano and many hours later reentered the US. Why is it that time rushes by so much more quickly while traveling? It does, doesn't it? I am certain this is a truth that remains elusively improvable.

So, do we miss Italy so soon? Yes, of course, we do. Some of the reasons are quite predictable—food, beauty, people, history, art, ambiance, evocative drives, archeological wonders. Any one who ever sets foot in that country comes away with the same list. Maybe even arm-chair travelers share the feelings.

And, of course, these are things we miss. I suspect a day does not go by that we do not share some memory or some future hope.

However, there are other, less predictable reasons to rather be there than here.
  • No nightly news in English
  • Well, a lot of no TV
  • The ability to forget that things are going on "back home" and live accordingly
  • No workouts at the gym (which I hate--passionately)
  • A simpler life because most responsibilities have been left behind
  • No bizarre political stuff--well, there is Berlusconi
  • No talk of Bridges to Nowhere
  • Not much going with the phone
  • No yard work
  • Escapism from the realities of what is happening here
  • More time to read
  • No Bush, No McCain, NO palin or, I can forget them for a while, at least
  • Get-togethers with firends who are in Italy at the time we are--friends from around the world
  • The day's fresh catch available in the piazza
  • Rich, golden-yellow eggs
  • Tomatoes of many varieties--red, ripe and lush
  • Pastries--delicious
  • White roads--a real favorite
  • Whispering borgos
  • If you can add to the list, leave a comment or two
Added by Harriet-thanks, Harriet.
  • restaurants where they treat you like family
  • Fruit and vegetables with flavor
  • all of the little local festivals
And, last night I made reservations for next summer—since we like to upgrade we need to make plans early. But…tickets are so costly now that the days of frequent, at will travel are over. The world may be getting smaller but access to it is getting harder. What a shame this is.

Next summer we fly into Nice and spend 11 days with a friend who will take us to his home country of Morocco. We are really looking forward to that and Casey can’t wait to ride a camel. After that we will be in Tuscany for 5 weeks.

We will be back ten and a half months after leaving and as Casey said this morning—I want to be in Italy.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ok Jane - here's my addition to your list
restaurants where they treat you like family
Fruit and vegetables with flavor
all of the little local festivals
I will stop now but I could contuinue. I leave for Italy next Monday - I am sorry to never be in Italy when you are, but perhaps someday we will meet here in California - or Italy
Harriet Sculley

Jane said...

Harriet, Have a wonderful time--I know that you will. I look forward to hearing all about it. Oh--I added your thoughts to the list.