Counting My Blessings

p.s. the airplanes that fly overseas now (American Airlines at least) lets you view the airplane as it takes off and lands. It definitely removes the mystery! 

I have gone back and forth on whether or not I should actually verbalize the "stuff" of my trip as it's somewhat personal but decided for the sake of putting a personality behind my trip, that I will.  I would have written more as I went but simply because of time and my need to process things slowly, I decided not to.  So after some time well spent on thinking about the impact of traveling solo for 4 weeks in Italy - some highlights and lessons learned. 

Italy is a beautiful place and has a romance that can be tapped into at any time...but for me, Italy wasn't really about that.  Italy for me, was more about growing as a person. I think I went there thinking I might be swept up into this great movie where I was sitting in a cafe journaling, the wind blowing through my hair and a waiter kissing my hand... I did have a waiter kiss my hand and wind did blow through my hair (while trying to catch a train).  I'm not going to sit here and lie to you that Italy was just like the movies.  It could be depending on your circumstances but for me, it really wasn't like that.  The food was amazing - usually always, the wine great, the buildings beautiful, landscapes breathtaking, the history rich.   If I could go back, yes I would stay in some more ritzy hotels but the people I met in the hostels and conversations in people's homes were some of the richest memories I have to keep. Even more so, the changes in me will be the most valuable take away Italy had to offer.

• Time is obviously precious. We've heard it our whole lives. But for me, on this trip...it was entering into time that was the challenge...the moment and not planning ahead. Trusting that tomorrow would be taken care of.  And believe me, going on a 2 week trip would not have instilled this into me but 4 weeks of daily reminders that I need to stay present was definitely an impactful part of my journey. I was also reading, Ann Voskamp's, One Thousand Gifts, which has been transformative.  Looking for all the precious little good things in my day helped me stay in the moment.  I'll practice here, like Ann encourages us too: 
• mug of coffee warm between my hands 
• fire still burning 
• smell of dinner on the stove
• sitting safely in my seat on the train (thankful I'm on it) 
• live guitar music echoing off ancient buildings
• kind stranger offering to pick up my suitcase
• German girl in hostel telling me her story 
• Nevio's kind eyes
• little Marco's attempts to communicate even with language barrier
• attentive dog's companionship

• A definite lesson for me in going to Italy was in becoming more patient.  For example, whether or not I wanted to admit it, before I left, there were times I felt tempted to break traffic laws just so I could get where I needed to go and get there on time. But to prove a point....The urge to do the next thing was so strong in me that again, being present was difficult when I got to Italy....always thinking about the next city.  Coming home, my driving has slowed down and everything feels more relaxed - it's so nice.  The need to rush is not as strong (not that life wasn't hurried in Italy - if anything it felt more hurried there in some aspects)...but I think this came from living out the day to day public transportation in Italy.  For 4 weeks traveling from train to train + a few buses (around 20+ hours total I counted up, off and on), was that I am not in charge and I HAVE to wait.  Waiting around with the rest of the Italians was transformative for my patience. You can't tap the shoulder of the train conductor and ask them to adjust to your schedule so you can make the next train....you just wait and comply. It just IS. Those tiny little adjustments have meant the world to me. There may have been others, but that is what immediately comes to mind.

• Becoming more child like is my life long goal. Childlike trust...Being in a country where I didn't know the land, usually didn't know anyone initially nor did I speak the language... I was very reliant on His help  - like a child might be. God was like my traveling partner, always by my side. I asked him for many things and many, many times he came through for me...for some of the smallest things. Ex. the waiter who kissed my hand and gave me a free seat at a table (I had asked for that).  I knew before this trip that He cared - I really did know, but it's almost like I would beg him for things when I prayed..."God, please....please, you know I need xyz." I never would have known it felt that way until I experienced a new form of him and and an aspect of his Husbandry.   It just feels different now. It's like I found another side to Him and realize you don't have to beg.  He already knows but wants to enter into relationship with us. Interaction - if we didn't ask, then I think it takes pleasure from Him in watching things unfold before us.  So lately I pray with more confidence, just knowing that hH is good.  He is there.  I can remove traces of the dramatic because when I trust that He wants my good, I know that even if things don't unfold as planned, he's still got your back.  He really is enough.    

• Beauty is important but it's not where we end, it is where things begin.  It is there to lead us to God,  I believe.  For me, I'm just the kind of person (call me stubborn) who doesn't entirely care how beautiful something is, or a country or a place...it's not about that. The question I keep asking myself is, "God, where are you? I want more of you. This is not enough for me." And that was definitely something I kept running into. I think my life is just not enough until I find more of God.  Because I learned about Jesus Christ at a young age, the need to re-discover him in new ways without growing callous has become really important.  At the end of my time there, I did find that my faith was more important to me than when I left and that truly was an encouragement.  I realized I feel pretty blank to certain answers and that emptiness is finally bothering me, whereas before it sort of bothered me.  Now, it's time to go after it.  If I happen to meet you on the street, you have my full permission to ask me if I have. 

 

I am still trying to hold on to all these things and grow deeper, higher, stronger and more vibrant in the life that God has called us to live in him.  It is a daily process and I'm very grateful I had the opportunity to walk that journey in Italy with such beautiful people. I look forward to going back again in the coming years and seeing everyone who I became close with.  Three kisses (the Italian way)! 

Last Stop - Venice

I couldn't help but do one more post and that would be my last stop in Venice. I truly did love this city and thankful it was the last. The water was my favorite part; I enjoyed seeing how the city is set up. I can't imagine what it'd be like to live there but it was so fun to be a visitor. I am currently just home now - I have had a nice dinner with family and am feeling the 25 hour transit day set in, so I'm going to post this and then go fall asleep : )... 

LEFT: Jewish Ghetto; which was a favorite spot. I took a tour of 3 of the 5 synagogues they have (and allow you to see) and learned a lot about the history of the Jews in Venice back in the day. It's where we get the name "ghetto", originally pronounced I believe, "jetto". About 450 Jews now live in Venice but about 5,000 dwelt there when the city got it's first beginnings.  They came and went through a gate and wore a yellow or red hat when they left the gates. It was interesting. I also ate at a kosher restaurant after my tour as they were celebrating passover this week. It was pretty cool to see a side to Venice that I didn't expect.  

I wasn't actually able to get a pigeon to land on me. : ( sad about that but I think I didn't have the special touch...or maybe I just didn't have any crackers. That might have helped.

Kind of a sad but normal moment it seemed. Daughter & son finally had some pigeons land on them after quite a long wait to get them there after throwing many crackers. But the little girl did not like it. 

had to take a photo of this one.  waiter made a heart out of coco. it's the little things that make such a difference in my day ; ) 

this sweet lady let me take her photo

Notice the kids taking their parents photo. Cute.

Right: Train station is packed. Can't tell here but about got mobbed walking to my train with all the visitors trying to catch the afternoon ride out.  I spent my last night in Venice but the night before, I was staying with some amazing missionaries who live about 30 minutes outside. It was great to be able to just ride in and ride back out. Thanks, Stewarts!

Little boy on the train at the end of the day. Tons of people flock in and out of Venice from other cities - many Italian. So the trains are packed in the morning and afternoons. At the end of my trip, I tallied in my head around 20 hours were spent a train traveling to and from different cities. It's actually not all that bad. 2-3 hours here and there adds up but you should know the trains were my "think time" which is quite necessary for me to process my experiences. I didn't seem to have much think time else where so I was quite happy to get on them and pull out my books and journal. 

My second day in Venice, I went to Borano island which is in the lagoon. And that was really lovely! So glad that someone had suggested it to me; beautifully quaint - about 30 minute boat ride from Venice's shore. Known for the lace. Loved it. If you ever go, give yourself at least 2 hours to really enjoy this town. 

Thought it was funny how these ladies decided to station themselves in front of a clothesline with said garments...they were playing cards. : ) 

I heard a lot of not so great things about Venice but I actually really liked it.  I think it has a lot to do with the time of year, how hot it is, where you are staying, and other factors.  Traveling in general I think is a very personal thing.  Everyone is different and has a unique perspective on what they do and don't like when touring...how fast you walk, how many people you are with & their preferences, how much history do you appreciate, other interests and ways to enjoy a country for what it is. I am thankful for all the people that I met, the experiences I had, conversations and meals shared. I was in Italy 4 weeks including travel days.  I spent time in 11 cities during that time: Milan, Forli, Pontremoli, Cinque Terra, Florence, Rome, Pisa, Verona, Ala, Padova, Venice.  I am still relishing my experiences there and processing thoughts from my journey. Thank you for coming along with me; it made the trip more enjoyable knowing you were somehow with me.   

Cottage in the Mountains

I didn't mean to go m.i.a. last week. I was just on a mountain where beauty was bountiful and internet was not. So I thought I'd just wait until I left to do one big blog posting about my final wwoofing adventure in Italy. This one only lasted for 4 days and took place at Malga Riondera, which was located just outside of Ala near Trento (in the north)...Malga means farm in this section of Italy.  Since this post is big, I'm going to preface each little thought or section with a "......" between photos. 

This is the cottage which has been in the family for many years and has been hosting guests since 1976. Yes, that is a huge sundial on the front. 

This is Andrea & Alice (pronounced, Alichay) - father and daughter.  Mom is a doctor and other sister is in school, but these two are the team that keep this ship running...Alice is the big push here. She is the boss and is taking over the business. Wow, is she ever a hard worker. Only 25 but has her ducks in a row.  Andrea teaches high school students ecology and sustainable development when he is not at the Malga. You'll see more of them in a bit. 

These two...well, they are the dogs. Caddy (left) 11 mo. and Jock(right) 11+ years. Precious as the days are long. These two kept injecting me with joy the whole time I was there. I don't know what it is about animals but they are just the best. I see so much of God's hand in them. 

The first day I arrived, we had lunch and I got to know Andrea & Alice some more. There is a living space for them in part of the house and the rest of it is dedicated to guests.  I spent most of the time helping Alice with her duties, preparing for guests and also taking photos of what they produce (honey, preserves, nuts, & a beautiful place).

 The second day was pretty foggy and it rained! It was actually nice to have some rain as it was the first real day of rain in my trip. Much colder up in the mountains too! We were so high up that the clouds literally seem to just float by. I can't really say it's fog. I think they were clouds. My ears popped when were driving up the road to the Malga. : ) 

The beloved stove in the house! I love fires, can't get enough of their warmth and yumminess. So I was pleased to know that there is one going in the kitchen on the lesser sunny days.  I was a proud fire-keeper and tried to be diligent at it : ).

They make honey! So cool to see. I got to paint some bee houses as well as they are preparing for new bee families to sprout up. Andrea was explaining more of bees to me and it's fascinating.  Did you know that for every spoon full of honey = the life of 12 bees and the honey they can make in that lifetime. 

They gave me one of these jars of honey which I'm SO excited about using. Their honey is solid which was something I wasn't used to.  Alice was explaining that when bees gather pollen from *dandelions*...hmmm...the honey becomes solid, and also maybe (if I have my facts right), from various types of flowers. She said up on the mountain, it's hard to contain the types of flowers the bees will get pollen from. 

I went for a walk to see more of the view and I realize how far up we were...the town below was so tiny the houses looked like itty bitty. Here is a castle that was also within eyesight. 

Little boo....Caddy made me smile so much. Loved that dog! Precious.

Here is a small preview of the rooms and apartments they rent out.

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So my last night there, Andrea encouraged me to go outside and see if I could see the wild mountain goats with his binoculars. Well, I think it was just God's lovely way of nudging me out the door! And, there before me was a beautiful sunset, and even a rainbow.  I never saw any goats but all this other was pretty much the most beautiful scenery I think I've ever seen. It was just more than I knew what to do with.  Every where I looked it was vast, unique, huge, and beautiful.  Oh, and every single day the mountains looked different based on the sun, clouds, weather. Funny how that works.

Where I was perched, I was covered by some deep forrest green pine branches and this light rain that started to fall didn't get me, but it was beautiful to watch. 

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And then to my chagrin, Andrea, pulled out his accordion! and started playing it! It was awesome. 

Not sure how this will work but if you'd like to hear him play, click HERE (I recorded it). 

Alice, was making pizza for lunch the next day and the dogs were laying in their floor posts chilling. 

Cute story. I was taking photos of their cherry preserves and thought that a cherry blossom/branch would be cool in the photo, so I grabbed one and after a bit, I laid it down on the ground. Well, little Caddy decided to pick it up in his mouth and take it off. He was just the cutest thing ever. 

I really enjoyed being at the Malga, meeting the whole family, eating their yummy food, playing with the dogs, watching the clouds drifts across the lawn and see how vastly immense mountains really are.  I'm still taking it all in and appreciating the experience that they afforded me.