Italia!!

Oh Italy…where do I begin?  I’m on the plane back to Berlin and my heart already aches missing you... 

Let’s see, I took 2 flights and probably about 10 trains while in Italy in the matter of 3 days.  I definitely spent as much traveling as I did with my friends Ashley and Jason, but it was so beyond worth it.  Italy was more than I imagined and I only got to see a very little bit.  I spent most of the time in a train looking out the window reflecting, talking to Italians and then eventually with Ashley and Jason in the foothills outside of Tuscany.  I had some “moments” for sure and truly have never experienced such beautiful country. 

The flight there shed some light on how my Italian adventure would go…  They come through the aisle to sell snacks and coffee and then they come through the aisle selling stuff…like Ipod chargers and perfume.  Wow.  Also on this flight I sat behind a couple who had a set of twins and another child.  The entire flight they ran up and down the aisle the entire flight and no one seemed to care at all.  I actually found it REALLY refreshing.  In the US people would have been absolutely freaking out – WHY are these children so out of hand?!!!  Sit them DOWN!!!  Instead, no one seemed to mind – they would smile every once in awhile and just not respond.  How freeing to just not mind.  The Italians are about being laid back in pretty much everything.  Some would argue they don’t discipline.  Maybe…but I found it enlightening. 

The people are wonderful – they smile, gawk, say what they want, and help out whenever they can. God bless the mother and daughter that helped me on the regional train to get the airport (I would have missed my flight back to Germany), the mom and daughter Swiss duo that helped me find the train in Berlin to Milan, the 2 beautiful girls flying from Berlin to Milan, Fabrizio for keeping me company while on my first Italian train, and also Giovanni who helped me learn how to flush the toilet on the train – you had to step on it by the way…  It was in the middle of the floor…  

 The food was THE. BEST. FOOD. I’VE. EVER. HAD.  Maybe minus the steak at Peter Luger’s in NYC – that’s still pushing it…  I have a new appreciation for completely organic food, and I have to say – I will have to come back to Italy just for the tomatoes and olives and bread and meat… oh jeez…  

More than all, thank you to my amazing friends Ashley and Jason who treated me to the time of my life for 2 ½ days.  Your hospitality, support and friendship mean more than you will EVER know.  It was amazing to see you – it was like we picked up from the last moment I saw you - we never missed a beat.  I am so beyond proud of all that you guys have done.  I was speechless when I looked around and took in all that you guys have created.  You're LIVING in paradise.  YOU created that dream.  Proud doesn't even start to describe how I feel.  You both are truly amazing. 

Everyone HAS to visit this place – I’m telling you – it will blow your mind…  It's like you're home on a farm house in italy with 2 of the best people on earth.  La Tavola Marche - http://www.latavolamarche.com/html/  Trust me on this one.

If I learned anything from this journey to Italy – more than ever – it’s to LIVE IN THE MOMENT.  It’s so easy for us to say,  yet putting it into action is another story.  Work will be there the next day.  Go have a dinner or a drink with your friend.  Tell your husband or wife you love them and show them. Stop and chat with someone. Take a drive.  Make a memory.  Laugh, eat, breathe, love, soak it in, be thankful.  Savor everything.