It is difficult to describe a place and people that have meant so much to you over the past two and a half years. Italy is a very special place for us. Of course it is, because Mia was born here! Thinking about it, Mia will spend more time living abroad than she will in the states probably up until age 10. Living long term in the US for her will be a whole new experience.
There are just some moments you hope stay with you forever.
Here is just one of them. Sitting outside by Marina corta in Lipari at a guitar bar, sipping wine, listening to 2 Italian guys playing the guitar and singing beautifully in Italian. I remember thinking, 'who does this.?' It was a surreal moment for me. I was a tourist, but I wasn't. I live here in Sicily, yet I'm American, surrounded by Italians, and blending in just enjoying life. I won't forget it.
The usual anticipation that comes about with going back to the states isn't as highly anticipated as past trips back to the states for holidays, or vacations have been. This time, I feel like I am leaving Disneyland. There is just magic here. Some may not feel this way. There IS lots to complain about and a lot that is different and hard to get used to, but overall, the beauty and magic of Italy and Sicily just rocks your world. And if you live near Mt. Etna, it literally rocks your world. We have been so incredibly blessed to see the beauty of this active volcano express itself in many eruptions over the past year. For the longest time, I didn't believe our neighbors when they told us, it rained ash. All I could picture was fluffy ash falling from the sky. No, my friends, it rains rocks here. It is the strangest thing, and another experience I won't ever forget.
We are looking forward to doing so much while back in the states. For one, I can't wait to make a pot roast. Yes, a pot roast.
More things we are looking forward to that we can't really do here in Italy.
1. Go out to dinner before 8 pm.
2. Go to the movie theater
3. Go to the park, or a playground
4. Take the kids to the library
5. Feed the kids something other than pasta or pizza (Mallory is addicted to pasta...this will be a hard habit to break)
6. Seeing family and friends
On the contrary, things we may no be able to do in the states that we do here in Italy.
1. Enjoy an entire pizza all by myself
2. Get fresh pasta from the pasta store
3. Know the produce guy by name and get a free lollipop or some other treat for the girls almost every time you go in.
4. Drive 5 minutes to see a beautiful view of the sea
5. open your back door and see a volcano erupt
6. Enjoy the company and fellowship of awesome neighbors, friends, and clients.
The people here are irreplaceable. I am so greatful and thankful for them all. I may have only gotten a little misty eyed saying goodbye, but know I'll probably be crying as I fall asleep tonight (if I even fall asleep) and most certainly as we get on the airplane tomorrow morning and leave for good.
Knowing I won't return to Sicily leaves me with a pit in my stomach, for it will always hold a piece of my heart.
Ciao a tutti.
View from the room. A beautiful day in Sicily.
