Epilogue

What has it been, two weeks now since we got home?

I’ve settled in comfortably on Amelia Island. The weather is unseasonably fabulous, the condo in fine shape (thanks to my dear friend, Jean), and Brad and I are trying to develop some new patterns to our lives.

We both realize that the last year took a huge toll on us, and that we need to be purposeful about our lives going forward. We are depleted, and Italy surely fed us and put us on a path to health and rejuvenation, but it’s a walk we need to thoughtfully do every day.

It’s Sunday morning here, and I just read the Times, and it’s my normal time to call Chaz and discuss what’s in the paper, but also what has happened to us in this last week and what we are planning to do. But I can’t do that today, or ever again. She’ll never be able to put things in perspective for me again, and I’ll never be able to help her plan a dinner party. She’ll never be curling her hair with me on the speakerphone again, and I’ll never be cooking while talking to her. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s what I’ll miss most, those silly patterns, and small touches that were always part of my life. It is so painful. Just so very, very painful. And final.

What does this have to do with a travel blog? Travel takes us places, but it also should show us new things and change us. We should learn from our experiences and adopt the best. Italy showed me that life is not all about accomplishing things, but sometimes just about enjoying them. The perfect cappuccino, served is a beautiful cup, by a gracious waiter with a lovely note.

Maybe just sitting here this morning, enjoying the view with Grouper by my side should count as a morning activity. It’s beautiful out, and low tide, should I race out for a walk to capture it, or should I sit here and ponder my thoughts and count the blessings I do have rather than what I’ve lost? Can I remember to savor the food with all my senses? Can I be more present in this moment rather than racing to plan the next event? Can I let the things I can’t change go, and embrace the good right in front of me?

This trip was definitely dedicated to Chazy on so many levels, and I really want to make it count. For all of Chazy’s seriousness and ambition, there was also a very lackadaisical way in which she allowed things to happen or just unfold. She had a gentle spirit (at times :)), and seemed to take the long view in stride. Italy is like that. I need to focus more on enjoying what I have and taking the time to savor things. Dear God, is Dotty right again?!?

Back to the travel portion…..

Remember to always book the best hotel you can afford. Coming home to our gorgeous suites every day left us feeling pampered and coddled, just what a vacation is supposed to do.

Get outside and walk. The brisk January air was invigorating and the space around us gave us a peaceful spirit.

Don’t pack too much — no one likes schlepping heavy bags and unpacking is a drag. You can always buy something.

Change planes before you are jet lagged. Changing in JFK and traveling directly to Milano is the way to go. JFK is a miserable, huge airport, but we were not exhausted, and we spoke the language. Changing in Roma while jet lagged would have been brutal.

Don’t be afraid to sleep. If you’re tired, take a nap. Italy will be there. What you missed on this trip because you were relaxing in your room, will be there the next time you go.

And most importantly, go! If you liked the place, go back! Stupid rule of no “do overs”. Go as many times as you’d like. We all have places that resonate with us, enjoy them. Find cheap flights and make it happen.

You never know what is around the corner. Live every day and be happy with it. Savor it all. Chazy would tell you that.