What seemed like so far away is upon me. Today I get on the flying tube and cross America, the Atlantic Ocean and a good portion of Europe as I head to Italy, the land of my fore-bearers. Armed with the Italian version of "Speak in a Week" on my iPod, I boldly go where my grandparents came from, the Veneto province in northeastern Italy.
Where is the American consulate? Dove si trova il consolato Americano? Hmmm...that might be handy.
It will be the first trip for the generations that were born in the US, and we look forward to finding more of our distant cousins, seeing where our ancestors lived and finding out more about ourselves. Nothing like a cramped airplane, sleep deprivation and the potential lack of the comforts of home to really show your mettle.
Waiter, my napkin has been soiled. Cameriere, il tovagliolo è stato sporcato. Somehow I don't think I will need that one, but you never know.
Today is also a celebration of summer, friends and hiding in plain sight. If you are watching the Summer solstice parade in Santa Barbara, look for something that resembles a wedge of cheese. If you have an extra bottle of water, find the small slit in the side about eye level and press the bottle through (they'll thank you for it, trust me). Clap when they go by and tell them I love each and every one of them.
The Summer Solstice parade is a celebration to manifest your wildest dreams. I dream of Santa Barbara, my family and friends who are there, the times of my life spent there and the times yet to be, as well as the adventure before me, the undiscovered country I will visit and the extended family members I have yet to meet. Today, as with many days, my past meets my future, and I, much like the parade, will go with the flow.
My friends, we've come home. Amici miei, siamo arrivati a casa.
Where is the American consulate? Dove si trova il consolato Americano? Hmmm...that might be handy.
It will be the first trip for the generations that were born in the US, and we look forward to finding more of our distant cousins, seeing where our ancestors lived and finding out more about ourselves. Nothing like a cramped airplane, sleep deprivation and the potential lack of the comforts of home to really show your mettle.
Waiter, my napkin has been soiled. Cameriere, il tovagliolo è stato sporcato. Somehow I don't think I will need that one, but you never know.Today is also a celebration of summer, friends and hiding in plain sight. If you are watching the Summer solstice parade in Santa Barbara, look for something that resembles a wedge of cheese. If you have an extra bottle of water, find the small slit in the side about eye level and press the bottle through (they'll thank you for it, trust me). Clap when they go by and tell them I love each and every one of them.
The Summer Solstice parade is a celebration to manifest your wildest dreams. I dream of Santa Barbara, my family and friends who are there, the times of my life spent there and the times yet to be, as well as the adventure before me, the undiscovered country I will visit and the extended family members I have yet to meet. Today, as with many days, my past meets my future, and I, much like the parade, will go with the flow.
My friends, we've come home. Amici miei, siamo arrivati a casa.
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