I'm studying Italian, and have some Spanish background to help me make sense of it. I am such the beginner, but have managed to survive every visit so far. Luckily, English is the international language! This helps, except in some rural areas. I've had a couple little nonnas (grandmothers)—five feet tall and older than dirt—turn and walk away from me when I asked, "Parlese inglese?" They just didn't want to waste their time with this americana. But they were still cute when they did that.
In the midst of planning, I don't want to lose track of the present. I often make myself stop in the moment and feel gratitude for my life. I sometimes sit on my balcony in the evening, look out at the night sky, and get lost in that vastness, and feel grateful for my eyes that see a mere fraction of what is infinite, grateful even that I have a home and a small balcony where I can sit like this.
My family is not far off—a great blessing in itself. Each one of them so special. And each one encourages me to pursue my dreams now that I'm retired and have more time.
And I will do so just as long as I'm upright and whole enough to travel a bit more, sing in clubs, and write my poems and songs.
I have said it before: "I live for the adventures that find me when I travel."
Onward!
