2020, A Year of Clear Vision

January 14, 2020

As my fourth year of living in Italy begins, I see a year ahead filled with new experiences, new challenges and a serious need for clear vision. You may find you will need that clear vision too.

Right now, my vision is foggy as I am deep in the throes of jetlag. I arrived in Milan on 9 January and spent a night at the Sheraton Malpensa Airport Hotel. After being awake for over 24 hours, I simply enjoyed my hotel room and its luxurious bathtub. I, then slept off and on for 20 hours. 

A bathroom with a sink and a mirrorDescription automatically generated

Luckily, I made it to my train on time the next day and arrived in Chiavari. The weather was lovely and the sea at sunset was calming.

After five months in the United States, the sea showered me with serenity. I wish you could be here to experience it with me.

Since the evening of the 9th, I slept around the clock for two days with very few breaks. I basically lost the entire weekend. I drank instant hot chocolate and ate instant oatmeal with whole milk powder. That was all I had in the house but was just too in need of solitude and silence to gather the strength to go shopping. I had no idea that I could even sleep this much! I set my alarm for Monday morning. I needed food.

I left the apartment building about 8:00AM and walked 

Toward the sunrise and 

Along the sea with my trusty Nonna shopping bag.

The colors were remarkable. I took my time until I reached a local store. For 52 Euros, I purchased enough food for at least a week or more of meals and beverages.

After hanging out my first load of clean clothing, I made my favorite dish, gluten free gnocchi with my homemade marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese. And wine, of course.

Now I know I am home. 

This year, 2020, I plan to spend the entire year in Italy. I will need 20-20 vision and serious commitment this year as I move forward with my novel while writing blogs and assisting you with your travel adventures. Yes, I said my novel. So many of you have asked how was I able to move to Italy. Some have assumed that it was an easy decision and smooth sailing. Boy will they be surprised. Others have wondered what it was like growing up in a 100% Italian-American household. Even more want to understand the difference between Italian-Americans and Born in Italy Italians. The book will assist others to reach their dream of living in another country and answer many questions about my process and my reasons. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, I have questions for YOU! Living in Italy has offered many opportunities for me to explore new places that you can also enjoy. I want your ideas on places and experiences I should enjoy this year. 

Here are a few places I hope to reach in 2020:

  1. Puglia—further south than Trani.  
  2. Molise—I tried last year but never made it.
  3. Sicily—I must see Sicily with a stop in Tropea on the way back.
  4. Sardinia—It is so close to me. Can I fit it in?
  5. Which Carnevale should I attend this year? I was thinking of the Opening in Venice.
  6. Which festivals should I visit and film for you? Gubbio, Arrezzo, where else?
  7. Further west in Liguria. I will definitely experience some new Ligurian adventures.
  8. What about specialty foodie and wine adventures? I can visit and report on the best of them so we can add them to your travels. 
  9. How about balloon rides, Ferrari driving, horseback rides in Chianti? 
  10. Cooking classes? Which areas for cooking classes?

You MUST let me know what you think, and I will do my best to experience these new to me places.

Send me your ideas at: marilyn@takemehomeitaly.com. Or share my post on Twitter with your suggestions. Better yet, comment on my Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/takemehomeitaly.

I can hardly wait to see what you come up with. Until then, be kind, have fun, and see clearly.

A dopo.


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