Monday, October 17, 2011

leaving home

                                          Rocca Grimalda, Italy                 

Tomorrow I leave for Italy--my first time abroad in many years. We will visit friends who live near the mediaeval village of Rocca Grimalda, then to another mediaeval village in the Emila Romagna region, and lastly to Tuscany. This will be a journey through lightly touristed villages, small cities, cafes, good food, and vistas. You know--la dolce vita, il dolce far niente, in other words, lots of dolce.

                                                               my living room armchair

Leaving home has always been hard for me. And at some point I developed a fear of flying, which I have gradually gotten over--this trans-oceanic flight is the last big hurdle. I keep trying to be braver, less fearful, to be calm and open.

                                                              my bedroom armchair

It's time to stop being an armchair traveler. I hope to be able to dispatch a few posts, read your blogs and comment while I'm gone, but don't expect me until you see me. Ciao, my friends.


Jen
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14 comments:

  1. Rubye JackOctober 17, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Wow, this is so wonderful Jen! Just take a big pill and sleep your way over. Enjoy it all!

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  2. flwrjaneOctober 17, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    Wow, you sure kept this one to yourself!

    I am the world's worst flyer, so I take xanax, every 3 hours.

    Then I am the world's groggiest flier. Except I don't know it.

    I hadn't flown in years till I was offered a trip to Italy.

    It was worth every moment of pre flight anxiety.

    Have a beautiful time and remember to eat as much as you want, you'll walk it all off

    Ciao.

    xo Jane

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  3. erleichdaOctober 17, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    ciao bella! enjoy your holiday - take a sleeping pill on the flight . it helps : )

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  4. haricotOctober 17, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    To take a trip for some mediaeval villages is a dream for me. Have a beautiful dream in a plane and have wonderful days in Italy.I miss your post, though.

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  5. Town and Country GalsOctober 17, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    Jen,
    How exciting for you! My sister and neice went there this summer and loved it! She said it was beautiful! Since you are leaving, I'm going to tell you that I'm doing a post on Wed and awarding you with the Versitile Blogger award. Hate to spoil the surprise but I want to be sure you know. Have a great time, let us hear from you when you can!
    Rebecca

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  6. chasing lightning bugsOctober 17, 2011 at 11:38 PM

    dear dear jen....everything you've described about leaving home, fear of flying and somewhat overcoming said fear... rings true with me. i know you will have a wonderful trip.....make each place you visit your own little home for as long as you're there. that's my secret trick.
    i hope we get loads of lovely photos.
    i'm excited for you.
    xoxoxo

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  7. Town and Country GalsOctober 18, 2011 at 12:16 AM

    Jen,
    I'm a bad, bad, bad, speller! Pretend it was a test!
    Rebecca

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  8. MiseOctober 18, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    Oh have a wonderful time in Italy! And when the holiday ends, remember your beautiful, inviting bedroom armchair waiting for you - it looks a perfectly cosy and happy reading corner.

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  9. UnknownOctober 18, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    Enjoy, Jen It will be so much fun and so interesting !!! My brother recently took my dad over to Italy for a week long visit..it was so great for my dad (80 yrs old) He couldn't stop showing everyone his many photos and talking about the food and the wine...He went to one of the pope's blessings. He love going out into the countryside the best I think and he sure loved the wine , wine , wine funny

    - KAT -
    - KAT -

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  10. Susan ~ Southern FascinationsOctober 19, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    Jen... Have a wonderful trip... Can't wait for you to share your adventure and photos! Safe travels.

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  11. AnneOctober 19, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    By now you will have safely landed and be spending the day in a magical new environment, enjoy!!

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  12. Town and Country GalsOctober 19, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    Jen,
    Check out my post, Wed, Oct 19 for rules on the Versatile Blogger award that I gave you! Hope you are having a great time!
    Rebecca

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  13. Serendipity Chic DesignOctober 19, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    How exciting! You deserve this trip...I hope you plan on sharing MANY photos!! Have a blast!

    Lisa

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  14. ElfReneeOctober 19, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Wow!! Have fun and take lots of pictures! I've never been out of the country.

    ReplyDelete

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