Go for it

We as Americans are laughed at for our excess and lauded for our success and our access. When we first started thinking of coming to Italy we had some awareness of our perception overseas. It was factored out. Grace's heritage was the decider. It has proven to be our best decision. Over the last twelve years our extended family has grown and continues to do so. 

We did two "exploration trips" and harrassed the guides mercilessly for information and guidance. With their help and that of one of Grace's colleges we picked an apartment near the Campo dei Fiori. Everything gelled for us. It was walkable, it was interesting, it was and is home. We returned many times, it was simply right for us. There are zero second thoughts. To become part of the community was our primary goal. We had not wanted to fly 7000 miles only to be surrounded by our unhappy former neighbors...ex-pats. 

That worked also. This trip is the result of my personal loss and was to observe Grace's wishes. personally I was trying to get myself back together, recover hope, meet more people and "put on a  happy face"! OK, the 'happy face" thing does stretch things too far...perhaps some occasional smiles. There have been Good days and a couple of sad ones, but all in all this trip has done what I had hoped. I have been surrounded by friends and I guess this visit has been my personal high...please no one be offended, its also my only trip alone.

Now to go back and pay the bills...reality bites!