Turning the Corner

• By Johanna Nuding+
• Posted in Change, Italy, Life, Travel
• On August 8, 2012
• 2 Comments.

I reached a new stage of my journey last week, but before we get there, let me brief you on my goings on.

My sister, Crystal and her partner Dionne flew into Rome last Thursday. I took the train from Bologna and met them for a week-long adventure. There were plenty of travel hiccups, including, but not limited to: broken A/C on the high-speed train (read: no open windows in 98 degree temp), impromptu Roman slumber party, over-indulging, hangovers, tickets, Italian cat fights, dark and unnerving tunnels, blisters, getting lost, lost in translation, etc.

Despite it all, what a wonderful experience I had with two of my favorite people! We stayed in a small town outside of Rome called Castel Gandolfo, where the Pope (Papa) summers. The citta sits on the edge of Lago di Albano, a caldera (collapsed volcano). Our lakeside hideaway was an oasis from the insanity happening in Rome. The tourist scene in Rome is beyond comprehension, like ants invading and devouring a delicious picnic. The locals working in the bars, restaurants, hotels, etc. speak impeccable English, thankfully! Otherwise, the city would implode from all of the idiot tourists walking around with their heads back, eyes up, mouths open, taking pictures of everything they see and getting completely turned around because they aren’t watching where they’re going. No, I’m not talking ugly about anybody…I just described myself. Thank Papa I have GPS on my phone! Technology bails me out of a big one at least once per day over here.

Speaking of, our hosts in Castel Gandolfo spoke no English, but I managed to communicate well enough (translate: get by) based on the things I’ve learned during my first month here in Italy. And, the google translate app is a lifesaver. Although, there are so many dialects here I still find there’s a lot of words that don’t translate with the app. BUT, it’s better than a sharp stick in the occhio…

I felt moved to honor my friend, the late John Defee, on my 36th birthday in Rome. After all, John’s laugh, charisma and story-telling were what inspired this blog in the first place. I write as if he’s reading it – like I’m telling him a story. I always loved making John laugh. When he threw his head back with laughter it was always genuine. And infectious. (Laughing WITH John was even better!) He could tell a story with his silky smooth voice and have you hanging on every word. And he was a pro at delivering a punch line or a perfectly placed one-liner.

Kathryn, his strong and beautiful wife trusted me with some of John’s ashes and I told her I’d find the perfect place to scatter them while on my own journey of self-awareness and new experiences. I emailed Kathryn a few days before my birthday and told her the Coliseum was calling John’s name and she agreed. John had shared the first part of my Italian journey with me. He saw Bologna, Lago di Albano, Rome and a few small towns and train stations in between. As John was larger than life and had the ultimate adventurous spirit, I felt it appropriate to leave him in the quintessential Roman playpen. In true gladiator fashion, we both entered the Coliseum, but only I left. It was a very special experience and I was touched to spend my birthday honoring our dear Defee. And, it was totally illegal which made it all the more Defee-esque.

One of my best childhood friends just happened to be in Rome the same time we were. We spent Monday with Lara and her partner Stacy who were there because Stacy is a rockstar salesperson and was on an incentive trip from her company. They were receiving red carpet treatment and were generous to share the spoils. After a full day, five west Texas girls sat in the center of Rome to enjoy aperitivi and antipasti. Five hours later the Jaybirds, Bulldog, and Hornets (green and red represented!) were still there. Sitting, drinking, laughing, sharing old stories, getting drunk and missing the last train to Castel Gandolfo. Our day turned into a slumber party at the Westin Excelsior. I might’ve slept in a chair, but my pillow was delicious, the air conditioning was heaven and the shower was glorious! It was all a little taste of all of the things I miss from home. Speaking of, the west Texas connection plans to reconvene at the Jayton High School homecoming in October. Thank you again Stacy and Lara for a fun day and for joining Crystal, Dionne and I for a trip down memory lane.

We lounged on the beach at Lago di Albano one day, swam in the crystal blue water and enjoyed sampling the local gelato. Another day we explored the area, got completely lost and embraced every breathtaking view finding our way home. It was an unforgettable birthday week. I look forward to what my 36th year on this beautiful planet has in store for me.

Now, about that corner I turned. When we stepped on the steamy-hot, high-speed train from Rome to Bologna…yes, the glorious A/C we were so looking forward to was broken…I closed my eyes, sighed and was ready to be home. Bologna suddenly felt like home. It was the first time I’d had that feeling. And it was assuring. I leaned my head back, smiled and sweated my ass off for the next two hours. Home isn’t about possessions and “stuff”. I’ve given most of mine away and feel lighter because of it. Home is a feeling. A freeing state-of-mind. And, what a gift to know that I can make my home anywhere.

This. just. got. interesting!

(Note: Photos from Rome and Lago di Albano to follow in a few days, along with an update on our trip to Lago di Giarda. We’re currently at Ranch Ricavo outside of Florence.)

Ciao, ragazzi!