Day as Danbo

I recently discovered the world of Danbo, this little box human/robot. Finding photos took me about an hour or so and I waste this time because it was around 2am that I found him in the first place. I ended up finding so many pictures from other people that you could pretty much make a montage of your day using photos people took of Danbo so here goes my story.

In the morning you wake up and take a shower, dry off in your towel. Of course you want to play, so you get in your toy and roll around the house. After playing mom wants you to practice your reading.

No worries, you have a birthday party to go to in the

afternoon!

There will be lots of games like pin the tail on the donkey.

Later there will be hide and seek!

We'll have cake and pie together too!

We have to go back home afterwards, it's been a long day and the dog needs a walk. We'll walk through the tall grass with the flowers so we can pick some for mom and dad.

Once the dog and I get back I have to eat dinner.

After dinner I put on a magic show for mom and dad! They loved it and we all laughed together.

Today was a lot of fun, but it's getting late and I'm really tired. It's bed-time, but tomorrow perhaps there will be new adventures!

Labor Day Weekend

Since being back I took Squishy to the dog park like I said I would. He was pretty tired when I took him, as you can see he was still sort of sleeping on the way there, but once we started walking around he woke up and had a lot of fun.

Labor Day weekend is usually big on Long Island because it’s sort of like saying good-bye to an old friend you know you’ll see again, but not till next year. It ends the summer with one more bang and most people go out to the Hamptons. Yes, I went out there too. I had wanted to go to a fireman’s fair because they have rides, games, food, and fun! but I wanted to take Squishy and go with people as a group and of course no one was free or would return my calls...nice real nice.

So I went out east. First to walk around the outlet stores because it’s nice to be able to walk around outside and inside at the same time and be able to bring Squishy with me. I’d take him almost anywhere with me if I could and I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about him. I only bought 1 sweater, but it was perfect for the cool breezes that started around the afternoon.

First stop was a small barn where they have fresh produce and grilled corn right out of the field. They had huge tomatoes and peaches there as well. There was a little gold sifting station in the back and a small petting zoo where Squishy kicked grass at the goats to show them he wasn’t afraid, but he probably was.

Then to the many wineries we have out east near the Hamptons. A lot of them are family run and operated. It was nice sitting outside tasting wine, sampling cheese while Squishy took a nap in the grass. The fields made me feel like I was almost back in Europe.

It was started to get a little dark and I didn’t want to miss the beach one more time so it was time to walk along a private beach.

It was nice being the only one there. Walking along the entire beach, watching my foot prints fade away with the tide, feeling the sand between my toes and my blouse flowing in the wind...I swear I could’ve been filming a commercial and not even have known it.

Before leaving I made sure to make a stop at the infamous Long Island DUCK, he looks huge, but he’s really not that big. He’s been around for a long time, but not a lot of people were there visiting, I suppose they spent more time on the beach, at wineries, and parties than I did.

I had stopped in Sag Harbor to visit family friends, but they were working in the stables and gardens so we sat out on the deck once again drinking wine for about an hour before leaving back slightly west.

By the time I got home I wanted to go back to the beach, walk around somewhere again, or do something, but again no one was free. I’m getting really sick and tired of other peoples excuses and how I know I don’t need anyone to have a good time, but it does get lonely even when you’ve done something fun or exciting on your own to not have anyone to share it with. That is getting old, and I don’t like it one bit. I should go out and meet people or make new friends somewhere, but it’s harder than it seems. Especially when you’re in your mid-late 20’s and everyone is either working all the time, looking for work, continuing their degree, or planning weddings and baby showers. For all the single mid-late 20 somethings who don’t like to drink or go to clubs it’s not that much fun when you’re alone than when you can share something.

I really don’t want to be that nice girl who it was a shame never met anyone and lives alone in a house with her pug. Well, today is a new day like every other and I’m lucky to have it and be healthy and live somewhere safe. I have a lot to be grateful for, so I’m ready for Thanksgiving. I just would like friends who are around when I want to do something not the kind who expect me to be around whenever they want something and then otherwise we practically don’t know each other.

It’s a hard transition from being in school and college and working full time to being done or laid off and looking, you don’t have time, they don’t have time. Nothing gets done you have too much free time and not enough at the same time. This life as much as it’s wonderful is frustrating and some changes need to happen. The pace at which my life is going is not the pace I’d like. At least with holidays coming up there will be more charity work in the area to help out with like making the Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless or lunches for them whatever they need, a rummage sale for clothes and goods.

Then the Bat Mitzvah season is coming and little girls I’ve known since they were babies are now growing up and going through something I can only faintly remember going through myself now. That makes me feel like I’m lost. That something I took care of years ago is now growing up into a young lady and a teenager for the first time. How time flies. Well, I better start practicing my Hebrew and getting ready to dance embarrassing dances with family. These are the moments memories are made of after all.

Day 13: Flight back

I woke up before 7, but I couldn’t take a shower because I’d wake everyone up. I waited till the second my alarm was to go off and rushed to the bathroom for the shower. I thought I was fast, but I didn’t have a lot of time to spare before I had to leave. It was a good thing I had everything packed and laid my clothes out the night before. We rushed out with Mr. Wulff and Daniel of course. He still had a number of things he needed to pack in his car so we took his fathers BMW. Of course we listened to the same wonderfully redundant songs I had no choice but to grow to love.

I’ll think of Daniel and Germany every time I hear any of them and imagine him dancing and singing along on car rides. The airport here seems huge. As if it’s its own town. We walked through hallways and up numerous escalators to get to my gate entry (even taking a shuttle Daniel and I took to get to his car.) Daniel carried my suitcase the whole way which was very sweet of him and really helped us to move along fast. When I stopped at customs he had to stand back while I was asked questions about my stay here. Its so strange leaving. I’m going to miss Daniel and seeing him all the time and the way my face hurt from smiling and laughing with him. Yesterday editing the report together was a lot of fun. I don’t remember laughing so often for such a long time. It makes me sad.

The flight back, again, wasn’t as long as I expected, but it was long enough for sure. I was bored after a while and couldn’t sleep. It felt weird being back, like I wasn’t back, but I was just visiting a new place again. When I got off the plane we were still on the runway...no I didn’t jump out...we didn’t have a spot to park otherwise so we had to take a shuttle and a bus and walk for a while to get to our gate and then try to find our luggage that had been pulled from the trolly to the ground. Of course mine was nowhere to be found and I had German fellow passengers asking me for help which I could only direct them to someone who knew German.

I found my luggage, but no one was there to get me which was just wonderful. My parents forgot me last time and I couldn’t believe they forgot me again. I thought okay, you have no phone and you’ve never taken this airline before so you don’t know where you are either. I went outside to check and found payphones, but only had euros with me. I was going to make some change when I felt like I’ll just walk around and see if I find someone I know. Sure enough my dad was in the wrong place or was told to wait in the wrong place. I walked up to him and said, “Hey I think I know you from somewhere” and when he turned around we hugged and started to the car.

We went straight to a pug party, but I was dressed in business clothes since Daniel thought if I looked nice they might bump me to business class...they didn’t but now I was far too over dressed for a pug party and all the smell and hair. We went anyway of course. Once I got there Squishy had no idea it was me until I said something then his eyes almost popped out of his head like any cartoon when they are surprised and he jumped for me freaking out that it was really me. It was very sweet and I was completely covered in dog hair and smelled by the end of the party.

It was nice seeing Squishy and being with him again, but I was exhausted from the flight because there was nothing to do and from Germany time it was the evening. We all went back to my house and Squishy brought a friend so we went walking and sat by the pool. I’ll talk to Daniel this week on Skype I’m sure and I hope he’s settling into his flat and new courses. We were talking about him coming here in October. I’m not sure if he’s going to or not, but it would be nice if he did. If I find work by then though I’m going to do what I can to have off while he’s here so we can actually do somethings. Maybe since he’s seen the city already we’d go upstate and go hiking or something. I know I have to get into better shape so I’m not stopping all the time though.

I’m going to make a DVD of the trip and send him a copy and keep a copy. I had a DVD for my grandparents for their anniversary of the time my dad and I surprised my Granny for her 86th this summer, with a video of her great grandchildren she’s never met and then photos from our trip to see them and from Germany since we’re from there and they have never been able to go. I set the background so it looks like a wall with shelves and each video and photo album is a picture frame. When you click on the photo albums though it plays music to go with the photos. I hope they like it and I hope it travels well there.

Day 12: Last Day Memories

Last night was a fun experience and I wouldn’t have gone through with it if it wasn’t for Daniel. I can’t believe today is my last full day here. I have to pack and lay out what I can for tomorrow when I leave. There’s so much I would still want to do or do more of. The plane ride is going to be boring so I might have to watch what video I can (only it won’t feel the same not watching it with Daniel I’ll have to at least send him a copy or wait till he comes to visit to watch it all) The pictures on this adventure are probably my favorite from a long time. I don’t even want to think of the chaos the airport might be and the sad but grateful good-bye before I have to get to my gate.

I hate good-byes I much rather, “till we meet again.” Good-bye is an ending I prefer a pause and a to be continued on situations such as this. I can’t believe its been a year since Daniel came for Thanksgiving last November. I’m glad we met and he and Germany will forever be in my heart and memories...

I must’ve slept the latest today. Waking up in the middle of the night now I feel is fear or unease from going back and not sure what I’m going back to. I feel like I need to keep moving. Like a shark, keep active and aware. Daniel and I spent most of the day working on his paper breaking to eat. I had the most fun with Daniel laughing and seeing Germany through his perspective and for my first time. I’ll miss the breezes at night and the breathtaking landscapes from mountains to valleys. I’ll like most to get ride of this cold stop coughing and blowing my nose.

It feels like I just got here and as if I’ve been here for a while. Time moves differently everyday here for me. More than anything can happen any day. There’s so much more I want to do, it feels like summer is ending and everything I say and do is about to be restricted from all sorts of angles. At least Daniel and I have our drive to the airport together. I hope he has a great semester. I’m sure he’ll do very well. I’m going to miss him, so he better visit. At least there’s the escape of Skype when we’re both free.

Day 11: IKEA and DISCO

Daniel and Mr. Wulff left early in the morning to get to the Netherlands for Daniel‘s school requirement.

Last night Daniel gave me his iPod to listen to after we talked for a while. I hope he is happy. He’s one of the good guys so its sad to see him upset, but I’m glad he comes to me to talk to. It’s a great feeling to be able to be there for someone else. Its like the movie we watched together, just knowing you have someone to support you and listen when the news is good or bad brings you to the surface when you feel you are drowning in thoughts and emotions.

My dreams have been bringing me to such strange worlds. I could’ve sworn I was back at the house I grew up in, but it was thousands of years ago and jungle like. I’m sure its just because back ‘home’ never really feels like home anymore. I know when I’m away that the house and objects I left behind are called home, but it doesn’t feel like my heart belongs anywhere anymore. It feels torn between worlds and searching for a something. I suppose home is my room, my bubble. I feel like I’ll be on this journey for a while, but it’ll be more special when I find home, when I can grow new roots.

Tomorrow is my last full day here. It doesn’t feel like I’m leaving, but then apart of me may always stay in Germany...a living memory of my time and experiences while here...of the new and usual adventures and of what they’re meant to me. There will always be apart of my heart here, where my family came from, where my blood runs like wild horses through the plains. Maybe I can bring my father here someday and experience even more of this country. Although, with his bad knee and always working I don’t know if that will be possible, but I have my videos to document as much as I can remember to.

As much as I love the video and pictures I’ve taken and will probably still take sometimes I wish they would take themselves so I could experience behind my own eyes and not behind the camera lens. I feel like walking to the castle and sitting on the stone or grass and just listening to the wind whisper and play with my hair gently brushing it across my face, kissing my cheek. I’d like to catch the sunset and burn its image into my memory. I’m not looking forward to the flight, but perhaps I’ll sleep and wake up to a new world.

Since Daniel and Mr. Wulff went to the school Mrs. Wulff and I spent the afternoon together. I slept till I couldn’t sleep anymore and then we sat together eating fruit in the kitchen talking. She had spent the morning cleaning and organizing. We each took a shower before leaving for IKEA. We walked around IKEA for a while, and I felt like a kid in a candy shop, so much I’d buy, so many possibilities to decorate a room and house there. I could spend a paycheck in IKEA, maybe more depending on the space I had available.

Daniel kept in touch with his mom throughout the day as we shopped for him. After everything was payed for we bought hot dogs, which here people decorate like hamburgers in the US. Meat, bun, ketchup, mustard, mayo, pickles, and fried onions. I only ate with mustard as usual, but it was fun to see Mrs. Wulff enjoy it as intended.

I wonder how often I’ll be yelled at at home for wanting to eat larger in the morning and little at night. I’d like to get off the plane and in bed without a fight. I’ll call a head hunter for work on Monday and let families know I’m back to watch their kids, but I’m taking Squishy to the park and laying in the grass or by the shore. I’m sure I’ll sit there thinking of Daniel and Germany, missing the company and accents. It’ll give me something to smile about and ideas for my next journey, the to be continued next adventure plans.

I have a similar view here as in the NY from my room window. Trees and houses closest by, but here the balcony lets me float above, like I’m sitting in a cloud traveling the skies and have only to turn around to rest my head in bed. The plan is to make chicken and cake tonight for when Daniel and Mr. Wulff return. I wonder how their day has been. If Daniel saw friends and enjoyed himself or they spent most of their time cleaning his flat. Daniel had a few picture frames to hang up. I wonder what photos he’ll choose for the frames. Maybe one will be his modeling pose on top of the mountain with my jumper on his shoulder. It’s a conversation started at least. “Hey wow at the top of a mountain you can look like a model.” like my ocean picture I have of myself all in blue with golden curled ringlets of hair flowering in the wind as I gaze out to the ocean as it tosses and turns.

I had a nice day with Mrs. Wulff, but I was happy to hear when Daniel came back. I’ve gotten so used to seeing and talking to him that it will feel the most strange not having him around when I’m back in NY.

After dinner some friends of Daniel’s came over to go to the disco with us. I’m pretty sure I over dressed by the look of most everyone else in the place, but I think that’s just NYC kicking in. It was a large place but it felt like I was in NYC and Daniel was there with me, rather than me there with him. I know I know nothing about dancing, but I still danced or whatever it’s called that I did and going was worth it to say I’ve been and to spend the evening with Daniel and friends because he was sharing another part of himself and his life with me (and its been nice getting to know him) His friends were nice and we danced together. The ear plugs Daniel lent me were amazing. We got in a little passed 3 and tomorrow if I can I’ll help with Daniel’s report. He said and I agree its sad I’m leaving, but I hope he knows I’m always going to be around.

Day 10: Heidelberg

I woke up a few times in the night in anticipation for the new day I suppose. Perhaps my body is excited and can’t rest, it just wants more. I went down after 10, dressed and ate while talking to Daniel about what we’ll do. We watched a movie to start the day and then he showered while I got my things together. We drove to check out a mattress for his flat and then drove to Heidelberg where he woes all the ladies. There is a ruined castle there with an amazing view of the valley town below.

The castle bells ring and majestic white birds scatter to the winds. Tourists flash photographs and Daniel and I sit on a park bench and talk. Talking with him is easy and listening is interesting (I’m going to miss that) its not often you find someone you

don’t have to pretend with. I usually feel like I have to be

different with different people.

I try to understand everyone, but it makes life exhausting trying to make everything easier for other people like I do in NY.

Heidelberg was a perfect town.

It reminded me of the cobbled roads in Austin, only these are ancient and truly walked on, traveled. The shops seem more unique. Sure some were traditional stores for tourists, but in all they fit the atmosphere well. We walked up the 314 steps to the castle. Daniel said it was 500, but 314 was good enough for me.

The stairs have a soft spiral around the top of the hill (or mountain side) with houses cradled throughout. I stopped to take pictures along the way of the hidden houses.

When we reached the castle we walked around to a bench where we talked as tourists strode by. I can see the romantic aires this place emits. I can imagine the girls puddy in his arms. from the sun flowing between the symmetrically places trees and the seemingly poetically placed wooden benches with perfect views.

I love quiet high views in the middle of nowhere. I could’ve stayed on the mountain in Italy for hours. Falling asleep under the stars and waking to what I can only assume to be an epic sunrise. I wish there were more places like that in NY. Daniel thinks I’ll appreciate some things in NY more when I’m back. He’s right about A/C, and squishy of course. Seeing him will bring a spark to my heart I only feel embering while so far away. I’ll appreciate having my own things again. Always knowing where my things are and having more options to wear clothes that I’ll be more sloppy in. There’s no food or drink I’ve missed, but I’ve missed my pillow and the dreams we’ve shared, from the way it smells to the touch and poof sound it makes when I through it around.

My stomach hurts now after dinner. I ate fat too much. I do enjoy the chili with peppers and so my eyes were much larger than my stomach. Eating too much makes me tired. I feel like I could take a nap, but then I wouldn’t be sleeping at night. Tomorrow Daniel has to go to HAN but will be back in the evening when he wants me to go clubbing till 4am. He seems excited about it, so even though its not something I normally enjoy I’ll go because it’ll be a new memory and that’s definitely worth it.

Day 9: Daniel’s Birthday (23)

People were already leaving ‘Happy Birthday’ messages on Daniel’s Facebook last night. “Happy Birthday Daniel! I’m so glad I can be apart of your 23rd birthday, I’m confident it’ll be much better than last. xoxo Jenn”

I woke up at 6, 8:40, 10, and 11...no one said come down and I heard nothing, but I missed the celebration :( I wanted to see the look on Daniels face when it was his birthday and he got the watch he wanted. He sat while I ate anyway and then we went on Facebook leaving captions under the photos and posting. That was fun, we laughed and the captions were usually hilarious. I’ll look forward to posting more photos when I’m home.

Now we’re going to the mall to hang out and his friends will come later. I don’t know what we’ll do tonight, but its his birthday so he should do whatever makes him happy.

The mall was fun with Daniel, he looks good in everything so its hard to give a good opinion of what looks better. Its more a question of what he likes more. Its funny how even something as simple as shopping can be so complicated. Even if everything looks good you have to wonder how it feels, what it costs, what you can wear it with, and how long you’ll be able to use it.

Life has always something to learn from everyday, and everyday like a flowering plant we grow (hopefully wiser) I usually enjoy learning, even if the lesson is hard because anything easy is easily forgettable, anything hard or laborious you remember because its something you went through, you came out of , you survived.

Everyday is survival of the fittest, from the cities to the tribal jungles, physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging just to keep who you are, your soul, alive. Something your breath can feel heavy with burden, regret or fear. Life itself is truly the greatest adventure of all. Wherever we are, walking the Earth or souring the heavens and beyond, I will try to learn from my mistakes, grow from my experiences, and never stop questioning.

“All the Worlds A Stage, and [We] Merely the Players”-Shakespeare

I hope Daniel had a nice birthday, at least better than last year. I remember my 24th as being sad, 23 I don’t even remember, and 25, well it was just the day I turned 25. I feel like these designated ‘special’ days like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries have meant less over the years. Like I’m waiting for a new cycle to begin. When I was young a birthday or holiday was celebrated as if we had wont the lottery. Everyone joined together, friends and family, laughing, eating, playing...making unforgettable memories. Then years go by and less family can make it to the party, friends call and maybe send a card. I used to pine for the 4th of July. Eager to get in the car for my cousins pool party, BBQ, Manhunt, the beautiful stench of bug spray and firework smoke with my mom yelling, “watch out!” after every lit match. Now almost no one shows, or hardly stays to visit. Birthdays I feel like just another day, but someday I will make my own parties and traditions and that will be special.

For Daniel I bought a jacket he seems to enjoy. I hope he does, the best gift or thank you is to see when something you’ve said or done make someone happy and smile. Its free and its priceless. I’ve missed smiling, I have genuinely smiled and laughed with Daniel, with his family, and for general reasons, even a song since being here...but its different somehow. Maybe I’m just rusty, even when I called my mom and I was laughing she thought I was crying and asked me what was wrong. I do get sad here too, but not because of being here, but because of my thoughts and memories. For when something reminds me of my past or some hard memory I had thought I had hidden away. So I dream, at night or during the day. I space out and wonder through the maze of my mind. Sometimes I exhaust myself with my thoughts and feelings and I want to shut them off, but then I wouldn’t be me. I shall always be a work in progress.

Day 8: Return to Germany

We leave today to go back to Germany. On the way we’ll stop at Swarovski headquarters. We may leave Italy, but someday I’ll return. I take one more chance to inhale the fresh country air and watch petals fall to my feet on my balcony. A cool breeze hissing through the trees, and children laughing...I will remember. Ciao!

I made sure to say, “Guten Morgen,” this morning. I ate a bowl of banana and peach, making a small bread for the drive back. Last night at dinner I ordered the Donald Duck from the kinder menu and I finished everything. I should’ve been eating from the kinder menu all along, but I enjoyed trying real Italian dinners including real pizza which is paper thin and caters more to the toppings.

We didn’t go straight back on our drive, but stopped at Swarovski in Austria. There’s a large store and almost cubist garden( it seemed fitting the cafe had a quote from Picasso.)

There was crystal everywhere. When walking to the store there’s a large mound of grass and hill with a face growing out, water pouring from its mouth and crystal eyes following you around the garden. I don’t know why, but there was a large bold crystal sign saying, “Yes to All.”

When entering its like walking into a star. Everything is bright, shinning, and rainbows there are constantly rainbows in your peripherals. The store had everything from jewelry (as expected) to binoculars. There were pencils with crystal where the eraser should be and balls of crystal keychains. Of course being my mother’s daughter I went to the clearance section. I bought materials to make a necklace and two keychains (one you build yourself). Daniel bought his girlfriend earrings which I’m sure she’ll love. It was sweet to see him so excited about the gift.

On the drive back we slept a little, watching mountains race us, and sometimes laughed while we talked of numerous things. We watched cars pass on the Autobahn and passed the manufacture of Mercedes and Porsche. I enjoyed the drive back, watching ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and part of a movie while Daniel drove, but all the while keeping my eyes on the countryside.

I feel lucky to be here and I’m trying to think of a thank you for them when I’m back. I’ll check with Daniel to see what to send his parents and for him I have ideas bubbling, but I can’t mention here since he’ll probably read what I wrote at some point.

I called home so Daniel could have some private call or something, it’s sweet to see him so excited. He’s loading pictures onto his computer now. I loved how many pictures he took and wanted of himself and how he’d ask me to take pictures ‘with’ him when he meant ‘of’ him and later I was taking flattering photos of myself.

Day 7: Copper Mine & Crystal Rivers

Last night I watched the strangest movie. IT made me forget where I was. When I woke up this morning my mind was a complete blank at first, then I knew it was time for breakfast. I know I’m getting plenty of sleep here, but I guess I still show that I’m not really a morning person. After we ate Mr. Wulff and I went on an adventure together. Daniel and Mrs. Wulff have been already so they stayed behind and relaxed while waiting for us.

We went to the

Bergbaumuseum.

It’s an underground copper mine that is now used to educate visitors but once was even used as a form of rehab for people with respiratory conditions because of the copper and other elements in the mine it would ease their

discomfort for a period of time, usually they would walk the mine for an hour or so every few days.

All the rocks were covered in russet and turquoise from the copper. You could smell the sulfur. It was cold so we wore

sweaters and rain jackets with working helmets.

The colors melting together were breathtaking. I took some of my favorite photos down there. We have a tour guide, but

we also walked around with an electronic guide that translated the information.

I could hear water constantly and it was like being behind a waterfall. We took a small train up and down the mine shaft which was dark aside from light markers. We met up with Daniel and Mrs. Wulff afterwards and drove a little to go hiking again.

Today was along a white gravel path with river stream, mountains rolling over, cows with twinkling bells, and sun bathers. The river is crystal clear and you can drink from it. I put my hand in, it was cold to the touch. I almost pet a cow when Daniel jokingly dared me to, but it let me know not to.

I saw a pug this morning and it made me miss Squishy.

I find it funny when Daniel asks me if I’m upset or not having fun because I’m so quiet (but I’m just normally quiet) and when he was in NY he acted the same way, quiet, but polite (he says that’s just the way he is too)

I put my feet up on the balcony for a moment and then down and almost lost my shoe. I’m in nothing but a robe and I can only imagine looking over the edge to see my show had hit someone below and them yelling in Italian or German with me knowing not how to explain my apologies.

Tomorrow we’re going to Swarovski headquarters. I doubt they give any crystals away (like how Hershey gives kisses away) but I bet their gift shop will be bright and gleaming.

This is our last night in Italy. It was a trip I will never forget for the quiet peace it brought to my mind.

Day 6: Italian Alps

Staying in the valley feels peaceful and bright. The mountain was breathtaking. I can see why some choose to live far up in the hillside. After breakfast we drove to the lift and took it to a point on top.

I’m very out of shape for hiking and had to stop

often. I should’ve brought my camelback.

Everyone was patient with me and waited when I stopped to rest of to drink. At first the climb was steep and graveled. Then there were stone steps you could see a silver shine in as the sun fell.

The higher we went the more excited I got for the view.

Despite stopping on the way up, once there I had energy

as if I just woke from a long rest.

There is a large cross

there with a letterbox. I signed, dated, and wrote in since I don’t have a stamp I wrote in memory of my grandfather, wishing my dad and Pop-Pop could enjoy the moment with me, but glad I got to enjoy it in quiet.

Daniel and I took photos for friends, family, and his girlfriend.

We sat by the cliffs edge and I tapped the aerial view. I joked around by dancing or making funny faces which embarrassed Daniel so he left to go back to the cross. I sat on the cliff listening to the soft whisper of silence and ran my fingers through

the grass.

I took a deep

breath and felt at ease. I put flowers and hay in my hair and chewed on rye. Daniel called me to leave so we started our decent. We talked along the way which was nice.

I find he reminds me of myself sometimes. Occasionally quiet, but always thinking, sometimes day dreaming, but always looking out for others. When we talk we believe similarly on how people should act or be and its nice to hear how someone else feels. Sometimes he reminds me of my father, a romantic, but sometimes with caution. I feel that way at least myself. So much of me is an adult, I’ve learned and experienced and there is so much more to go through. I’m going to miss feeling like I can be myself all the time when I have to go back to work. I know with everything you must compromise and understand others, but sitting in a robe on a balcony in Italy is so far from being stifled in the work place. Pleasing everyone, but myself and feeling like a phoenix in a cage.

I don’t know how, but I feel tired and up for adventure at the same time. When I’m back in NY I know I need to exercise more and enjoy being away from a computer and cell phone. While sitting here I remember years ago with an old boyfriend running to a golf field in the middle of the night and laying on a hill staring at the stars. I feel like running up the mountain in the middle of the night to do the same thing here.

To think I may only once see these stars here which may even be gone from the heavens years ago is poetic in its mystery. The clouds seem to move slower here, the winds rest in the late day, and I’m glad I’ve taken and been given this moment.

Daniel and I went bike riding through a path that led to the edge of town (or at least to the next mile marker)

On our tour there we saw others riding the countryside, walkers, and two people road horses. On the way back for dinner we stopped occasionally to take photos. Daniel found one he really liked and said he’ll add it to his Facebook.

Here I feel even the planned hike was relaxed, they stopped for me and the landscape was actual nature not sand and stone weathered by time. Time seems to pass different here, almost angelic in its effervescence and ease. I don’t know the date or time and I don’t care. I know I’ll be dreaming of coming back and/or other visiting other countries to travel to once I’m in NY. I have always been a day dreamer. It seems fit to listen now to day dream believer.