We woke up to have breakfast. Daniel came in my room to wake me and excitedly proclaimed, “Jennifer, today we leave for Italy!” This will be exciting. We made lunch for the long drive and packed our things. I made my bed and brought my bag downstairs. I must remember my passport since we’ll go through Austria to get to Italy. Maybe I’ll get my passport stamped each time?
I hate my stuffy nose, but otherwise I’m good. I do miss Squishy, but its nice being able to do what we want and not worry (although I still worry about his medication) It should take about 8-9 hours to get to the hotel. I wonder
if we’ll stop on the way, I’ll get another magnet for Joyce and use the loo.
Perhaps I’ll sleep on the drive or for part of it.
I’ll video on the way and take pictures when I can. We’ll be going on a hike or hikes while in Italy so I need to get better. When after driving for a while we stopped to use the loo it was self cleaning which we don’t have, but should in the US. When stopped at a gas station there was a man dressed as a stuffed pig or teddy bear in a cage surrounded by other men, we think it’s a prank because he’s getting married.
Everything is so green, palatial and untouched by the world. Watching the country side roll by mountains beyond mountains and valleys of green, farmers, flowers, cottages and crystal rivers gives belief in peace. The clouds grace the hillside, while wooden cabanas
hide in the slopes of wine cliffs.
The homes and hotels have balconies with bushels of overgrown flowers melting to the next story. Its quiet even when cars are on the road. At night I see faint hints of mountains, twinkling stars and shinning lights from inns. I can hear people laughing in the wind and my own thoughts aren’t lost in the noise of NY. It feels like summer, but the best sort, with breezes and cool air, sun, but just enough to kiss the skin. I feel rested, but ready for everyday.
After dinner we
returned to the hotel. Our rooms had robes and paper roses waiting. Each of us have a balcony which I have to pull myself from to get sleep for our hike tomorrow.
The Wulff family helps me to enjoy a real holiday, one I will always remember. I wish only that I had someone to share everything with romantically. I feel so often fine alone, happy, relaxed, content, but in sight of so much natural beauty, adventure, and possibilities I want someone to spend the evening with sitting on the balcony with candles and white wine, just watching as time stands still...then lay in bed for a while before sleeping.
I miss holding hands, a kiss, a hug, but I don’t feel like I miss it till I feel relaxed and excited for the next thing, like I turn to share the moment, but its just different. Daniel sometimes thinks I’m bored or melancholy but I’m really just day dreaming. Wanting to remember everything, enjoy this time of freedom from family and obligations, but thoughts of returning to NY, looking for work, and paying bills isn’t something I can get out of my head for long.
I wonder if after my Grandma left Heather’s party (which became a huge dramatic story told over and over again) she went to Grandpas grave on the 20th. I still can’t believe he’s gone, and for two years. I still feel his hand on my back sometimes when I’m sad and I hear his voice saying, “if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all,” any time I’m angry. I miss him even thought he’d say, “ too,” when I’d say, “I love you,” instead of saying, “I love you too”
Tomorrow is a new day with new possibilities and adventures to be had. I can’t wait.
