UNFORESEEN EVENTS
PART 2: I thought it might be of interest to share how we pulled off living in Italy for part of the year. I will post some steps we took.
We are in Puglia until the end of September, then back again in the winter.
This morning we went to Santa Caterina near Nardo, Puglia, and hiked up to the 15th century tower, part of a system to defend the region from pirates.
But let’s turn our attention to realizing our dream.
The second stage in our journey towards living in Italy could be called “Unforeseen Events”.
Step 1: A chance encounter.
We would never have considered living in Puglia if it wasn’t for a chance encounter in Rome, which developed into a friendship and then a new life.
I had never been to Puglia and knew little or nothing about it. But through this friendship, a series of unforeseen events unfolded that led us to the point where we are now: living here.
Step 2: Seeing beyond our plans.
When I reflect on my experiences of travel, what I most remember are the human encounters and relationships. Sometimes I can’t recall what city I saw this church in or that museum, but I always remember the people I’ve met, conversations I’ve had with locals, and parts of our lives that we have shared.
This perspective has shaped our decision to live in Italy.
To see beyond my own plans and projects, be open to meeting others without preconceptions, being open to new friendships, being willing to be spontaneous, to be pulled beyond my comfort zones…all this, bit by bit, led us to this place.
So we are here now. Because of friendship. Because of a series of unforeseen events.
I will share more in the future about how this is unfolding for us here.
Watch for my book coming out later in the year: "Stories from Puglia: Two Californians in Southern Italy".
More next time.
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