In taking time to chill and write before I head to a silent retreat, I opt for Verona. I’ve only been here once, but there’s something so relaxing about this town. It’s a smaller city, full of tourists- yes but every alley you turn through has beauty. It’s the backdrop for Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare couldn’t choose a more romantic town. Last year when I visited it rained the entire time, and today a surprisingly mid 70s Sunday afternoon in late October.
On the train from Vicenza to Verona, an Argentinian woman began speaks Italian to me after she used the bathroom. Since my Italian is non-existent, she began speaking Spanish. She was complaining of the lack of air conditioning in Italy on public transit. The African immigrant next to me was laughing as he agreed. She flowed between Italian, Spanish, and English as I vacillated my Spanish and English. Although she was connecting with us through commiserating, she offered how beautiful it was that someone from North America, South America, and Africa were momentarily intertwined on a train in Europe. Bellisima. Those tiny bursts of unexpected connection with strangers serve as a reminder of how small the world can be, and how similar we are at heart.
It’s easy to get sucked in to the fashion of the people, the beauty of the piazzas, and savoury cusine. All your senses are overstimulated, and therefore it’s easy to be distracted. So after the busy-ness and new-ness settles, I will slow down and write. Buzzed off enough from my second cappacino, post gelato, vino, and pasta, I can’t help but want to be further immersed and simply observe this typical Italian world. I am trying to be productive in a café, but I can’t help just wanting to gaze and linger. Isn’t that the point of travelling to a place in the Mediterranean? Being productive is not La Dolce Vita.
My Sunday dichotomy endures…American drive versus la dolce vita. Productivity in writing chapter summaries for my next book or the rich life of wandering and wondering.. And today La Dolce Vita wins.
It Only Takes A Smile 