Caterina & Alexs' Wedding, Firenze, Toscana

Caterina & Alex's Wedding day, Loppiano, Toscana.
July 20th, 2008.Waiting for the bride to arrive .... Alex, Ada (his mum), his sister in law and beautiful nephew.

It’s 2am and after arriving home and getting changed, I’m eager to climb into bed and dream about the day’s loveliness…

Caterina and Alex’s wedding was held at Loppiano in Firenze followed, by the reception at Villa Corti in San Casciano Val di Pesa, Firenze... it was truly beautiful.

An enchanting and exquisitely memorable day from start to finish. There was full sunshine, romance and innocence, visually enchanting scenes.

Marco and I traveled by moto from Florence to Loppiano (near Incisa) to attend the wedding. Whilst standing in 38 degree heat was a challenge for the bride and grooms' family and friends; the young couples appearance was stylish and refreshing and their exchange of glances eptimosied the joy and hope that new love embraces.

After the nupital service at the church at Loppiano and the celebratory tossing of rose petals and rice, we drove through the beautiful tuscan countryside to the reception at Villa Corti in San Casciano Val di Pesa.

After changing into my beautiful salmon pink lace and beaded Italian designer dress and heels I met up with my Prince and we joined the guests in celebrating the couples wedding in the villa's garden. The scene was poetic - white linen round tables & covered chairs, a buffet of delicious food & wines, children with faces like cherubs running around with balloons, music, and a pastel colored sunset.

Dinner was held within the inner courtyard of the villa under the moonlit sky. The setting was like a play and so visually rich and dramatic. For example, prior to being served the waiters would enter the courtyard and wait silently with their plates poised until upon cue and with theatrical precision they would circulate the tables and then place a plate infront of each quest. During the meal their were speeches, dancing, songs and poetry. It was beautiful.

After the main meal we left the inner courtyard and proceeded outdoors where candles lined the garden path, and the head chef was placing rose petals upon their wedding cake which was shaped in the form of a heart. Then as music played, and a speech between Alex and Caterina was exchanged a huge balloon illuminated with their names floated up into the sky. Everyone was laughing, dancing, and singing.

Marco and I walked, sat, danced, talked and laughed all day and all night. We never left one another’s side or were never out of one another’s view. I felt young & beautiful. I was happy to have my handsome man by my side and relished every moment.

At this moment I have no more words to express how I feel… Other than to say that I am floating, flying and falling. Returning to Firenze albeit difficult was the right decision and although my experiences here may not change our feelings or fears; at least I am living my emotions with all the courage, hope, love, grace and faith I can.

Now that I know what I want, the rest lies in God’s hands.

Porta Romana

My gorgeous apartment in Porta Romana, Firenze.

Early days in Florence.

With 38 degree heat and 60% humidity my days are spent either: melting in class at the Accademia or whilst visiting the churches and galleries around Firenze with Matteo my art history teacher; cycling along the Tuscan countryside scattered with cyprus trees and dotted with stone villages; sitting in my garden at home in Porta Romana drinking caffelatte's; sunbaking; reading & writing... Can it get any more challenging...?

At night if were not sitting in my garden talking under a moonlit sky about dreams and plans for the future, I'm being seranded by persistent mosquitos.

First impressions of "Bella Firenze" upon my return.

Architectural features and street scenes in Firenze.

Local wine bar & 'Roses for 5.00 Euro', Porta Romana, Firenze.

"Dietrofronte" by Michelangelo Pistoletto. Porta Romana

I love this marble statue situated in the middle of the round about infront of the Porta Romana and remember the first time Marco explained its significance to me.

As we rode past the statue on the ‘moto’ at 2am Marco explained to me that about 20 years ago an important contemporary artist Michelangelo Pistoletto was commissioned to create "Dietrofronte" as a metaphor for the perspective through which Florence views the world, and how in turn it is viewed.

Dietrofronte, depicts a woman is balancing herself upon her head and symbolises her reflecting upon the life she has left behind as she looks ahead at her life which lies ahead. Their was great controversary in response to the statue because it was so contemporary, but I like its sentiment & its relevance to my life….

Anticipation

John Presser wrote 'You cannot be a cavalier leading the troops into war if you think you look stupid riding a horse'.

I still believe that closure will come when we stand face to face. Only in that moment will I truly believe how I feel about Marco.

I must be honest and find the courage to state clearly to him that I love and adore him. That I'm afraid of the magnitude of our love. I want him to know that my response on the beach of Elwood was not final. That I was scared... I want him to understand that it wasn't him or our love that I was negating... it was my fragility. I need Marco to understand that I'm sorry. That I love him. That I want to be with him and to build a future together.

No longer in the picture

Marco sent me an email today stating that he was 'living his life, and sharing his time with someone' and that he didn't want my new experience in Florence 'to hold him in the picture'.

Ouch!. Yes, but also an answer to my prayers. Not the answer I had expected and hoped for but a clear message. Painfully clear.

Naturally I'm curious to know more: to search answers for when; where; how; and even why..?but mostly I'm sad and feel lost. I still love Marco and I thought he felt the same.

Obviously I'm misguided and my heart is disguising information memo-ed to my brain.

I'm scheduled to arrive in Firenze in three days and Marco is meeting me at the airport. To be honest, I'm have such mixed emotions about seeing him. Emotions range from: feeling the need to be self protective; wanting him to sweep me in his arms and tell me that he loves and adores me; wanting to feel confident, desirable and beautiful; needing him to leave me alone completely; wanting him to know how much he has hurt me...and how much I deeply want him even despite of this... and above all it is my longing to be with him that scares me completely.

Signposts obscured

Feeling angry & teary.

I keep missing the mark & reading the signals incorrectly.

When Marco emailed me recently regarding the wedding all I sensed was emotional detachment. I was expecting and hoping to hear "Jules your coming back-wow.. great.. looking forward to seeing you..." Instead I get a luke warm reply to my question regarding what I should wear & the gift.

Blah. Feel blah.

I mean nothing to him.

I'm such a fool.

I thought I'd be loving & living with Marco this year & building a future together..not building an impenetrable wall.

I just wanted our love story to go on. I wanted a real future with him. I thought that he was my Prince and that all my prayers & dreams had been answered.

Now I'm in pieces... again.
And back to the beginning...
- dreaming of living in Italy,
- single,
- no work,
- no home,
- no love...

Feel sick.

In memory of...

In memory of
Associate Professor Dr Andrew Wesley Dent AM

(1 February 1955 – 10 June 2008)

Director of Emergency Medicine
St Vincent's Health, Fitzroy, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

A great professional mentor, great humanitarian and egalitarian man.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Dent

"Christmas 2007"

Happy times & fond memories, with my St Vincent's Family

Cathy & Jules (above); Voula & Meg (below) in Christmas costumes made out off crepe.

Time to return

It's time for me to return to Firenze.

The main thing that is keeping me here is fear. I'm scared that if I go back life will not be the same. I know that it is not going to be the same. What will I do...? I can't answer this from here and I can not stay here hiding. All that I came home for & wanted to do has been done... I was looking for a reason to return to Firenze (work, love, study, something..anything).

Everything & nothing has come about during my search but none of these opportunities are what will lure me back because all I want... the only thing that feels right, is returning to Firenze and seeing Marco.

The art course, Tibet etc... these things/temporary distractions can all wait. First I must find a tangible & acceptable ending to a tender sentimental love story.

All that is left

i find it hard to breathe...

the golden thread,

that wove my brocade dreams,

to you,

has been cut,

how to i experience

'happiness'

without

you?

the pain of losing you
the pain of not being with you

again
weighs heavily

upon me

since you left,

i can not sense

or see any beauty

in my world
and i choose not to...

i know that you loved me
such synergy was unexpected

and pure bliss.

it now

it is very lonely here with out you,

a loneliness i've never known before,

my soul cries out and awakens me in the depth of the night

go then,
go far, far, far away,
do not turn back,
do not ask me how i am feeling,
do not tell me that you road through the streets of florence in the rain

crying

i believe

but leave me alone,
alone to relive all the beautiful images,
and sensations,
of you,
and of us,
because now,

it is all that i have left of you

the love i have for you
continues in vain,
and i allow it to be this way,
because now,
it is all that i have left of you.

Only words from you

Cara Jules,

...I know what are our mutual positions and intents, what are your goals, what are your programs and dreams and I know that I am not part of those dreams or programs or ideals...

You know that everybody's life at a certain point has to be realistic and sometimes we have to abandon our dreams if they are too far or too big...

You have to stop thinking at the past, even if the recent past includes a love story like ours, because if you continue to look at your past or at your memories instead of looking forward you will probably miss lots of eventual beautiful things, or lovely people, or magic moments....., in a few words "past is a limitation for life", this is my point of view.

Ciao Marco

Vine branches

Nothing makes sense to me anymore.

We talk at length on the phone and exchange letters and emails. The words however, are no longer passionate. They are angry, bitter and like the roots of a vine branch, twisted.

Has our love become hardened and suffocated, like the branches of a vine when it has been cut.

If you cut me deeper with your words, will I continue to bleed?

How is this possible?

Your response makes no sense to me. I do not recognise the voice. How could you love me so deeply... so passionately.. and because of one moment... all between us is lost.

How is this possible?

Cara Jules

Lo so jules la vita a volte è crudele con noi stessi o si presenta nelle forme che preferiremmo non vedere o sentire, e il dolore di una fine è sempre molto duro da affrontare soprattutto se nasce da una decisione razionale e logica, ma le mie esperienze di vita mi hanno insegnato che ad un certo momento occorre darsi delle risposte circa quello che siamo e che vogliamo ed occorre essere sinceri soprattutto con noi stessi ed occorre guardarsi dentro ed accettare la realtà come essa è, anche se la realtà può significare amarezza, tristezza e, talvolta, solitudine.

La nostra storia jules è stata molto bella, molto intensa, molto sincera, molto vera e molto profonda anche perché insieme abbiamo vissuto tanti momenti di reale felicità e di sentimenti condivisi, ma adesso, a mente lucida, sento che in quei momenti eravamo come due barche che navigando nell’oceano alla ricerca dell’isola perfetta, si sono incontrate e per un breve tratto, sfiorandosi, hanno seguito la stessa rotta ed hanno navigato alla stessa velocità e nella stessa direzione. Quelle barche in quei momenti non hanno più seguito le mappe o la bussola, non si sono chieste dove stessero andando e perché, ma hanno preferito aprire ancora di più le loro vele al vento ed hanno goduto solo della gioia che stavano vivendo assieme in quel momento.

Abbiamo navigato vicini, ma sapevamo anche che le nostre barche erano piene di tutte quelle cose ci eravamo portati dietro, erano piene del nostro mondo, dei nostri ricordi e delle nostre esperienze e a un certo punto non ce la siamo sentita di abbandonare la nostra barca e saltare dentro quella del nostro compagno di viaggio, no jules, abbiamo preferito rimanere attaccati al nostro timone attenti a non sbandare troppo e a non perdere di vista i diversi orizzonti verso cui ci stavamo dirigendo….

Rimane il fatto e la sensazione forte del significato che per me ha avuto il conoscerti, incontrarti, abbracciarti, sfiorarti, parlarti, rivelarti il mio io, la mia storia, renderti partecipe delle mie giornate, della mia vita dei miei ricordi, delle mie incertezze, delle mie speranze, dei miei sogni.

Rimane il fatto e la consapevolezza degli anni e delle diversità che ci separano e della diversità dei nostri percorsi, delle nostre solitudini, del diverso significato che vogliamo dare alle nostre vite, dei tanti dubbi e delle tante diverse risposte che ci siamo dati….

Rimane il fatto che per raggiungere un sogno devi essere pronto alla fatica e ai fallimenti, e a volte prendere scorciatoie può farti perdere di vista la ragione per cui hai iniziato a sognare e alla fine scopri che quel sogno non ti appartiene più.
Il sogno è una cosa impalpabile, non è visibile con gli occhi perché solo il cuore può fartelo vedere e questo non è facile.

Io lo so che da qualche parte esiste il nostro sogno, e so che è importante inseguirlo con quello spirito di giovinezza che c’è dentro di noi, e lo puoi raggiungere solo se riuscirai a far vivere i ricordi di adesso con i sogni di allora perché il tuo cuore non sarà mai stanco o vecchio per quel sogno.

Io lo so che forse il nostro sogno è lo stesso, ma so anche che è il tempo a dividerci e questo, purtroppo, non è colmabile, ma è stato bello lo stesso jules sognare insieme a te e ti sono grato per avermi regalato un sentimento bellissimo e raro come quello che abbiamo vissuto insieme, sospesi in quel momento magico che la vita ci ha regalato.

Ciao Marco

Your letters

Cara Jules

Io penso sinceramente Jules, che tu non sia stata molto onesta con te stessa e molto onesta nei confronti della nostra storia e penso anche che tu sia stata molto chiara nell’esporre quella che era – e credo lo sia ancora adesso – la tua visione della vita e dei tuoi sentimenti, e del tuo modo di intendere la nostra relazione o una qualsiasi altra relazione: ovvero niente convivenza senza matrimonio, avere dei figli, farsi una famiglia… insomma cercare una sicurezza e una situazione stabile solo ed esclusivamente attraverso un rapporto di vita coniugale, il che significa realizzare quello che era ed è il tuo progetto di vita e forse il tuo sogno più grande.

Per cui io adesso non capisco come tu possa parlare in questo momento, quando ormai tutte le decisioni sono state già fatte, di amore, di passione, di trasporto, dopo le diverse strade già prese, dopo la nostra rottura, dopo la tua rabbia, dopo la tua ferma intenzione di seguire il tuo “intellect” invece che di seguire la passione, l’anima, il cuore……

Tu hai preso le tue decisioni, hai fatto le tue scelte ed hai deciso che la tua vita deve necessariamente seguire un binario unico e allora devi rimanere su quel binario, e allora non è giusto che quando ti fa comodo tu decida di seguire il tuo “intellect” e in altri momenti, quando la nostalgia prende il sopravvento, tu ti senta trasportata invece dal tuo cuore o dalla passione: No piccola Julie è troppo facile, non è corretto e non è onesto verso di noi e verso te stessa.

Io fino ad un certo momento della nostra storia ho solamente seguito il forte e profondo sentimento che ho provato per te, non mi sono mai chiesto il perchè di tante cose perchè lasciavo che queste seguissero il corso naturale del loro divenire, mi sono lasciato trasportare dalla corrente, ho ascoltato le risposte del mio cuore, della mia anima e delle mie emozioni ed è stato bello perché credevo in te, ti ho seguito fino al capo opposto del mondo perché una forza magnetica mi ha attratto verso di te, verso la gioia che la tua presenza ha portato nella mia vita, volevo solo la tua presenza perchè sentivo che era una presenza felice, leggera, spontanea…….. era, fino a quel momento la presenza che cercavo….. poi ho capito, o meglio ho sentito sulla mia pelle, quanto severa tu possa essere nei tuoi confronti, quanta rigidità tu possa mettere nella tua vita, e quanto crudele tu possa essere nei confronti degli altri o delle situazioni che non rispondono alle tue aspettative, ….. mi spiace Jules ma io lo ho sentito, ed ho pianto e tu lo sai perché abbiamo pianto insieme, e, purtroppo, io non dimentico e mi allontano, perché le lacrime sono sincerità ed esprimono quello che di più profondo abbiamo nel nostro cuore……….

Già le aspettative Jules, quali sono le aspettative che vuoi da quello che stai vivendo, cosa vuoi veramente dalla vita, da dove deve provenire la gioia di ogni tuo giorno, cosa stai cercando veramente, te lo sei mai chiesto Jules? Hai provato a darti delle risposte sincere dentro di te o stai solo cercando che le riposte te le diano gli altri?

... si vive solo quello che si prova e se si comincia a pensare o a smettere di sognare allora l’amore finisce e, secondo me, si può solo amare o non amare, non ci sono vie di mezzo, non ci sono compromessi, non ci sono accordi o contratti tra due persone che si amano……..

Mi spaice Jules ma tu hai già deciso di escludere te stessa da ogni eventuale possibilità di futuro con me, hai già deciso Intellectually che non c’è e non ci sarà alcuna possibilità di futuro tra di noi, almeno sentimentalmente.

I don't understand why...

Caro Marco,

When I went to Italy in February 2007 my intention was to stay (preferably in Rome) for 12 months. 'To live a dream' and to enable me the physical and emotional freedom to live this dream, I placed my belongings in storage in Melbourne, arranged for my house to be rented, de registered my car, took leave of my profession, and put a pause of my life in Melbourne - relationships, work/career, hobbies, and other dreams/ambitions. I decided to travel to Italy because I wanted to experience it’s people, food, arts, culture, language and to connect with my heritage. I was excited and keen to immerse myself in new experiences and to confront whatever challenges or new opportunities may present.

Along the way I found the chance to express myself in ways I hadn't been able to before and to do things I hadn't done before - and this made me happy. I found happiness again in simple things and I felt free from programs, ambitions and symbols of success. I was fortunate to find work and to meet interesting, courageous and inspiring people. I started forming friendships, I had time to do the things I enjoy (cycle, kayak, hike), and I met a man who for the first time in my life stopped-me-in-my-tracks. Someone I admired and was attracted to. A friend and lover who I had great fun and pleasure with, who I shared beautiful moments and experiences with and who I eventually fell in love with.

In December 2008, I stopped myself (i.e decided that I needed to return to Australia to see how everyone and everything was). I don't exactly know why I decided to do this. Maybe because I was scared that our love story was too powerful and too beautiful to be true. Maybe I was afraid that it couldn't endure and that I was dreaming? Maybe I was scared I was losing the Jules I'd known...

Have you ever felt so happy that you think your dreaming..? When I am with you I feel like I am flying... soaring. My heart, mind, body and soul find synergy with you and an immeasurable, inconceivable and completely tangible happiness. That's how I've felt since I met you. From th beginning I have been so happy, I was afraid that it could end.

Even though I didn't want to leave you, we both knew that I had to return to Australia. In December 2007 I departed Florence and planned a brief Summer sojourn back home to process my visa applications and to spend time with family and close friends. I definitely knew that I wanted to return to Florence, that I loved you and that we wanted to be together.

When you came to Australia my dream recommenced... The moment I saw you at the airport I thought that my heart was going to stop. You were so beautiful. Then within 48 hours of your arrival in Melbourne, while we were seated at sunset on the shores of Elwood beach you earnestly and tenderly looked into my eyes and asked me to return to Firenze to 'live-together-in-Firenze'.Instead of the response we both had anticipated, I found myself unable to say "yes".. and bewildered by my own uncertainty  I became silent. When you went swimming in the sea I sat on the nearby bench transfixed with your words and my questions circling in my head:
      
            If you loved me, why did you ask me to live with you.. I thought if you loved me, you would ask me to marry you. What does 'live-together-in-Firenze' really mean? Does this mean no marriage. No children. Just be with you for... for how long... and then what?.. Leave my family, friends and country to just follow you and your dreams...

Gradually my emotions dissipated into disappointment, hurt and then anger.

I realise now that when you said:

           I want to buy you jewellery... I want to make an announcement to your family and close friends... I want them to know that I love you.. I want you to come and live in Italy with me...

that these words were only intended to be gracious, beautiful, heartfelt and tender. Perhaps there was more that you intended to say, but at the time all I heard was my heart pounding with fear and somehow something was stopping me from saying yes. 

I realise now that it wasn't about the proposal or your selection of words; it was me and my reactions. Countless times you had shown that you loved, cherished and adored me. You flew around the world to be with me, to meet my family, friends, work colleagues, visit the areas I frequented in Melbourne, and after nine years of seperation commenced your divorce proceedings. You were trying to offer me everything I wanted - you, all of you and a future together. Your heart and head were in the right place. But it was I, who in the end lacked faith and courage. I'm sorry to say, but my spirit didn't fully believe that you wanted an enduring, faithful and committed relationship with me and therefore I couldn't freely accept your beautiful offer. More than this, I don't understand why I said nothing...

Sorry Marco. I'm sorry that my response wounded you as much as it did. You seemed so strong and resilient; and I felt so confused, fragile and vulnerable. With my confusion, conceitedness, and naivety I didn't effectively communicate or try to clarify my feelings, instead I pushed against you and your tenderness. A vain reflex. I think I was trying to punish you for offending me and in some lurid way, I probably thought that my behaviour would change your mind. I should have been more mature.

My (re)actions, decisions and words are insensible to me now, and I can not fully understand why I did or said those things, I know that I was being true to you and to myself.  I was afraid of making a commitment that was different to the one I had envisaged, and prepared for mentally and emotionally.

Slowly I have began to realise that the Jules that flew away to chase dreams never prepared herself for what might happen if she eventually caught those dreams. Or rather what she would say and do, if her dreams caught her.

When I was a young girl, I yearned to do many many things. To reach beyond my boundaries. In the years that followed as I explored the world, I discovered that there wasn't often many opportunities to share these journeys and insights with others. So I explored the mountains on my own. Over the years I've climbed one mountain after another; and I suppose I've became accustomed to walking alone. After experiencing walking alongside someone for a while I realise that love is not only about beauty, shared values, experiences and visions; it's about nurturing the other person and realising that building something together takes faith, courage, trust and personal sacrifice.

If only we could find that middle road where we could walk slowly or sit peacefully and lovingly together again.

You are still beautiful to me and I miss you. Will I ever see you again?

Mum & Marco

Summer love with Marco

New Years Eve, Queenscliff

Christmas 2007

It's Christmas Day and we are celebrating at Bruno & Christy's house.

We spent the morning exchanging and opening Christmas presents whilst sipping Moet champagne. Then after we had celebrated Christmas day with a delicious traditional feast, I rang Marco. He and Tess had just arrived home after attending the Christams Vigil mass at Il Duomo. Hearing his voice made me melt.
He seems so far away, but so deeply inbedded into my heart and soul.
I missing my love - my Florentine Prince.
We can't wait to see one another again.

Buona Natale.
Ti amo Marco.
Ti amo mio amore.

Venice Art Biennial

Marco and I had a wonderul time together in this romantic, enchanting and artistic city. The Venice Art Biennial was brilliant. I've never experienced anything like it before.

Details from various pavilions.

Marco and Jules, Venice

Marco and Jules walking through the streets of one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Recent adventures

It is difficult to know where to begin, as it is has been over 10 weeks since I left Melbourne and naturally there are so many memories and experiences to share.

After initially arriving in Italy I spent two months at Castello in Bisticci, in the mountains of Firenze, Tuscany, where I rented a beautiful villa, art studio and private garden with captivating balcony views over the Tuscan countryside.

The 14th century Castello was situated at the top of a steep hill (400 metre gradient & 1.5 km distance). Each day I traversed this distance to visit the nearest town, to buy my groceries, read the paper, sip lattes and chat to the locals - I aptly named this walk Rapunzels’ drive.

During my time at the villa I slept, had long baths, read outdoors in the garden, dappled with some creative ideas, cycled through olive groves and over Cyprus covered mountains, visited local markets, wrote letters and emails, day-dreamed, cooked beautiful and simple meals, sipped Moscato d’Asti, visited the galleries & theatres in Firenze and planned my solo weekend adventures. These weekend adventures normally commenced with preparing an overnight bag (sometimes including my bike) and concluded at a train station somewhere in Tuscany. The Santa Maria Novelle Train Station in Firenze is always energetic and the bustle of travelers moving through the city feeds my adventurous spirit.

As a result I’ve managed to explore many beautiful towns full of character, charm and photographic vistas. Amongst the memorable places are: Bagno Vignoni and Montalcunico Termes - where there are ancient thermal spas set in the crest of valleys and relaxing health spas. At Bagno Vignoni I had a hot stone massage, bathed in natural thermal spas, sat under a waterfall in the moonlight; Prato - where I attended a contemporary dance production called “Farfella” (Italian for love-stuck butterflies) and visited the contemporary art galleries including Pecci; Attended the open air antique markets in Lucca (home of Puccini) and Arezzo (where ‘Life is beautiful’ was filmed) - at the markets Florentine antique treasures and remnants from castles and churches are displayed in piazzas against the backdrop of renaissance churches and ornate buildings; Sun baked on the white sand beaches of Livorno, along with 5,000 bronzed Italians; Celebrated Easter in Assisi - on Good Friday I joined a religious and solemn procession through town accompanied by a Cardinal, friars, nuns, the solemn recitation of prayers and drums. These processions are traditional in Italy and I found the experience magical and moving. I also loved seeing the frescos by Giotto and Cambue in the Basilica of San Francesco; I recently returned to Assisi to cycle around Umbria and attend a spectacular medieval festival. The celebrations dominated the town with visually extravagant displays including fire throwers, parades, dancing and acrobats. It finished at 4am. I felt like I was at the Venice Carnival; last week I visited one of the most enchanting and inspiring coastal landscapes I’ve ever seen at Cinque Terre, Liguria - fFantastic hiking and kayaking! … many beautiful memories.

A couple of weeks ago a serendipitous and fortuitous chance encounter lead to a job proposal in Firenze and I’ve just recently moved to the historical centre of Firenze. Today I started working as a shop assistant at Casini an exclusive ladies and mens’ boutique in front of the Palazzo Pittti and near the Ponte Vecchio. The location is surreal, the clientele international and affluent and the clothes and accessories exquisite and the staff international, sweet and fun.

I’m slowly settling into Florentine life and finding my niches. I’ve joined the Firenze Rowing Club so will be kayaking on the Fiume River soon and have visited some art academies to enquire about art courses. This weekend I may join a cycling group on a long distance ride, but these Italian cyclists are so attuned to these Tuscan mountains, that riding with them is a little overwhelming, even if the view is wonderful.

Life in Italy is beautiful - fashion, theatre, food “cibo”, spirited and insightful conversations, Renaissance art and architecture, handsome Italians, colorful sunsets over Ponte Vecchio - plenty of opportunities to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Hopefully the attached photos convey some of this beauty.

Living abroad in a foreign speaking country on my own has given me the anonymity and space to breathe, unwind and enjoy all these treasures. I don’t know where the next adventure will lead me, but I just keep smiling and trying to live each moment, with open eyes and heart.

As my dream in Italy continues…

Gordana & Vladamirs Party

Gordana & Vladamirs party..what a blast..!!!

Thanks to Gordana & Vladamir for hosting an awesome party; Thanks to Helena & Carmila - our cocktail glass was never empty; thanks to Marco & Vladamir - we have photographic evidence; Thanks to Sabine, Martina, Olga & Zelka we kept dancing all night; Thanks to handsome Marco (junior) & Yardira for entertaining my Mamma; ... and thanks Mamma for ensuring that the party didn't get too out of hand...

Jules' 37th Birthday Celebration

Could a girl wish for anything more on her Birthday....

A GORGEOUS day!

My Birthday started with breakfast on the balcony of the Quiranelle Hotel, via Nazionale Rome with Mum and ended in Firenze with Marco.

The photo below was taken by Marco as I was about to blow out the candle on my 'Birthday cake' (ok.. dessert 'cause I'm too old for Birthday cakes).

Do you want to know what I wished for....?