Le Jour Seize (Day 16)

I woke up to the sunlight the morning…? And NOT my alarm? Woah, this is a new concept. It was our free day in Italy, and I slept until 8:15. It felt amazing. Well, although it was light outside, looking out onto our courtyard from the sliding glass door, I saw it was raining. At first I was really bummed, but then I decided that it was actually quite peaceful. Kelly and I slowly got ready and then headed downstairs for the best breakfast yet in Europe. We just took our time getting food, and we sat at a two-person table to enjoy our long, luxurious, delicious breakfast: eggs, toast, honey, jam, chocolate granola, oats, honey, fruit, grapefruit juice. It was also a really nice time to discuss the bible, community, pray for one another, and dug a little into Romans 7 and 8. Halleluiah for rejuvenation and rest in a multitude of ways.

We were already dressed in our dresses (my black dress with my new coral scarf) we were supposed to wear today on the wine tour we had, so we decided to go exploring this cute little city, rain or shine. We went into a flower shop and spoke with the store owners in the best possible way we knew how to communicate. I love these people’s Italian accent! We learned that they have a family business there, and they showed us all sorts of arrangements of flowers. They were beautiful, and I wish I had a reason to buy some. I love asking people if they grew up here and a little about their background or why they work/live where they do. The lady that spoke the best English also gave us a place to go eat dinner tonight! And thank goodness she did.

Exploring some more, we ran into a market at the square! I purchased just a few little things, including a post card (which is what I’ve been collecting in each city/country). It was still raining, and Kelly and I looked so stylish with our umbrellas. The rain gave the city a peaceful, content feel to it that I greatly enjoyed, although I was praying it wouldn’t rain ALL day. We agreed we needed to eat at least a little something for lunch since we were going to be having wine later that day, so we stopped and went into this book store/café. We ordered couscous, a ham and rice ball, spinach, and fruit. It was SO YUMMY!

As we were about to order, we ran into two older ladies pushing one of the lady’s granddaughters in a stroller. I knew we still needed an interview in Verona; this was going to be perfect. How else to strike up a conversation with someone than by first getting in good with their kid, so, naturally, I started making faces and playing with the little girl in the stroller who was laughing at me. Striking up a conversation with the women, it was probably the best interview with a local I have had yet. One of the women spoke pretty good English (which she studied in school) and the other none, but that’s okay; she was a great listener and enjoyed our company. Gratziella, the one that spoke English, is a retired lady who used to work in a publishing bookstore here in Verona, where she published books of all kinds, her favorite being children’s books. She went on to say how when she thinks of Americans (which we had previously asked), she often thinks of fat people. She said that it’s interesting because we do not value exercise or taking care of the body as Europeans do, and I am convinced that we Americans really do think about food/when we are going to eat WAY too much. She explained that Verona is going through a crisis right now and that it’s hard to get a job, that she loves Obama being president, and that she wishes we would come back to Verona. I wanted her to just go ahead and ask to adopt me so I could come live with her, but she didn’t. Sadly. Before going our separate ways, her and her friend encouraged us by saying how pretty, sweet, and kind we both were and they wish they could one day run into us again! Once again, I’m reminded about how ignorant I am about other countries, their history, and what is going on around the world. It was a precious 15 minutes of my life that I will never forget.

Before I knew it, we were on our way to the winery, and good gracious I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight in my whole life! Hills and valleys of beautiful vineyards, greenery, and cottages were EVERYWHERE. Was it real? We heard a presentation from the Masi wine company, who is partners with Serego Alighieri (whose house and vineyard we were at, a family business). Afterward, we were each given a glass of really expensive wine to taste and enjoy in a beautiful courtyard where the most beautiful sounding birds were chirping ceaselessly. We went on a tour of where they dry the grapes, the home, the wine shop, and multiple gardens. It was amazing and beautiful, and I learned way more about wines than I ever thought I would! Also, as we pulled up to the winery, the sun came out and was clear the rest of the night… thank you, Jesus.

When we arrived back, we ate at the place the flower shop lady suggested, and it was SO GOOD. Kelly and I got spaghetti, grilled chicken, and tons of veggies and split, and Garrett let me try some of his INCREDIBLE tortellini. Good choice and good dinner for our last night in Italy. Afterward, we went and got gelato, explored, and sat on the steps of a huge building by the Verona Coliseum where an incredible Italian concert was going on. Garrett, Brady, Kelly, and I sat for a good hour, talked, and soaked in the music and scenery. Garrett and Brady even got randomly lucky tonight: we saw a torched lantern floating in the sky (like those off Tangled), yes just one, and we watched as its flame began to slowly fade. They all of a sudden said, “Let’s go catch it!” I thought they were kidding, until they sprinted off and two minutes later came back with the huge thing in their hands! What a good souvenir for these boys. We also each shared three things that are on our life bucket list. I suppose it’s safe to share on here:

1.     Be fluent in at least one other language, which helps me break the communication barrier so that I can meet, encourage, and share the gospel with others and be inspired by them, learning about what motivates them and why they do what they do. Also, to learn about other countries and cultures instead of only being stuck knowing my own…

2.     Learn how to play guitar, violin, or piano.

3.     Be some sort of motherly figure

Today I was extremely pensive. My heart has been drawn toward the people here in Europe, and I am now very serious about how I can get back here, including furthering my studies in communication or French, preferably French. If I could have ANY job in the world, it would be to travel the world, meeting people, asking questions, and writing about their stories to CAPTIVATE, encourage, and make a difference in other people’s lives. Is this even possible? Lord, may Your will be done.

Dear cute, quaint, alleyway obsessed, little city of Verona, you and your people have CAPTIVATED me, and you forever have a sweet place in my heart. Chow Verona, HELLOOOOO Innsbruck, Austria!