I came here expecting so much, but without any idea of what. Something. Just something. I got a room with a view of the front garden that I looked at every morning. Every single morning I turned to my left. I'm doing it now. Three cypress trees, a fourth behind, a fountain, a bust, a Madonna and child. Bushes. Flowers.
I got my meals cooked for me. Lunch: pasta course first (always went up twice), then meat and vegetables, the expresso and dessert. Bread, olive oil and vinegar throughout. Dinner: honorable mention.
I got more mosquito bites than I care to count, a new addition today to the ten yesterday. I regret I let these witches and bees keep me from sitting outside and looking out over Florence. Today, tonight, I will suck it up and drench myself in Off Deep Woods.
I got tours and guides to places I cannot remember the names to. I was always tired, or bored, or occupied. I wish I would have paid more attention. I did see the David.
I saw Rome.
I made new friends.
I learned to write better.
I ate when I wanted and how I wanted to.
I climbed hills and sweated. And still, I gained weight.
Most of all, I got an unexchangeable experience, one I wouldn't trade even if I could. I stepped outside of myself and just did, just tried, just lived not according to rules but by choice. And willingness. I didn't wear heels one time and am okay with that. I complained very little and smiled a lot, even when it was too hot to move.
I wish there was a way whenever I came back to Florence I could come back to this place, this Villa, but I can't. I can't.
No comments:
Post a Comment