Thursday, January 15, 2009

Change is Good...Right?

That's what they always say, anyway. And mostly, I tend to agree. A get-out-the-rut shift in actions and attitudes can invigorate and rejenerate a person, and can often (dare I say, usually?)leads to a door opening on wonderful, new opportunities. I mean, that's what happened when ditched it all to move across the ocean, after all.

So now we're moving again, and I'm reciting the mantra, "Change is good!" while not quite sure if I've convinced myself. One thing I've discovered about myself in our adventures abroad is that I'm a 'nester'. I like having a settled-in feeling, even if the place is temporary. That's probably what drew me to the concept of Slow Travel in the first place, and is why we've pretty much planted ourselves in Ascoli Piceno for more than two years. Sure, it's been our base and we've explored a bit of Central Italy from here. We certainly have seen every hamlet, castle, and rabbit trail within a 100 mile radius. And while we've made several trips to Basilicata, realistically we've not spent much time really traveling around other parts of Italy. When I stop to think that we've been here 2 1/2 years and have never been to Sicily, I startle even myself! We must surely be the slowest of the Slow Travelers!

Which is partially what contributed to a sort of wake-up call. That, and the fact that our lease expires and our landlord won't be renewing the contract. And, when we looked into the coffers we realized we didn't have enough money to renew it in good faith for another year, anyway. Simultaneously, a friend offered a house-sitting position in his splendid villa on the Costa del Cilento. They don't want it left empty all winter, and since they also want to have some small projects completed during the off-season months, our presence there would make it easier for them to schedule the workmen to come.

So, while they may seem trivial, the little signs have pointed us south. We'll be heading laggiu` at the end of the month, and will take the change as the great opportunity it is - a chance to explore a beautiful, relatively unknown area while trying to regroup and coax the money tree to sprout and bear fruit again.

Our plan is to return to Ascoli Piceno, which we consider 'home', when business picks up again or some form of measurable income starts to trickle in again. Meanwhile, we'll be down in the land of sun, lemon groves, and mozzarella di bufala. New year, new adventures.

Ci vediamo laggiu`!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! It's great to have friends with homes that need *sitting*. You're gonna love it!!! Can't wait to hear/read your impressions.
It's one of our favorite parts of Italy. Lucky you!!!

Barbara said...

I understnad about being a nester - I never realized what a nester I was until I started visiting Italy where all I wanted to do was set up house and start cooking! Best of luck with your new adventure, and I know you'll enjoy every minute!

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

good luck with the move. Looking forward to reading about your new digs.

Beatriz Macias said...

Great opportunity, enjoy every second of it. Please keep us posted.

Texas Espresso said...

good luck to you! I can't wait to hear all about your adventures there. I've never been south either - change is good ... but it is also hard. it'll be great!

Megan in Liguria said...

I think it sounds rather exciting! Best of luck with the move and look forward to hearing about your new adventures from a very beautiful area...

Anonymous said...

How very exciting! It will be great to hear about your travels through the south. You're right-change can be very good!

Anonymous said...

Wow...what a great opportunity!

Valerie said...

Thanks all! I think the concensus is "great opportunity"! We'll definitely make the most of it, and our plan is to be back in Ascoli in the spring. We'll see what life brings.

Fern Driscoll said...

Your flexibility leaves me in awe. Buon viaggio!

Michelle I said...

I've been following your blog for over a year now and have enjoyed reading about your experiences. I, along with my friend and family, had the opportunity to spend 6 weeks in the Cilento in the wonderful town of Ascea di Marina. The people welcomed us with open arms and we are planning another trip back this summer. I know you will enjoy this new area of Italy and look forward to reading about your experiences.

Unknown said...

Hey Valerie, just checked your blog and see you are heading down to the Cilento. I'm sure your feelings are mixed, but that is such a beautiful area.

Which area will you be in?

Anonymous said...

you are so very lucky to have that friend who needed you at just the right time. whew! i look forward to hearing more about that adventure.

Eleonora Baldwin said...

Reading this entry made swell with a big sigh of relief. I am in the throes of deciding whether I need to second that little(loud) voice in my head that keeps whispering CHANGE. I have lived in Italy all my dual-nationality life and I am now conversely ready for America. I would just *love* to get a surprise invitation to house sit a beach-front Victorian in California for friends on a sabbatical! It would be so providential...
Best of luck in your avventura nel Cilento! I have spent numerous summers on the neighboring Amalfi coast (on particularly clear days, if you could see Punta Licosa it meant you were in for a solid week of spotless skies) and those lands hold a special place in my heart. You'll love it.
Ciao.