​Weathering the Storm with the WP#217

What a normal past week it was. Really, it was nothing out of the ordinary and the season builds, and I have several sets of clients currently traveling on this side of the pond. Imagine, all the intensity, the craziness and really, it is about real life. I only had 2 days of teaching last week, but that is because, yes, there was a holiday on Thursday, but this week, back to form. What was different this past week is a colleague from Minnesota was ending her tour with her group right here in the Eternal City and she had reached out to Rosa and me to see if Rosa could guide the group, and well, yes, and it was a lovely day according to the group. Why, as they had a final farewell dinner at a restaurant near their hotel, called Mino’s and it was a nice evening of which I was invited. They were from Minnesota, Iowa and one from Montana, so it was something different. This week, I have 5 or 6 sets of clients here in Europe, so let the floodgates open. ​

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Also, today starts the Conclave in the Vatican to vote for a new pope. Rosa mentioned, at least that her preference would be to have another pope that followed in the footsteps of Francis, and not go backwards. I do not have skin in the game, but it will be interesting, living in the country that surrounds the smallest nation in the world and the voting for their leader and the leader of several billion Catholics. In the end, life will go on and for her benefit and that of the travelers who wish to visit the Sistine Chapel, I hope the process is quick and the white smoke appears sooner than later. Right now, access to certain parts in limited or off limits, so the sooner the better. In any case, for my travelers coming here to Italy and all those traveling currently, safe travels throughout as I have people in France, Italy, Croatia, and the UK, and more to come in the next few months. ​

Busy season is here, and the teaching continues as well, and, finally, finally, finally, I am told that my worldly possessions will be on land a week from now. When I see anything, your guess is as good as mine. I do know that the next round of bureaucracy is about to hit me in many facets, all related to the car. As I mentioned in a previous post, if I knew then, what I know now, I would have decided against bringing it here. Until it is up to European standards, it will once again sit, and then the license plate, the insurance and also, the actual replacement of the driver’s license. All the be addressed in the next few months. And, finding a school to learn Italian with effective fluency, as well as a driving school. Remember, I have to start from scratch and that may take a bit. I truly have gotten used to not needing a car, but in the end, when Rosa’s car goes caput, we will have mine, or maybe by that time, it will be hers for simplicity. ​

Remember, I said it was a normal week. Well yes and spring is fully here. The trees are green, and the plants are flowering. The markets are full of freshly grown fruits and vegetables and each Saturday I go, I see new varieties, so it is always a good experience for me each week. Get in my steps, chat with people, and eat freshly grown produce. Also, as the temperatures get warmer, Rosa and I are eating more fruits and vegetables, and less meat at this time of year. We have so much going on now and into the future, that getting into better shape and health is important. I know I have put on kilos and now is the time to get back to where I was, maybe not 89 kilos, but less than I am now, so more walking, and healthier once again and that is actually, much easier than it was stateside. It was then, a lifestyle change, and ready to make the changes once again. I truly have many wonderful things and most importantly, someone in my life to strive to be better for in the long run, so there is a wonderful balance between my professional and personal life. ​

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As always, thank you, we so appreciate your support of our crazy little world, welcome you to this side of the pond for a visit, if and when you wish to be here, and, of course, remain healthy, safe, and happy, most importantly in this craziness in which we find ourselves. There will always be bumps in the road and it is how you handle them. Focus on the things you can control and let go of the things that you can’t. Life is too short to stress and while we all can’t be happy, all the time, find something that truly does make you happy and make that a focus. Your outlook will change as you stay on that path.

Vatican Image by Maik from Pixabay