I’ve realized that my answer is ALWAYS the same. Life is good, things are amazing, India is beautiful, and I am so happy!! While all of this is so VERY TRUE, I must admit that after being on the road for almost ten months that I can often times feel overwhelmed.

At this point, it’s not just about this moment. just about India, or just about me. Instead of experiencing just one country and one culture like in the beginning, I have my feelings wrapped up inside from all the countries.  All the children and all the women from every country I’ve spent time in.

The beauty, nature, and openness of the familiar in South America when in Colombia and Ecuador. The celebratory spirit and freedom of the people in South Sudan. The joy and rhythm of  Uganda, and now the color and extreme contrast of India. All the amazing people from these countries have carved out a special place in my mind and in my heart that has remained long after my physical presence departed. I have no doubt that India will have the same effect on me.

This is the beautiful part and the hard part. Beautiful in the fact that I have met more people and have been a part of more communities that have opened my eyes in so many ways, so many times. Times I didn’t even realize my eyes were shut. I have danced, sung, laughed, cried, loved, and held more in the last ten months than I ever expected. The hard part on the other hand is what consumes my mind often. The poverty, the need for action, for solutions, for awareness, for education.

I chased monkeys with children who had never been on an outing before, sat face to face with women who hide money under their mattress because their husbands would steal it for alcohol. Women that have no other choice because in their country women can’t open bank accounts. Met men who think polygomy is okay regardless of the destruction it causes a family, held babies who are invected with HIV, danced with children who have no family, and held hands with young women who are married to old men because they had no choice. Because it was arranged. I’m currently experiencing a country where human trafficking is rampant, girls are killed at birth because they are girls, and the word “love marriage” is barely understood. Just the other day I again stopped to absorb the staggering statistics on the number of children that aren’t in school, the number of people living on less than $1 a day, cried over the 27 million modern slaves many of which are here in India, and held in my arms my sweet little Deepa who has burn marks on her arms from playing in burning trash piles instead of with dolls as a child. I leave a slum community almost daily through a wide open landfill full of trash, children with no shoes, and the sight of some of the most extreme conditions I have seen during my trip.

This is where it all becomes overwhelming. I now know that it is real. Not that I didn’t know this before, but seeing it for myself changes everything. Changes me. What faulty human nature.

I still have times I think about having a hot bath, or a washing machine, or a kitchen inside a house where I don’t shriek at all the critters that crawl out of dishes and under cracks. When I will be able to eat raw fruits and veggies without going through a veg wash sanitation process or when I can talk to friends and family and see their real face – the face that’s not the frozen Skype version. But mostly, I spend time thinking about the opportunity I hope to have upon my return to share. Not share my story but the story of so many of the amazing people I’ve met. Almost always I feel putting my experiences into words so difficult. I want so badly to be able to do this with ease. I will just keep trying. If it were all my lovely darlings in Uganda, they would just put the stories in a song and dance and sing about it! (Just see how they love to sing and dance!)

I was reading a book recently that described working in a third world country a little like this:

“Sometimes I feel working in a third world country is like trying to empty the ocean with an eye dropper”

This feeling can definitely be true. There is so much to do and so much patience that must be practiced helping to heal major problems. It may take loads of time and tiny steps little by little, but it can be done!!

In honor of all the children in my heart that have so much more rhythm than I do, now this is something to sing and dance about!!

Women of South Sudan dancing shortly after the country became the newest in the world

• See the album of the children in Ecuador
• See the album of the community in South Sudan
• See the album of the children in Uganda
• See the album of beautiful India

Interested in HELPING SUPPORT any of the organizations I have worked with? If so, please find information on their links below:

• Fundacion Arte Del Mundo (they are currently raising funds for a community theatre)
• Nukanti Foundation for Children (they are currently teaching kids about the importance of recycling and building a community center in Colombia out of plastic bottles – SO COOL!)
• Seed Effect Micro-Finance
• Elpis Ministries – The Children’s Home in Uganda
• Rahab’s Rope

India!

Almost a month ago today, I landed in India.

From Rome through Cairo to Mumbai. Away from fashionistas in knee length boots and corner cafes to women carrying baskets on their head and cows grazing out of trash bins.

A jolting change I was only halfway prepared for.

You see, India is one big contrast. You have many rich and many poor people. You have modern buildings and beautiful beaches and slums a stone throw away. India has the largest amount of scientists and technologists after the US yet almost half of the population is illiterate. Many areas are rich in tourism and in resources yet most of the population lives on less than $1 a day. It is said that is is impossible to be moved by India. That once you visit, you will never be the same again. I think this will hold true.

One of the largest slums in the area where we are working

The Beach and The Slum Footsteps Away

I came to India to work side by side with children in the slums in the area of education, and with women and young girls in skills training programs. Women and young girls who have escaped the human trafficking industry or those that are considered high risk due to location and poverty level. The reality here is that in many families with extreme poverty the daughters will actually be sold into the trafficking industry to pay off a family debt or the families decide this for them as a profession so that they may bring money back to the family. Girls are not valued the same as boys, and it is apparent here on the red dirt roads in India. The amount of work the female population is responsible for here especially in the areas that are more poverty stricken is a bit mind blowing.

Young girls at the stitching center. Together they can make a difference!

Young girls studying at Tutoring Class

And the children. Oh the sweet children! The spirit of the children here take me back to Uganda. How they have an inspiring ability to love, to hold, to take you into their lives without hesitation. Their smiles that ask you not to leave and the joy that shines through their big brown eyes all the while I can only imagine how much suffering they have endured.

Children that greet me in the streets when I head to tutoring class!

Nagraj, one of the oldest boys on the left and the class helper!

This is only the beginning of my time here in India.

I am humbled, excited, and thankful to be able to spend time here with such amazing and inspiring individuals. Just being in their presence provides me a sense of calmness that is so indescribable that the chaos on the outside fades away.

A View of Rome

We know how the saying goes, that all roads lead to Rome, and so glad mine did sooner rather than later! I love, love, love this city!

I would also say that Rome is one of the great capitals and cities of the world! Anytime I ask anyone what is one of their favorite big cities, if they have been there, they always say Rome! So naturally, I decided to save the best for last on my trip through Italy and spent five days in Rome before flying to India.

There is so much to do in Rome, I wasn’t even sure where to start. But, since it was my first visit, I planned my five days to do all “the biggies”.

Day One:

• Vatican City and all it entails – The Museum, The Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basillica.
• A stroll through the surrounding neighborhood up to Castel Sant’ Angelo and across the bridge.
• The lively Piazza del Popolo

Day Two:

• The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, and Palestine Hill
• The Pantheon and a stroll through the neighborhood
• Palazzo Montecitorio
• Ate Gelato at Giolitti, the oldest gelateria in all of Rome and LOVED it!

Day Three:

• The Appian Way, one of the earliest and most important Roman roads of the ancient republic.
• San Giovani Laterno, also known as The Pope’s Church. It is referred to as the mother of all catholic churches. It represents the ideal union between pagan and christian. It is Rome’s oldest basilica and considered the church of Rome. It is here that I also got a complete reading of Christianity.
• Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and its gardens, Santa Maria Maggiore, and Teatro dell Opera.
• Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza del Quirinale
• The Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Piazza del Trevi & The Trevi Fountain…and I was sure to throw in my coin to ensure which represents a sure sign one will be back to Rome!
• Cooked the spiciest tex-mex tacos in the history of tacos for my Roman couch surfing host that thinks I was secretly trying to kill him! Ha! It was purely an accident!!

Throwing my coin into The Trevi Fountain

Day Four:

• The National Museum in Palazzo Massimo where I looked eye to eye with Julius and Augustus Caesar, Alexander The Great, and Socrates.
• Admired the the statue of the athlete discus thrower who back in the day commonly stood in baths where Romans cultivated healthy bodies, minds, and social skills hoping to lead a well rounded life.
• A stroll from The National Museum to the Piazza Navona known for its flare during the carnival time of The Befana – a kind witch that brings gifts.
• Went to the centuries old Cafe Greco where the likes of Casablanca, Goethe, Lord Byron, and Buffalo Bill all once stopped for coffee.

The discus throwers

Day Five:

Today was the day before my travel day, and I was exhausted by day five trying to see just all the biggies. But, I managed to find energy for the beautiful Borghese Gallery and the Villa Borghese Gardens, one of the most beautiful private art galleries in Rome. It also home to the famous Apollo chasing Daphne. The myth goes that Apollo the God of Light chases the nymph Daphne and as he reaches her she turns into a laurel tree because she is being pursued in vain. Engraved on the base of the sculpture you will read: Those who love to pursue fleeting forms of pleasure, in the end find only leaves and bitter berries in their hands.

I also made a point to stroll by the Bocca della Verita (The mouth of truth). The saying goes that is a lie detector.  It was believed that if you told a lie with your hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off. Good thing I still have my hand!! It is also where Audrey Hepburn spent some time filming  the 1950′s flick Roman Holiday.

The Mouth of Truth

The Little Island off the Coast of Italy

Sometime Mid-December

My friend Ursa and I took the ferry from Naples into Palermo on the west coast of Sicily. When I planned on venturing to Italy for my two month getaway, I knew I would spend some time in Sicily. I have always been intrigued by this island. Its dark past, its corruption and ties to the mafia, as well as the nature and beauty it possesses.

Even though Sicily is part of Italy – one man from central Italy actually argued with me that Sicily is a country of its own, that it is practically Africa. I just gave a little head nod. That’s interesting, people say that about Texas. That it’s like being in a whole different country. I knew immediately I was going to like Sicily! But, when it comes to practically being Africa I definitely had to argue with him on that one. Although, interesting enough, Sicily was a 13 hour ferry ride for us off the bay of Naples (In Italy) but from Sicily I could have jumped on a ferry to Tunisia (In Africa) for only a 6 hour ride. Sicily sits on the Mediterranean Sea and is a bridge between Africa and Europe. How lucky!

The boat we came in on

Our 6:30am arrival into Sicily had us a bit disoriented and stumbling around at the port in Palermo. We found the port bar/cafe (everything in Italy is a bar/cafe) and went for a coffee or two or three with all the men about to head into work. This is when it happened. My breakthrough with Italian coffee that is. You see taking coffee in Italy is like nothing I had ever experienced before. There are about 1000 different ways to order your coffee.

Secondly, no one sips coffee, or has small chat, or even says “hey would you like to meet for coffee” because having coffee in Italy is literally like a 10 second game of who can take drink their coffee the fastest. You get your coffee, or espresso rather, because that is really all it is, and you shoot it like a 21 year old shooting tequila on their 21st birthday. This is having coffee in Italy. And, at this time, I had been in Italy for almost a month and a half, and still had to order my coffee “long” which means coffee and milk (more milk than coffee it was so strong) or a couple of times I even went as far as to ask for an American coffee with milk to take away with stares like I was a bit crazy. Takeaway coffee is just not in the Italian vocabulary, but it was still in mine. So, while on the coast I made friends with the barista at the coffee shop up the street and he got used to me. Therefore, I only got the crazy look like the first two times instead of every time. But, arriving in Palermo after a 13 hour ferry ride with little sleep, I decided today was going to be the day I took my coffee like an Italian….well almost. Coffee machiato please. And bam I took it all at one time in 2 seconds just like everyone else. Okay so machiato means a little bit of the milk foam at the top, but close enough!

Sicily is where I spent Christmas and The New Year, and truly learned the hospitality of Sicilians.

And, don’t take call them Italians! They’re Sicilians NOT Italians!

It is said the farther south you go in Italy the nicer and crazier the people become. Northern Italians say those in the south are unrefined, lazy, and don’t worry to much about anything. Southern Italians say Northern Italians move too quickly, work to much, have too much stress, and everything is chaos! Hmm this mentality sounds familiar.

Here is a map of our Grand Tour of Sicily. Starting on the west coast of Palermo making our way all the way along the coast to the east of Sicily to the bottom of Mount Etna.

Initially, we spent several days in Palermo couchsurfing, taking long walks around the city, and hiking the pilgrim path of Santa Rosalia. We then made our way down south to the charming little town of Agrigento. We had no plans and no place to stay. We jumped off the train and just walked around inquiring at places on the street as we passed by. Ursa speaks decent Italian so just by asking around we stumbled upon the cutest little apartment in the town center on the main street and we rented it for two nights for only 20 euros each….about the same as a hostel room in most cities. Agrigento was founded by greek colonist and is mainly known for its Valley of The Temples where the Greeks used to celebrate their Gods. But, Ursa and I found the town to also be lively and pleasant and spent more time wandering and mingling with the locals than at the temples. Although the long walk to the temples on the outside of town taking in the view along the way  I would consider one of my great walks in Sicily.

The View of Palermo from The Path of Santa Rosalia

We decided to take the bus from Agrigento to Catania. You see it’s not easy to get around in Sicily. Buses and trains mainly leave from the main cities (only 2) on the island and then you have to get everywhere else from there. Also, no one seems to ever know what is going on with the buses. So, we constantly drag our bags around and ask ask ask. Of course, getting different answers every time. So, we keep asking. The bus however ended up being the perfect choice. Spacious, two level, and great views of the Sicilian countryside for our 3 hour ride.  I think I spent an hour just looking out the window taking in the scenery and admiring the beauty. Rolling green hills, mountain tops, cactus…lots of cactus,houses spattered about with colored roofs, and of course sporadic views of the coastline.

Bus rides are also the perfect time to be with thoughts. Thoughts of the yesterdays, the todays, and the tomorrows. I get lost in my thoughts constantly on bus rides and train rides. Something about staring out the window watching the world pass me by puts me in a trance.

Catania and Beyond

Catania is the other large city on the island besides Palermo, and it more of a hub for travelers as it sits at the base of the famous Mount Etna. It is also a great base for exploring the eastern coast of Sicily. We spent a lot of time in this area because of the ease to either explore the north or south on the coast. We spent several weeks playing in Catania as well as spending time going up and down the coastline exploring all the nature of Sicily. There is so much to see here that we focused on the coastline but when I return the next time, I will spend time doing the inner countryside of Sicily. The thing with Sicily, to be able to see all of the countryside it is a must to rent a car. At this point, Sicily just does not have the transportation to get around the Island via buses or trains to be able to explore all its beauty.

Here are some photos from Sicily:

A Traditional Sicilian Pizza Place

My New Hippie Car!

A View In Syracuse

An Italian Favorite....Soccer on The Beach

Ursa and I had so much fun just wandering around the island without too much of a plan. Here are some short video clips of some of our wanderings and goofiness! As you will hear me say several times in these video clips we also spent lots of time waiting for buses and dodging vespas. It was an everyday game, to see how many times we almost get plowed down by a vespa!

If you can’t see the video below, please click here to view

Western Italy

The Amalfi Coast is home to a string of villages all lined on a cliffside with a couple of sandy beaches on the western side of Italy. It is also the coast where you sail to the famous island of Capri. After working away in Italy, I spent two weeks on the coast taking in time by the water, enjoying the festive Sorrento during the holidays, and hiking some of the most beautiful landscapes I saw in all of Italy.

“Art is the meeting place with mystery, because the beauty of created things stirs up God’s emotions, nostalgia”  (John Paul II in “letter to the artists”)

I have to say The Amalfi Coast is definitely a piece of that art!

Sorrento

Sorrento during the holidays

Life Size Lemons in Sorrento

Sweet Sorrento. My home for 2 weeks. Wedged on a ledge under the mountains and over The Mediterranean full of lemon groves and endless beauty. Also supposedly a tourist madhouse during the summer! But, being in Italy during the winter…I skipped all the madness and took in all the serenity.

According to legend, the name “Sorrento” comes from the Greek word siren, the half bird half woman who sang intoxicating lullabies. According to Homer, the sirens lived on an island near here and no one sailed by without succumbing to their incredible musical charm.

Here, I ate gelato at one of the most famous gelaterias on the coast that also serves up scoops to celebrities and The Pope (they were all over the wall!) Even better than that, it had a christmas scene with a moving choo choo train all made out of chocolate!

Capri

The Island of Capri

The Island of Capri also known as the “Island of Dreams” sits right off the Amalfi coast and is about a 45 minute ferry ride or a 30 minute jet boat ride. It is also home to the famous Blue Grotto which is always closed during the winter due to high tide. I took the ferry over for a day trip and even though I didn’t get to experience the Blue Grotto, I did take time to do some hiking and  the chair lift up to Monte Salero where I could see the sea for miles – all the way to the Bay of Naples.

Capri was made famous by Roman Emperors Augustus and Tiberius and is still famous today especially with masses of tourists that come to the coast every summer.

Positano

About 20 minutes up the way from Sorrento but much smaller, Positano is the cute little picturesque town that sits right on the water with colorful homes peppering the cliff. In my opinion, this was the cutest town on the Amalfi Coast but in the winter there is not as much to do. But, if I were not traveling alone and wanted romantic time or just a plain getaway I would have stayed here instead of Sorrento.

According to legend the Greek God Poseidon created Positano for Positea, a nymph he lusted after. Hmm…. I’m thinking if a gentleman friend created the perfect little getaway on a beautiful coastline for me, he’d be a keeper!

Amalfi Town

The Old Paper Mill

Amalfi Town is home to a major paper factory that still creates letterhead and stationary for The Pope, and I believe is the largest of all the towns or at least fairly close to the size of Sorrento. Most of the major hikes along the coast start in this area so if hiking is top priority on your itinerary, Amalfi Town is a good place to consider your base. Like Positano, part of this town sits directly on the water.

It is said that Amalfi Town was founded when the girlfriend of Hercules was buried here. This is also the town where you take the bus before hopping on another short bus ride to do the ever so famous Path of The Gods hike.

Ravello

The day I went to Ravello it decided to pour down rain for most of the day. A very small village with great views, a couple of nice outdoor museums, and the ideal place to get away from the crowd and take a long nice stroll through the area that sits on top of a cliff about 15 minutes above Amalfi Town. But, since it decided to catch me in the rain, I spent my time eating the most delicious homemade pasta, sipping on a few glasses of white wine, and having a charming conversation with a man at the bus stop who shared his umbrella with me. Sounds very 1920’s black and white romance, but the charming man was in his seventies and the conversation was in Italian meaning I just shook my head a lot.

But, I am sure Ravello, in the sunshine is more charming than getting caught in the rain.  It has been the home to many writers, artists, playwrights, and the rich and famous including Gore Vidal, Richard Wagner, and DH Lawrence. As well, Ravello supposedly has a spectacular jazz festival once a year in the summer that brings people in from all over the world.

As I  took the train ride away from all the coastal beauty, I read this and know that a part of it will always travel with me:

“Thank you for coming to Amalfi! May the benediction of Andrew the Apostle always accompany you in life.”

Welcome To The Path of The Gods

One of the most famous hikes in Italy that takes you on the cliffside high above the Amalfi coastline. The legend has it that the Gods came down to this pathway to reach the sea where the sirens that seek to entice Ulysses with their singing. It was by far one of the most beautiful walks I have ever been on, and is known as one of the world’s most spectacular panoramas. The entire trail which is about 6 hours gives you views of the coast almost the entire way. The landscape was diverse as we hiked through cliffside vineyards, small little hamlets, and areas of forest that had us walking in the trees with the sun peeking through the branches creating a path of light shining through to show us the way.

Jamie, my hiking partner and I also decided that it must be called The Path of The Gods because it took God to get us down the 3,000 stairs that sit at the end of the trail that brings you back to reality.

The area is also famous for being the chosen home of many creative minds back in the day. The likes of Goethe, D.H. Lawrence, and other writers, authors,and poets, this hike has been described as such:

“Is this the view that from on high along the Path of the Gods, opens to our sight: it is the picture of the great loop of the Amalfi coastline that looks towards the west, towards the Island of Capri, that precipitous coast, steamy, hot, with the crystalline mountains where the gods of today are forsaken and you find a lost self again. Mediterranean, before you.” - D.H. Lawrence

“A journey is on occasion which can be renewed as a choice and a measure of an interior wish: in a sense it is right to restore the fantasy again, starting from the Path of the Gods, that road suspended above the magic bay of the Sirens, furrowed again today by memory and myth.” – Italo Calvino

“From above the track hollowed out in the rock, our gaze ranges over the wide expanse of sea, over the territory of imaginary mythology, between the Douglas cliffs and the bougainvillea described by Simone de Beauvoire.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Since of course my words cannot describe it as well as the so many famous writers that walked this path before me, I’ll take you through in pictures.

Road on the path taking us through a small village:

Cliffside vineyards along the way:

View of the mountain top and the countryside:

The view of beauty along the coast:

Some snacks along the way:

The Sunset at the end of the day:

Some argue that this is one of the most beautiful coastal sceneries in the world. If you were to drive the path, that it is even a more scenic drive than the 17 mile Pebble Beach drive through Northern California. Only one can decide for themselves. I’ve now done both, and they have both managed to reach into that part of my body where I feel as if the moment couldn’t possibly be more beautiful or perfect.

Some of my thoughts jotted down while walking with The Gods:

Standing high above the water as if I could reach into the clouds, I stand leaning over the rail post completely captivated and overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the history. Of the beauty. Of the essence of nature. Thankful that I have had the opportunity in life to surround myself with the world’s wondrous beauty. As you my friend, have taught me many true lessons of life.

I Made It!!! Standing in front of the castle in Naples

I was intimidated before even stopping in the train station at Naples. Almost everything you read warns you of the organized crime and the complete madness. The third largest city in Italy, after my 2 weeks in a village of only 120 people, I had to prepare myself.

Several travel writers describe Naples as such:

“Napoli overwhelms me, It’s the full-fledged, all-out, big hearted Mediterranean city.” – Frances Mayes

“Wild, raucous, noisy, dirty, balls out Naples. An exoticism of a Middle Eastern bazaar and a touch of New Orleans voodoo. A tripped out dangerous and  cheerful nuthouse.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

“You must only go to Naples during the day. Not at night. Not alone. People in Naples are bad (with a shake of the head and tick of the tongue).” – The couple I stayed with near Pompei

But it is also home to pizza, ice cream, and Sophia Loren. I was convinced that Naples really is just one of those places that has gotten a bad rap and hasn’t been able to shake it. I mean it’s on the water, how bad can it be?

With all this talk, as I arrived at the train station, I actually found myself preparing to take in this wild and crazy city with just a hint of nervousness. Then, I had to give myself a pep talk. Snap out of it, you’ve slept in a Colombian bus station overnight for goodness sake. So, I tucked my purse under my jacket and away I went.

Stepping out of the train station you’re not in the best area of town. And, it was true in the fact that it was fast, loud, zipping vespas, and street peddlers. I had changed trains in Naples once before and went outside the station, but now I found myself in a different location. The speed of the city was crazy at first and I felt like that person standing in a crowded room spinning unsure of which direction to go. I had read that the best Pizza place in all of Italy was about a 15 minute walk from the train station, so that was my first place to conquer. The 15 minute walk turned out taking me over an hour and stopping at least 5 times to ask for directions. But, just when I was about to give up and move toward the city center, I found it. Oh, so worth it!!

The thing is, I don’t have any pictures of Naples except for this one man playing me a song as I walk up the path to the egg castle that sits on the water, and a distant shot from an Italian photo shoot where I literally stumbled over one of the models running from their changing car to his standing location as I was eating gelato. My first italian model encounter and I almost shoved my gelato on his shirt – oh so clumsy!

I spent the entire day trying to keep up with the city. As badly as I wanted to, I didn’t pull out my ‘look at me’ large camera out of my bag to snap pictures of everyday life yielding to the warnings of the locals telling me to be careful with all belongings. It was fast and furious, and the main beauty of Naples is just taking it all in not necessarily ticking sites off a list. The city and the people are the sights! There’s no way I could’ve taken pictures and taken everything in so quickly. Besides, if I didn’t pay attention for even a split second, it was very possible that I would get plowed over by a vespa. The Neapolitans  ability to maneuver those things the way they do with zero traffic structure still blows my mind!

As I trekked back to the train station at the end of the day, I was exhausted. Naples is not a city to do in one day. I spent a large portion of the day getting lost over and over, but that was half the fun. I think to fully get to know and appreciate Naples, like any wonderful thing that is rough around the edges, I would need to give it some time. But, Naples was captivating, fun, loud, and everyone I spoke to was just as kind and helpful as any other city in Italy I have been in.

Chasing the Sunset on Lake Trasimeno

Several weeks after I arrived in Italy after spending time in Florence, sipping wine in Tuscany, and visiting The Leaning Tower of Pisa, I headed to the picturesque area of Lake Trasimeno. This is where I would be working to help renovate a bed and breakfast for 2 weeks in exchange for accommodation and homemade Italian food.

Work Away is a work exchange program where locals can post help wanted information for travelers. Travelers in return commit to staying and helping for several weeks up to several months in exchange for room and food. In Italy, as you can imagine, much of the help needed was in B&B’s, wine vineyards, olive groves, language learning, etc. After some research, of course I decided I wanted to find myself by the water. Therefore, this lake region in central Italy between Umbria and Tuscany was perfect for me. I was in Torricella near the main town of Magione right on Lake Trasimeno.

The countryside near the lake

Torricella was quite interesting. A very small village of only 120 people, 2 small coffee shops that also functioned as a bar, restaurant, gelateria, tobacco shop, and any other odd or end you may need sat on the town’s only main street.  The locals knew who the “3 Volunteers” were immediately, everyone knew everyone, and everyone knew everyone’s business, families, dogs, and histories. It was a small little sleepy town during winter, but I imagine it to be a bustling paradise during the summer as the Lake is  just gorgeous. We worked Monday through Friday from 9:00am until 2:00pm and then had the afternoons and Sundays free to explore. We were cleaning, renovating, painting, re-arranging furniture. I don’t think I had done so much manual labor since college! But, it helped with all the homemade Italian food we were eating. We worked with a crew of about 10 Italian men who were very pleasant and loved to sing while they worked. One thing about Italian men – they love to sing! In South America everyone dances. In Italy, everyone sings! This is also where I spent my Thanksgiving, and we prepared the Italians their very first Thanksgiving dinner.

Ancient villages line the 70km around the lake, and are known for their stunning sunsets. This area is also perfect for nature lovers. There is endless amount of hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. There are 16 different walking trails of various difficulties and 16 bicycle loop paths to take in the sights of the entire Lake area.

The two B&B locations on the lake we were doing work on were  Casa Sul Lago and B&B Emporio. I would highly recommend this area in Italy during the summer, spring, or fall for anyone who loves to be outdoors. This could be an amazing getaway and escape from the big city sightseeing of Rome.

Boats on the Pier

Notes from the pier my first day on the lake…..

First full day in Torricella happens to be a beautiful sunny Sunday with just a cool breeze in the air. Just enough to shuffle the brightly colored orange, yellow, and green leaves that are falling from the trees. After spending the morning chatting with Ursa and Thomas, fellow volunteers, I head straight to the pier. The pier is practically our backyard with a little park that overlooks the sail boats and the fishing boats. I sit and read and listen to the leaves blowing in the wind until my attention catches with the passing of a jogger, a couple on bikes, and the lady who just rode through the park on a horse. There are a few fisherman that line the pier and a father with his son. The view is beautiful and an ideal location to spend an entire Sunday just relaxing and taking in the beauty of being outdoors.

Castle on an island in the middle of the lake

Thinking of traveling and working to help with expenses, work away is definitely worth checking out! Alternatively, have a project, farm, business that you would want help with and be interested in welcoming a traveler into your family for a short time? You could also register as a host on workaway. It has hosts from all over the world.

*Side note: I am not  mentioning work away for any benefit, affiliate program, etc. I simply like the ease of the website, the idea, and the experience I had so wanted to share information.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas from the sunny green island of Sicily!

My first Christmas ever away from my family. An experience that I will learn from, enjoy, and certain I will try not to do again.

I have been touring the island of Sicily since the middle of December and will be here until January 1st. I have eaten enough pasta to feed a small country, tried every dessert in every pastry shop, drank  lots of wine, and have been fortunate enough to spend the majority of my time couch surfing in homes of the locals.  In case you are wondering…..I love love love Sicily. I can’t wait to write my post about all of the amazing towns I have seen and friends I have met during my time here. Can you believe it? Two months is just not enough time for Italy! By the time my two months are over (on January 7th) I am sure I will feel like I have only scratched the surface.

How do the Italians spend the holidays? Well, I have to say, much like we do back home in America.

But, they are crazy over nativity scenes. You can go almost anywhere and find a huge assortment of hand crafted nativity scenes.

They love lights and decoration!

One of the main streets lit up at night

Me pouring wine at the house of one of my hosts midst all the lights

Like all of us, they love sweets!!

Gigantic homemade muffins at the pastry shop around the corner. DANGEROUS!!

WHERE EXACTLY AM I IN SICILY THIS CHRISTMAS?

I am in Siracusa on the east side of the island….of course on the water.

You can click here to see where Siracusa is on a map of Sicily.

Welcome to Assisi

I’ve realized while traveling that when I encounter a moment that pulls me in, I mean completely captivates my attention and allows me to shut out some of my surroundings so I can just be in my steps, I tend not to take as many photos. As if making a conscious effort to capture a memory or a moment through my lens actually somewhat takes me out of a moment of entrancement. This is exactly what happened as I guided myself on a walking tour through Assisi ending at what is considered a theological work of genius, The Basilica of Saint Francis.

Saint Francis was an Italian Catholic friar and a preacher. He was the son of a wealthy merchant that lived the life of a wealthy young man who then decided to give it all up. He went on a pilgrimage to Rome and the experience moved him to live a life of poverty and he began preaching on the streets. On July 16, 1228, he was pronounced a saint by Pope Gregory IX. He is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment.

The Message of Saint Francis:

The Canticle of the Sun (the canticle of the sun is also known as the praise to the creatures and is believed to be among the first works of literature, if not the first, written in the Italian language)

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.

Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility.

Basilica of Saint Francis

The church is massive, with three parts. The Upper Basilica, The Lower Basilica, and the Saint’s Tomb. Definitely the largest and most elaborate church I have ever been in. As you walk into the doorway of the lower basilica there is a Latin inscription that says, “Slow down and be joyful, pilgrim. You’ve reached the hill of paradise. And, if you are observant and thoughtful, this church will knock your spiritual socks off.”

Saint Francis’s Basilica was actually the end of my walk through Assisi. As you walk through the town it is common to see priest, monks, and friars walking beside you. The area, when you are away from the crowd has a humbling feeling. Being that there tend to be large crowds in the basilica, I found that my most soulful moment came at the Church of Santo Stefano. The typical rural Romanesque church is tucked away surrounded by cypress, fig, and walnut trees with a view overlooking the countryside. It had no architect, just built by simple stonemasons who put together the most basic design for worship. No multiple stories, no massive stained ceilings, no floor length painting, just simple enlightening space. It felt as though I was the only one that had sat in the small church in quite sometime. A row of hard handmade benches, a small pulpit in front, and one small candle lit on the left-hand side near a sign asking for donations to help with the up keep of the old stones. This was near the end of my walk right before I would approach one of the most famous church’s in all of Europe. But, it was in these simple surroundings that I wrote this in my journal:

I feel like I’ve traveled to a destination in my imagination, but it is real. A place where everything is pervaded by the essence of those who have walked here before me immediately creating a sensation within a few moments that time has reached straight into my soul.