When we told our good NYC friends, Rachel, Ivan & Franklin, that we were traveling the world, they were nothing short of amazingly supportive. They had such insightful questions about how we came to our decision, where we were planning to go, what it would mean for our family, and then some. I remember walking home from their place the night we told them, and Doug & I looked at each other, both overwhelmed with gratitude for friends that accepted & supported our decision - with such heartfelt curiosity - like Rachel, Ivan & Franklin (pics of these great folks below!).
The next thing Rachel & Ivan did was insist that we connect with their good Italian friends outside Venice. When good people offer to connect you with other good people, you make it happen.
Fast forward four months - almost to the day - and there we were in the home of a lovely Italian family toasting to new friendships! As Rachel said, her "favorite family of blondes and her favorite family of redheads" were meeting!
New Italian Friends
Paola, Andrea, Celese & Camilla welcomed us into their home about outside Vicenza, Italy, with open arms. It's funny how you can meet people for only a few minutes, and ease into conversation & laughs like you've known each other for years. That's how it was that night. We swapped stories of raising kids in NYC, a passion for travel, Italian must-see towns, favorite foods, and all things in between.
Meanwhile, Paige, Sadie & Celeste (their youngest, same age as Paige) frolicked in the (cold!) pool, compared notes on favorite foods, giggled building pool innertube forts, and watching a show.
We continue to believe that this year of travel is as much (if not more) about the people we connect with along the way, as it is the places we see & experience. Realizing a chance to connect with local Italians in their home, and with friends of friends, was a gem experience. We are grateful that our journey included a stop with them, and forged a new friendship in the process. Molte grazie!!
Comments