“It’s going to be my 40th birthday and I want to do something fun. Let’s all meet in Italy and spend time in Tuscany drinking wine,” wrote my friend from my Kenya over a year ago. How could I resist such an offer?
I couldn’t.
There were times – especially recently – that I wondered if it was right to continue with the trip, but I pressed forward in the faith that once the plane landed, I’d be happy.
And I am … Rome is beautiful. Gorgeous. No – stunning. Err – amazing. There aren’t enough positive adjectives to describe the city. Except maybe in Italian. Bella, magnifico all sound better than amazing, don’t they?
My friend’s birthday is in less than a week. We’ll travel from Florence to Tuscany on her special day. It’s been seven years since we’ve seen one another, but when she (and her sister) tapped my shoulder in the airport, it was like we had spent hours sipping coffee together just a few weeks ago: the test of time shows the strength of real friendships. I’m lucky. It’s proof that friendships made as an expat can last and as I move forward, I’m certain many of my friendships in Myanmar will continue just as this one has.
We let Rome introduce herself to us yesterday as we slowly walked along the cobblestone alleyways. Cafes welcomed us and it was hard not to sit at each one – despite being charged if you’re near a piazza – to drink espresso (no cappuccino in Italy after 11am or the locals will know you’re a tourist) and eat gelato. The historic buildings with gorgeous potted plants hanging out the windows brought me joy and I swooned over ancient, wood doors.
There’s no chance of anyone thinking I’m Italian (especially being a trigger happy camera goer), just like there was no chance of anyone thinking I was Burmese Although a few French people began speaking to me in their language – upset when it was clear I didn’t understand – most correctly assume I’m North American.
Frowning, I wailed to my friend, “Ah! There’s NOTHING exotic about me!” She wrapped a sympathizing arm around me, both warm from our wine, and we laughed down the rainy, dark street on our way to dinner, the scent of jasmine all around us.
Lovely post Becky, i am so happy that you are surrounded by your friends love, and enjoying the beautiful Rome. I had the pleasure 7 years ago to be there with my daughter on a high school trip. Its such a beautiful place to visit. xo
Sounds wonderful. I look forward to visiting Italy someday…definitely in my bucket list. I'm so glad you followed through with your plans!