This week held so much good. It's my last full week in Italy, and I've enjoyed it so much.
Wednesday:
This morning was...not fun. I was getting ready to start working on a video project, but before I did, I wanted to double check my flight itinerary for next week, and I discovered that the ENTIRE itinerary had been moved a day later, which completely screwed up my plans. So I had to book an entirely new flight and file an insurance claim on the one I couldn't use. Stressful as it was, it didn't get to me all that much, which was interesting, because usually disruptions like that have a very negative impact on me. It felt good to be able to take it in stride, figure it out, and move on.
I spent the rest of the day working at the church and hanging out with the Stephens.
Thursday:
Earlier in the week, I saw on social media that my good friend Evan and his girlfriend Nita were in Venice for the week! We made plans to meet up, and I took the train to Venice. We spent the day wandering the narrow streets, eating lots of good food, and taking photos on a rooftop terrace. It was so good to see more familiar faces.
Right before I got on the train back to Vicenza, I had the good luck of being pooped on by a seagull. I saw him coming, but it was too late. I watched this stupid bird's poop sail right between Evan and Nita's heads before smacking me in the shin. Hopefully it was a good omen!
Friday:
I spent the morning cleaning out the apartment where I'd been staying and preparing to leave Vicenza. Throughout the morning, I was starting to feel stressed and homesick. Moving on from places I've grown comfortable has been one of the most difficult parts of this trip. But as the day progressed, the reality set in. I wasn't taking another step into the unknown, I was going back to Agordo! The place where I'd felt most comfortable and most at home on this entire trip. I was getting excited. When I returned, I was once again welcomed into the open arms of the Cassisi's. I was so happy.
Saturday:
I woke up, once again surrounded by beautiful mountains, now capped with fresh snow. I spent day relaxing for the most part, just enjoying the space I was in. Every once in a while, I ran outside to take pictures of the mountains as the conditions continued to change from clouds to sun to clouds again, then to rain, etc. It felt good to be back and it was beautiful outside, but I was getting a little bit bored, and when boredom hits, homesickness seems to follow. I started missing my friends and family hard. But, I gave myself the chance to reset into reality by looking at the calendar and seeing just how little time I truly have left. These last few weeks are going to be so action packed and filled with adventure that I'll barely have time to thing about home. It'll be here before I know it.
Sunday:
This day was one of my favorite days of the whole entire trip. It was firewood day, meaning that the entire family was outside chopping, cutting, and stacking wood for almost the entire day. It was hard work, but doing it together made it so much fun. I genuinely felt blessed by the experience because it put me on the opposite end of the spectrum from most tourists. I felt like one of them, aside from my almost non-existent Italian language skills.
In the afternoon, Samuele, who is one of the Cassisi sons and I took a drive deeper into the mountains. We had some great conversations, and I taught him all about flying the drone. It ended up being one of my all time favorite drone flights.
That night was pizza night. My last meal with this amazing family. We drove to a different part of the valley to their favorite restaurant. While walking in, Michela, my host mom, linked arms with me and said, "What am I going to do without Zach?" Believe me when I tell you I almost cried on the spot. We enjoyed an outstanding meal together, filled with laughter. good conversation, lots of pizza, and some delicious drinks (limoncello is my new favorite beverage).
I went to sleep so happy that night. This family was absolutely amazing. I am thankful beyond belief for the time I was able to spend with them. I know for sure that I'll be back.
Monday:
It was time to leave. The last time I left Agordo, I didn't feel ready. I was so sad. But this time, as much as I knew I'd miss it, I felt like I'd gotten some closure, and I was ready to move on. So, I hopped on the bus and headed back to Belluno, where I would spend my last days in Italy where I spent my first days. I was once again welcomed with open arms by Sara and her family. I was happy to be back.
Tuesday:
It was a relaxed day, spent running errands with Sara, sleeping, and watching youtube. I know it seems like there's been a lot of days like this, but honestly, I'm okay with it. If I were constantly running around doing crazy things every single day. I would be completely exhausted. Having chill days is just as important as adventure days.
Conclusion:
It's crazy how little time I have left. There's only going to be two more of these blog posts before I come home. I want to make the most out of these final weeks and so far, I feel like I've been able to do that. I was able to revisit my favorite parts of Italy and spend time with people who have become dear friends. I've been able to capture some more beautiful images and spend a lot of time in quiet reflection about what I've explored, what I've learned, and how I've grown.
I was able to "return home" in a sense, which felt absolutely amazing. Until this past weekend, every new step I'd taken on this trip was into the unknown, and it was incredibly stressful and exhausting. Returning to Agordo and Belluno truly felt like I was returning home. Who knew I'd get to go home twice before returning to Colorado?! They say home is where the heart is, and I think they're exactly right. The dolomites have my heart. These mountains and these people are my home away from home.
Now, I'm gearing up for what will surely be an insane week in the Faroe Islands. Two days from now, I'll be on a plane to Aalborg, Denmark, where I'll take a two day ferry ride to the 18 Island Archipelago that is the Faroe Islands. There, I'll spend four days cramming as much adventure as I can into the mere seven hours of light that each day holds. It's going to be amazing, and I can't wait to tell you all about it.
For you this week:
When it comes to how you spend your time, are you happy? If not, what can you do to maximize the time you have to get the most out of life?
Song for the week:
Line of Sight - Odesza (One of my all time favorites that's been on repeat lately)
As always, chase your passions, stay stoked, love first and remember that fulfillment lies on the far side of discomfort.
Until next week,
- Zwiegs
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