I'm back in Genova and it is so very good to be here.
The journey began with a 4.30am alarm, a 5.25am tram in cold early morning rain, a 6am airport bus, a 9.25am flight, Milan.
A bus from the airport, lunch at Milan Central Station... where some charm was showered upon us by the lovely chef there. A train to Genova, then a taxi, as we were slightly exhausted.
Out again and off into the ancient heart of the city to visit with Francesca and Norma where a wine-tasting at Le Gramole was confirmed for tomorrow, then a stop at the Bio shop for fruit and vegetables. Back to the delicious apartment we have here, then out for the best pizza ... in the world. Truly.
A walk through the storm, thunder and lightning, the rain had mostly stopped while we were out walking, down the port and back here to unpack and work a little. And here we are, working behind shutters closed over massive old open windows. The noise is reassuringly Italy at night. I miss these sounds when I'm back in Antwerp. People are talking and laughing, sometimes shouting... alive, out there on the streets a few floors below this beautiful apartment in an ancient building.
Sometimes I feel so extraordinarily fortunate. I am living a life that is rich in stories and full of good people.
It's so good to be back here.