on leaving Berlin

I had a wonderful day wandering through the galleries on museum island, and exploring the eastside gallery - powerful murals covering remnants of the Berlin Wall. I spent hours just marvelling at paintings and sculptures, and again I fell in love with the city.

one of my favourite pieces was a renaissance sculpture of Samson having his hair cut by Delilah. the figure is exhausted, and cradled in the lap of the one he loves as she cares for him. reminding me of one of my favourite songs, I took a moment to really appreciate the story and love shared by these two figures.

the eastside gallery was incredible, and I found great joy in the way artists had transformed the pain of Berlin’s troubled past into something beautiful and hopeful for a brighter tomorrow. walking along the wall free of any physical barriers from a happy life made me recognise how lucky I truly am to live in a time and place in which I feel safe and loved.

Alex and Ellie (two roommates at the hostel) took me out to a beer garden and we had a great laugh. back at the hostel, I met Lucas from southern Germany. we chatted for hours, and I made him promise to come and visit me in Tasmania. I write now on the train to Amsterdam. I am only growing more and more grateful for this journey, and continue to be fascinated, move and inspired by the things I find and discoveries I make along the way << x

Berlin

I’m a little overwhelmed. I have spent the day exploring Berlin with a roommate from my hostel, and what we have seen of the city and how much of it has made me feel is difficult to put into words.

Berlin has been the epicentre of division for each of the three major wars of the twentieth century. today I saw firsthand remnants of the Berlin Wall, which separated the city’s east from its west, keeping families and loved ones apart for close to 30 years. seeing this piece of recent history and reflecting on the helplessness of countless innocent civilians separated and slaughtered due to political differences really moved me.

even more so was I moved by the memorial to the murdered Jews of the holocaust. countless dark columns of all shapes and sizes fill a wide landscape in the centre of the city. walking into the dips and valleys of the work, with the columns towering above it feels as though one is being suffocated. the atmosphere is chilling. I couldn’t help but feel lost and mournful. we returned in the afternoon to visit once more. I know this landmark is something I will not forget.

the city is beautiful and I know I could spend weeks here. tomorrow I hope to visit the art galleries on museum island, and see the remaining murals on the Berlin Wall at the east side gallery. I miss home and my friends, and my beautiful family. but today made me feel grateful for my life and the fact that I have so much goodness around me. I hope you have a lovely day << x

stranded friends

taking the train all the way to Berlin was a bit of a hassle, but I couldn’t be happier with how things planned out. in Copenhagen, the 11pm train to Hamburg was full. I ran into two travellers from France who were also stranded with me until 2 the next morning. they took me under their wing and we had a drink and some leftover Norwegian chocolate on the Danish harbour. we laughed so much and kept laughing as we ventured through the night on trains, sleeping at stations and finally making it to Hamburg.

we explored the city - which was beautiful - and had a laugh over hamburgers. we lay in the shade and just had a wonderful time, before we parted ways and I caught the train to Berlin, staying in a hostel for the first time << x

Oslo

I spent the night in Oslo. the city was beautiful in the dark, and just as lovely on my walk around this morning. I climbed the opera house and sat on the roof, from where I could see a pretty fantastic panorama of the city.

I’ve bought myself more Norwegian cheese and chocolate for the train, because I’m still twelve years old. I’m sad to leave this beautiful country. everything seems calmer and just more peaceful here, not to mention the fact that the people I have been lucky to engage with have treated me with genuine kindness and interest. I’ve bought myself a copy of ‘Peer Gynt’ by Ibsen to remind me of my visit, though I know I’ll be back as soon as I can.

this morning I finished a book gifted to me by a special friend. she tells me it was one of her favourites when she was younger. the story made me think, laugh and dwell on what is important to me in my life and the world I live in. moreover, it made me miss her. one passage towards the end of the book stayed with me: ‘if you have no intention of loving or being loved, then the whole journey is pointless’. being on my own literal and mental journey, both of which consistently surprise me with their twists and turns, this idea of journeys lacking meaning without love will be something I will be thinking about for a while << x

til neste gang

Norway has been kind to me, and I am sad to say goodbye. spending such precious time with Ingfrid, Maria and Emily has reminded me once again of how genuinely lucky I am to cross paths with genuine, selfless people.

Bergen is a beautiful city, and if I spoke Norwegian I would gladly move here forever. the people are friendly. the landscape is beautiful and the weather reminds me of home. everywhere you look you will find history or culture in some shape or form. I have been treated so generously here, and I know I will return one day.

part of me wonders how I have gone so long without visiting this gorgeous country. today I leave behind my Norwegian family and begin my trail down Scandinavia and into Central Europe. I hold close the memories and laughs I have shared with these special people, as I cherish the contact and photos I have with those I miss. I am grateful << x

just some thoughts

Bergen is beautiful. I feel at home with my friends here and part of me believes if I spoke Norwegian I could stay here forever. the rain reminds me of home and the generosity of the people makes the place even more appealing. I’ve been lucky to stay in touch with many of my friends and family whilst here, and I don’t feel overly disconnected. however I feel detached from the stress and sadness that may visit me uninvited whilst at home, living my normal life. there is something very peaceful here, and my mind feels at home.

I’ve explored all of the galleries. I’ve spent very special time with Ingfrid, Maria and Emily. we have said farewell to Maria as she leaves for her one year journey away, and her sadness and nerves remind me of myself just three weeks ago leaving behind my loved ones.

being alone here is ok for me. occasionally I think about the fact that I’m as far away from those I love as I could possibly be on this planet. but this space gives me an opportunity to think about what makes me grateful, what makes me miss and love the people I miss and love. it’s healthy to miss, and it’s important to love. I never forget how lucky I am to have many people in my life who are special to me. << x

Bergen?

Norway has stolen my heart. one day in Bergen and I feel like the luckiest boy on the planet. the city is one of the most magical I have ever visited, and yesterday I spent hours wandering through and marvelling at the quirky architecture. everything is beautiful here. the buildings, the food, the people. I spent some time wandering through the KODE galleries and saw some incredible art, and I felt again genuinely lucky to be alive.

spending time with Ingfrid, Maria and Emily is so special. I have missed their regular presence in my life more than I had realised. they have already treated me with such kindness and I can’t believe my luck. last night Ingfrid and I spoke of our directions in life til late, and I felt grateful to have connected with such a wonderful person.

at the gallery there was a painting titled ‘siblings’, featuring three boys. it made me think of my brothers and miss them instantly. you don’t value something important authentically until you are unable to be with it, or hug them for a while << x

Bergen

waiting for me at Bergen airport we’re three people who played a huge part in my childhood. Ingfrid, Maria and Emily used to live in Tasmania, and as a child I spent much of my time eating and playing with them over the years. I have dreamt of visiting th in Norway since they moved here nine years ok, and it is now surreal being here to see them and the beautiful place they live in. today I will explode Bergen with Maria. I already feel at home here, and I am grateful to be reconnecting with such special friends. I hope you have a wonderful day.

<< x

ci vediamo Rauscedo

I leave Rauscedo with a heavy heart. there is so much to be grateful for, and just as much I will miss. my family has been kind beyond words to me, and I have felt the most authentically happy since I can remember here. I fly to Bergen via Amsterdam now, after which I’m excited to see some childhood friends for a few days.

my love for Italy, it’s culture and people has done the impossible and grown even more over the past two weeks. whilst I already miss my Italian brother and family, I have promised myself to never allow another nine years to separate me from my oasis in Friuli

on we go << x

a day with Danilo

Danilo and I visited Giulia’s scout camp in the woods. the place was at the foot of the mountains, surrounded by an incredible lake. we kayaked on the lake and sang radio songs because of my language barrier with the kids. the lake was pretty magnificent - there was an entire village beneath it due to rising water over the years, which really boggles my mind.

in the afternoon we stole a quick swim in the lake before heading to Manuela and Dimetrio’s house for a big family dinner. I spent a lot of time in this house when I visited Italy as a child, and being back in the courtyard brought back many memories. I leave the village tomorrow and am starting to miss people more. my time in Rauscedo has brought me a whole lot of joy. rekindling my friendship with Danilo has been very special for me. I am well aware of how lucky I am, though just this morning I recognise the void usually filled by the familiarity of my loved ones. right now it’s open. I’m lucky to have instant contact with friends and family over the phone, I would just love to hug them right now.

but my zias and zios (aunties and uncles) are making me feel very loved, my cugini making me laugh and my playlists peacefully making my mind work. have a wonderful day << x

Flavio

Mum’s cousin Flavio decided to take me for a grand tour of his hometown, Udine. there was so much history there, and the buildings were pretty magnificent. at his house, we ate possibly the most delicious dish of pasta I have ever tasted (homemade with pesto), before visiting Cividale, a town as old as ancient Rome. there is something surreal about walking where others have lived and loved for thousands of years. the alleys and stones and rooftops and churches - everything there had character and convinced me further that Italy is perhaps my favourite country on the planet.

I wasn’t anticipating to find myself dwelling on anything important during my day with Flavio, but in the car I found my mind overwhelmed by where our conversation went. we spoke of what matters in life. he told me he believed the self cannot simply exist without relating to others around it. he also said something that I have been mulling over for a good 24 hours now. we were talking about love as not simply a feeling, but a verb (doing word). he told me that if it is not unconditional, it is not love.

it made me think of my relationships with my loved ones, and the fact that authentic love is not romantic but a judgement: assessing a situation, recognising someone you care for is lacking and striving to be present with them, and assist however and wherever you can. all the while, if you love this person, you do so regardless of how they respond or behave, as love is unconditional. I will be thinking about this for a long time << x

Spilimbergo

one of my fondest memories from my times in Italy with my brothers is sneaking a gelato from the gelateria in Spilimbergo, a memory I revisited with Valeria and Massimo yesterday. Spilimbergo is a town known for its beautiful mosaics, and we visited the local university which specialises in the art. 

I remember how much Mum loved this school, so it made me miss her. the patience of these artists amazes me, how they have been willing to devote so much time and love to something so delicate and specific. one day I hope I can find something I feel as connected to as they are to their creations. 

I spent the evening with Rene and Danilo.I also called some of my friends, whom I miss dearly. I hope you’re having a lovely weekend, and that you’re feeling as content as I am here << x

Michelangelo’s lake

yesterday Danilo took me to a bbq with his friends. we cooked heaps in the sun and his friends were so kind to me, using their phenomenal english to make me feel included in everything. we spent time at the beautiful house of Michelangelo, one of Dan’s good friends who treated me with such generosity I felt at home. after lunch we swam in the most beautiful lake and once more I felt lucky beyond words.

in the evening we returned home and had dinner with some of the zias and zios (uncles and aunties). Giulia, Danilo and I decided to watch Lilo and Stitch, and we all fell asleep on the couch. 

I love them both dearly, and my time here helps me recognise the many things I have to be grateful for, both in Italy and back home with my beautiful friends and family << x

jet-lag musings

I couldn’t sleep this morning so I rode Valeria’s bike into the village. It was early so there was no one on the road and everything was pretty serene. the clouds were beautiful and I feel in love with Rauscedo once again.

I am treasuring every second in this Northern Italian oasis. my family makes it feel like home, and I promise myself each day that I will never let another nine years go by without visiting again. today is a national holiday, being halfway through the Italian summer. I will spend time with Danilo and Giulia and I feel truly happy right now.

missing home and those I love, but counting the good things in each day, and there are so many << x

Verona e Trentopia

I have had a magic couple of days reunited with a dear friend of mine who visited my school to study three years ago. Giulia (mio gazelle) showed me around her beautiful city of Trento, taking me to a lookout from which I could see the entire town and surrounding mountains. everything about the city made me want to move here - the buildings, the landscape, the peaceful pace at which everything moved.

Giulia welcomed me into her home and I met her gorgeous family who treated me like a king. Tatiana, Paulo and Sarà were so kind to me, and I feel blessed to have found such authentic people on my travels. Tatiana made us incredible pizza and we chatted about Tasmania and Amelia, my best friend who had lived with them nearly four years ago.

Giulia and Sara showed me Verona, the ‘Italian city of love’ and setting of Romeo and Juliet. we walked around the beautiful town, visiting many old churches and castles and I was blown away by the history. we also visited Juliet’s balcony, through a tunnel in which thousands of messages and dedications of love had been plastered all over the wall. for decades visitors have recognised this place as a sanctuary in which they can immortalise their feelings in some way. I found it very beautiful. 

spending time with Giulia was a dream come true, and I adored meeting her beautiful family. she is one of the special people in my life and I will forever be grateful for her. grazie mille Giulia, I love you very much.

I arrived home in Rauscedo at eight in the evening, before watching The Emperor’s New Groove (a D’Andrea family favourite) with Giulia, Rachele and her boyfriend Michel. we played the movie in Italian because I had seen it so many times and knew it almost word for word.

I started missing people properly today. family and friends. I am lucky to still be in contact with many. I missed Finlay’s eighteenth birthday, which made me think about all the people I love at home.

I never stop thinking of or feeling grateful for you << x

cugini

each day seems to be bringing me something else to feel nostalgic about and genuinely grateful for. we rode the bikes through the village to mass, after which the entire congregation migrates seems to drift straight to the bar across the piazza. relatives come and go as drinks are poured and there is always plenty to laugh about. Giulia and I picked up Danilo from the Casarsa train station. he had spent the week hiking with his scout group. I hadn’t seen him in nine years, and it was surreal to see that whilst time had past and we had grown, not much had changed at all. Danilo is my Italian brother and I have missed him so much. I am truly happy to see him again. 

we met many of the cugini for pizza, and I felt spoiled with the wonderful things in my life. today I train to Trento to see a dear friend. I hope you are doing well and are just as happy as I am here << x

vespa e Valvasone

my love for this country grows by the minute. I can’t believe my luck with the family I have, the food has treated me so well, and everything is beautiful, as if from a movie. Massimo took me on the vespa into Valvasone, one of my favourite towns when I was a child. a medieval village, the buildings are ancient, with cobblestoned pathways and historic villas overflowing with flowers and swimming in the hot summer sun. 

Giulia and Rachele took me to the river, where we swam and laughed and soaked up the sunshine, before visiting the Rauscedo gelateria (which has opened since I was here last - Zi and Josh, you would love it). today we will stay out of the heat because we’ve heard it will be crazy, but tonight I will see many of mio cugini for pizza, most of whom I haven’t seen in nine years. I am happy and I hope you’re finding happiness in your daily lives too << x

riding

for nine years I’ve had a recurring dream of riding Valeria’s bike through Rauscedo like I did with Giulia and Danilo when I was a child. it is one of the things I have missed most about my happy times here, and reliving the memory yesterday filled me with so much nostalgia and authentic joy. the village has not changed: it is as beautiful and peaceful as it was when I left it. every little villa is charming, and part of me wishes I never left this Italian oasis. one of my favourite parts of Rauscedo is the church, a beautiful refurbished building in the center of the piazza. I parked the bike and entered, so as to think of my family back home. my luck saw me walking into a choir rehearsal, with what sounded like the voices of angels delivering the most heavenly rendition of ‘I can’t help falling in love with you’.

my heart is full. seeing my Italian family, being in my happy place, staying connected to many of my beautiful friends and family. what did I do to deserve this goodness in my life?

<< x

Rauscedo

being here feels like walking into a photograph of a treasured memory from my childhood. the last time I visited the village, I was eleven years old and with my brothers and parents. whilst everyone is a little older, and the trees in Valeria’s garden have grown abnormally tall, everything feels familiar and I am at home. I’ve dreamt of being here for nearly ten years, and my heart if very full right now. yesterday Max took Giulia and I to the Dolomites. the mountains were magnificent and reminded me of home. we visited emerald rock pools and the clouds were the most beautiful I’ve seen all year. whilst time is often cruel, it seems to have done little to the oasis that Rauscedo is to me. the villas remain as innocent, the fields as green and the cousins as funny and generous. I am feeling lucky beyond words

<< x

Roma

we’re back in the homeland and one of my favourite countries in the world. just one flight away from my Italian home, whichI’ve not visited for almost ten years. the flights have been fine and the clouds havebeen amazing. more excited for hugs than tired from flying. I am a lucky boy.

<< x

thoughts at 36000 feet

- planes should have glow-in-the-dark wings because I’d love to see above the clouds at night.

- the window seat is nice on the Hobart to Melbourne but not ideal for a long haul to Abu Dhabi beside two sleeping strangers.

- Tarantino has a fetish for blood and I’m have hindsight concerns for his childhood.

- it’s 11:19 pm at home but 5:15 pm where I’m going: what does this mean for me right now, I feel as though I should be sleeping whilst my friends and family do but what if I miss the 5 hourly meal?

- international flights are nowhere near as fun without being caught between my sleeping brothers.

- will they judge me for buying breakfast at 12:20 am their time?

- I’ve accepted that I will have not stood up for 15 hours and I do believe that is a personal record <<

gate 8

I’ve made it to the gate. about an hour away from leaving the country for a while. both mind and heart seem to be in overdrive right now, but I know everything will be fine. it’s been a really special couple of days with Nonna and I’ve treasured beingback at mum’s home, even if only briefly. I missed my brothers though - I’ve never been there without them until now. so I snapped a pic from the mantelpiece before saying goodbye to my grandma and her crazy little bird. 

I already miss everyone so much. but I’ll be seeing my beautiful Italian family very soon, and I know I am truly lucky. have a great day << x

meet Milk

Milk has been gifted to me by Celeste. she asked me to take Milk with me on my adventure. you’ll be seeing more of Milk later on <<

Ninni

today I’ve found myself slipping in and out of childhood memories in this house. we’ve visited once or twice a year for most of my life, and nothing much has changed. Nonna’s oasis. I chatted with Ninni today, Nonno’s bird who is older than I am. I find it strange that my cat is older thansome of the most important people in mylife. it’s even scarier to think a tiny bird has been around longer than most of my friends. I leave the country tomorrow, my mind is buzzing and my heart feels a little heavy. I’m grateful whilst aware of the fact I won’t be seeing most of what matters to me in a very long time. I guess today has been comforting by showing me that some things don’t change. sweet dreams.

<< x

Nonna

today I’ve hopped the strait and am now resting in Geelong, where Nonna is spoiling me rotten. she made me soup and told me about how she met Nonno and their forbidden love in their early twenties. she remembers everything so clearly and seeing how much it excites her makes me truly happy. this is the first time I’ve visited mum’s home solo (without any of my brothers). the walls are full of homemade decorations (Nonna is a machine with her sewing) and memories on the wall. photos of her childhood, of mum’s and my own. I’m lucky to be spending this precious time with such a caring lady. 

this has to be one of my favourite snaps on the mantelpiece (sorry you hadn’t made it to the world yet Ziah). hope you’re all doing well.

<< x

it's time to go

hi friends. I'm leaving for a while and wanted to share my adventure with those I love. I'm busy packing right now but I hope to stay in touch with you here - I know I'm going to miss you. talk soon << x