Udine etc

this morning Giulia was sitting an exam at the university so I joined her on the drive to Udine. as I waited for her to finish, I made my way into the centre of the city. I’d been there multiple times but never alone. the streets are pretty and I enjoyed wandering through the piazzas.

when I opened the door to the church I realised mass was just about to start. with nowhere else to be I say through the service. I enjoyed the strange sensation of experiencing the family rhythm of the service in a language I can’t yet understand. I sat in stillness and thought about the people I miss and am worried about. it was a breath of fresh air for me.

climbing up the hill I enjoyed the view from outside the castle, from where you can see the dolomites on the horizon and a great deal of the Friuli region. I also found a lovely cat hiding outside one of fhe the gates.

Giulia picked me up when she’d finished rhe test and we ate italian wraps (incredible!) for lunch. I helped her shop for an outfit - in a few weeks she will be a bridesmaid for her friend’s wedding. on our way home we stopped in the village centre for gelato. she chose vanilla, I went for biscotto.

before dinner Valeria and I rode the bikes to visit Luta - Nonna’s sister - and Tony - perhaps the happiest man I know, who’ll laugh at anything you say in the most endearing way. it’s encouraging to see people of such an age so full of joy, and though I hardly understood a word, it was nice to witness their excitement.

Max spoiled us for dinner - pumpkin soup, fresh tomatoes from the garden, tuna covered in sesame seeds and prawns wrapped in prosciutto. afterwards Danilo and I hung our downstairs with some of his friends. I was able ro watch him welding a rose as a gift for a friend which was pretty special to witness.

sleepy. another big day. tomorrow Giulia is off work and we’ll go on an adventure. how lucky am I? <<