Italian Pit Stop, Home Stretch Awaits

I type this from a hostel pod in Munich. For this year at least, the last of its kind. Less than two weeks now. Time like that slips away in an instant.

Today, we did barely anything. In a catching-the-train-all-day kind of way. The checking in and finding your footing kind of way.

If you’re using the same metric of output, yesterday was much the same. But in a totally different fashion. By choice. Relishing in the sluggish pace, not frustrated by it.

I haven’t published a post here in some days. Chiefly, that’s because I simply haven’t had reception. Or Wi-Fi. What a blessing. Of course, only once you surpass that frustrating phase where you’re convinced holding your phone up to the sky at an obscure angle will give you signal. Giving up the chase and turning on Aeroplane Mode usually results in a happier experience.

So, yes, this Wednesday was a lazy day. I finished my book! I rested. It was nice. But, since I haven’t written anything, I suppose I’ll skim through what we did get up to. The day prior, we travelled to Venice. Yes, Venice! Would’ve been tough to predict a year ago. I’m glad that we saw it. I truly is one-of-one. But would I return? Not sure. Granted, it took a long time to get there. Even longer to get home. That stretches the day-trip thin. But also, I can’t imagine what the place would look like in peak summer. It was certainly busy enough for me.

I’ve buried the lead somewhat though. We were staying for several nights next to Lake Garda, in Padenghe, with our friends, Matteo and Marta. Last year, we were playing basketball together in Australia. Now we’re at their flat in Lombardy. Since returning home, they’re now married, and expecting a son in January. Life moves quickly.

It was great to see them. Amazing. The location was spectacular, too. Squarely next to the lake. Besides the company, it was our own place to cook, and lie down on a sofa, and do our laundry. A quiet retreat when we wanted. Well connected enough when we needed it. Right at the foot of the Alps. Nearby not just Venice, but Verona, which was also visited. Milan, Brescia, Bologna—should we have had the time.

In some ways, we did have the time. Not the desire though. Catching an infinite number of trains is lovely in theory, but not so flash in practice. Even if they’re free. Plus, it seems we’ll do our best to test that out here in Munich. Worth it, though. Not long now.