I thought that would catch your attention ☺️. No, I’m not MOVING back home but I am flying to the U.S. on Sunday. My sister has Multiple Myeloma and is now in remission, happily! And I have planned to go home to see her for some good “sister time” for a while. I am focusing all my time and attention on seeing her so I am not visiting anyone else. Y’all are just going to have to come visit me! 😁
I am traveling solo. I haven’t done that in over ten years. So I have made copious plans. I am leaving here Saturday. I hired a driver to take me to, and pick me up from, the Rome airport. I couldn’t deal with the several trains. Then I rented a room in the Hilton at the airport. Flying out Sunday at eleven. Arrive in Dulles at 4:45. Of course, when making my plans I didn’t count on a government shut down. Hoping that doesn’t impact my coming or going. Once I arrive and mange to get through passport control and customs then I have rented a car. I have a hotel room near the airport at the Hyatt. Then, the next morning I will drive the 3+ hours to central Virginia,
I plan to cook some with my sister, Cindy. And I am sure we will visit one or two of the “eries” in the area. You know, wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries nearby. Plus a cheese shop Cindy says is really good, which I am really looking forward to. Then I may take time to get some vaccinations. And do a little shopping. Luther wants some good Bourbon which I think Bill will help me find.
Otherwise I will be enjoying fall in the Virginia mountains. All of my forebears have lived in Virginia since the 1600s and 1700s. So I’m a born and bred Virginian. I do miss it. Especially the autumn color. We get lots of yellows here, but few oranges or reds. I borrowed these from the Exploring Virginia Facebook group which I follow. — To that group. This is a totally non commercial site. I just am showcasing my beloved Virginia, thank you. And thank you to the individual photographers.
I don’t usually really talk about personal things much. But this is something that affects people like us who live abroad very personally and it is part of my life here, so I thought it should be part of this blog. And yes, it expresses my political leanings but I guess that’s alright. Last evening we got together at the wine bar in Umbertide Centro with four friends. Three are American, one is German. One couple lives in Berlin mostly and has an apartment here and visit often. The other spends about half time in the U.S. and half here where they have an apartment. We spoke of many things. Foremost in our minds was the situation in the U.S. We talked of what we could do to make a difference. We spoke of our fears living here and being partially reliant on our well earned Social Security. We spoke of the weakening dollar and how that affects us. We spoke of possible future blocks on sending money from our savings at home to ourselves abroad. We feel vulnerable. We spoke of going through passport control in the U.S. and whether we should disable our phone. And whether we were required to give our password to them if we are flagged and detained. And we marveled that we were even having this conversation. What has happened to my country that ordinary citizens like us, are worried for ourselves and our country? 😔
I probably will post again after I return November 4. Happy Halloween and All Saints Day (which I will miss here). 🎃
Thanks Carlo, I hope so!
Have a safe trip, Nancy. Don’t worry about any of those things. It will be fine. As I mentioned to you, we will be flying to Maryland tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it goes. As one of your other readers commented, central Virginia will be beautiful this time of year. And, you’ll have a great time with your sister.
I hope I didn’t miss ALL of the color! 🍁 🍂🧡
Have a good time! THE FALL OF THE YEAR…..PERFECT!
DR James Hanners
Thanks Christie, I’ll see you when o get home! I had a nice time last night.
Thanks Vanessa, that is as I thought. I will disable biometrics when I go. Have not yet lost hope.
Hi Elizabeth, I made reservations with your recommendation people. Thanks!
Thanks Noel, I am sure it will be nice there and I’m looking forward to seeing my sister!
Thank you always for a wonderful glimpse into daily life and the conversation was necessary and so real at this time. Travel safe.
They cannot force you to give them your password for a phone, computer, ect. However, if you have biometrics enabled in your phone as a password (face scan, finger prints), they can forcibly use that without your permission.
Things are….not great. But we’re not without hope yet. Keep voting your conscious.
I hope it all goes smoothly Nancy. I’m glad to see that you are starting off the trip and returning by taxi. Well worth it! Buon viaggio.
Have a great trip to The Old Dominion, Nancy, where I too was born and now live (Arlington) with my wife when we are not at our apartment in Spoleto. It’s a beautiful time here, especially where you’re going. Enjoy
Thanks Matt, it is a difficult (to say the least) time. I know many don’t agree with me because I see their posts, but I am what I am. I believe what I believe. I love what I love. And I love America and my democracy. I am devastated at what is happening.
Hi Judith! Wow, we live in Bluemont and Countryside for many years as well. Loved Loudoun before it was ruined.
Safe travels, Nancy, and best regards to your sister. I and many others share your fears for our country. The future is very uncertain, and sadly, what happens in the US affects the rest of the world. Keep your head up!!
Safe travels to the US/Virginia. I, too, miss colors of a Virginia fall and the many hikes we did in the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah. We lived in Loudoun County for 30 years before making the move to Italy.
Hi Margaret, I hadn’t hear of being a “candidate” for MM. My sister was lucky — because of a fall they did scans and found the indicators. I think you need all four for a diagnosis and it took a few months for that to happen. She got into a European clinical trial in the University of Virginia medical center. She has gotten excellent care. I will drop you an email.
Nancy, I am sorry to hear about your sister, but happy to know she is in remission. I have been diagnosed as a candidate for multiple myeloma and just beginning research on my options. If you have or know of any resources, would you send them to me? Grazie!