Detour 2 Italy

My plans for driving across the country on US Highway 2 went nowhere in 2011 as did my intended blog posts. The sabbatical I planned then got delayed until now, but my romantic daydreams of exploring my roots didn't wane. Instead, I headed deeper into my heritage and surfaced in Italy! In less than 24 hours, I will be on my way to Lucca Italy, provincial birthplace of my maternal grandfather who immigrated to Stockett, Montana in 1902. For me, the connection between yearning for Montana and making this detour to Italy seems a perfect way to celebrate a few months off from work (thank you, ACEEE!) and "go home."

I will be studying Italian for three weeks at Lucca Italian School and hope to chronicle the fascinating process of learning the difference between basta and pasta. I have arranged a homestay. I will be on my own. And way out of my comfort zone as I now perceive it.

To get started, here's a beautiful view of Lucca from above. It's a photo of a photo in "Above Italy" (sorry, haven't mastered italics on this Logitech keyboard). You can see the green ring around the city, the brick ramparts encircling Lucca, which were built in the 16C and 17C. The evening passeggiata (I define that as the "social stroll") takes place on top of the wall; sauntering the complete circle you would cover 2.5 miles (4km). Our dog Lucca (see the second photo) would love this walk. Too bad she can't join me at school!