I have to admit that every time I thought about returning to Soriano over the last few weeks I was a little emotional. It has been 15 months since I returned to Canada for treatment. I wasn’t sure how I would react upon returning, since little by little memories were coming back to me. I was returning to see the people who saw me through months of illness. A side of my health issue my family and friends in Saskatoon did not see. In a way I feel as though I have two lives, two home towns and a really big international family.

So nice to have been picked up at the airport in Roma by a dear friend and to catch up on the scenic drive to Soriano. Italy is so green and lush right now, remember I have spent the most time here in the winter months, the greenery and summer heat are new to me.

When I arrived in piazza, I almost felt as though I had never left. I went right back to doing the things I always did here. Starting with standing in the doorway of Ai Tre Scalini, smiling and waving at Roberto. It took a moment as he walked toward me and I could see the recognition come to his eyes. Egisto noticed me walking in piazza and a big smile appeared on his face. On to Caffè Centrale to see Federico and Emanuele for more happy hugs and prosecco #1. On to Bar Roma where I saw Silvia, my Italian teacher from my first stay, and enjoyed prosecco #2. Walking through piazza again and waved at Claudio which illuminated another happy smile. Saw Carla, Valentina as well as Francesco and Fiorella for a quick hello in piazza. Down the stairs to Rottezzia for dinner, where it was nice to see Emanuele, Valentina, Loredana, Giada and Francesco. Nice dinner and fun conversation. A lovely evening and welcoming, I have never had my cheeks squeezed so much.   😃

Back to more of my routine, a morning walk and a coffee in piazza. A quick stop to see the doctor who helped me here last year to say thank you. I think he was quite surprised to see me. Then another surprise to Gabriella, a lovely friend that has skype chats with me in English and Italian. I enjoy seeing the double take and recognition come to friends eyes when they realize I am here again! A little food shopping and saying hello to Fabrizio and Rosana. Even more fun to surprise Carla and Katia in the afternoon, I also got a kiss from cute little Morgana. I ended the day having dinner with Spartaco, he clarified some details of events of my last few days here in May 2015, details of the kindness and compassion of friends that bring tears to my eyes.

Another morning walk makes me smile, some things just stay the same, like the two men that work on the road leading up to Rocca and always walk to the ledge to watch me walk by. I can’t help but smile and chuckle to myself wondering if they recognize me or just watch every woman walk by. Ha! It is entertaining no matter what their reason is. After my walk I enjoyed a nice visit with Rocky and spent the rest of the day relaxing.

I was so happy to see Michele, who was the nurse that came to my apartment daily for two weeks to administer antibiotic injections. We shared many laughs over those two weeks, so it was nice to see him again and have him see me smiling and healthy, and not coughing!

This morning I chatted with Simona, who has a local hardware store and teased me about not needing firewood this visit. Haha!! Thank goodness! Not this trip, instead I need to go shopping for clothing appropriate for hot and sticky summer weather. 

Today was an emotional visit as I had lunch with Sophie. It was wonderful to see her and chat for hours. She and her family are absolute angels for the assistance and support they showed my last year. I have been very concerned about the responsibility Sophie took on in helping me with the last CT scan I had in Italy and picking up the results to communicate them to me. I am eternally grateful for the choices she made that day. I am happy to see that my beautiful friend in doing well and is now happy married.  😃 💞

I have a few more visits planned over the coming weeks. I am excited about all the friends I will see again.  😃  Lots of smiley faces in this post since I feel like I have a permanent smile on my face since I am in Italy again.

I have the same big blue eyes and smile, but my hairstyle is very different, so it’s fantastic to see the light of recognition light up friends faces when they realize it is me, Cinzia!  🤗

Still Sparkling!   😃