Looking back over a wonderful first month

  DC, NY, and Todi ITALY, Italy
Saturday, April 21, 2007

So far, I have spent about two weeks in Washington DC, a couple days in New York City, and now have been in Italy for almost two weeks. Outside of work, I was able to get out and experience some of DC. My good friend Natalie took me on a nice driving and walking tour of much of DC and its' monuments. I really enjoyed the Franklin D. Roosevelt monument because it gives you a sense of the hardships that the country went through at that time, and what an enormous task he faced. I also liked a lot of his inscribed quotes, and couldn't help thinking how many of our current leaders need to read and deeply consider his wisdom.



  It just so happened that I arrived in DC during arguably its' most beautiful few weeks of the year... the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms. The first Cherry Blossom Trees were given to the city as a gift from Japan. They were everywhere and looked completely amazing.
 

I was also able to go out a few times which was really fun, and I'm looking forward to exploring the night life some more when I return in May. Both nights I went out involved dancing... one night was an 80's night, and the other was just a good ol' packed dance club playing good music.

 

I had a quick few days in NYC before leaving for Italy, and was able to catch up with old friends, relax, and see some art in the Chelsea district galleries. With it's constant fast pace and high energy, I wouldn't want to live in NYC but I sure love to visit.

 

The flight to Rome was long and uncomfortable, but who cares when you're going to Italy! This is my first time to be here, and so far, all the rave reviews are true... beautiful countryside, beautiful people, and amazing food. We were driven from the airport by a classic Italian guy who drove like a madman and had to look back at you as he talked, which also required excessive use of his hands. But we arrived safely to our temporary home in the outskirts of "Todi," which is a beautiful small city on a hilltop (pop around 10,000).

 

I feel so incredibly blessed to be living here, even if for a short time. Each day I have time to meditate and workout. I usually spend a good bit of the day working, though on some days the exercise we do consists of a walking tour through places like Todi. Mr. Smith also took me to Perugia, the largest city in the region of Umbria. It has a large university and seemed to have a lot more going on than Todi. We went through a small but beautiful museum and enjoyed a beer in one of the semi-crowded plazas. Spending time with him is always a pleasure. 



And then of course I must mention the food... it's amazing and I'm eating like a king! Put that together with the Italian wine, and I'm in heaven... as well as gaining weight. 



This region of Italy happens to have a lot of great artists. Some of you may know that I love doing artwork and especially sculpture, so it's been a real honor to meet some of these artists. In fact, one of the world's premier sculptors lives close by, and I was able to spend some time with her in her studio... an incredible experience!

 

For someone who has always led such a high energy and busy life, the beautiful solitude of this place is very welcome. At the same time I catch myself day dreaming about how great it would be to have friends and family here with me to experience Italy. 



Next week I head to Berlin to visit my wonderful Brother and Sister-in-law for a week! After that, I'll be heading back to DC. I wish you all the best and highly suggest spending some time in Italy if you haven't already had the pleasure.