Spring is here in the Veneto. Though nights are often chilly, the sun warms the afternoons. Fruit trees are blooming as are spring flowers. Mt. Grappa is still snow-covered at the top, but below the tree line, green gradually emerges. Looking out our kitchen/dining room window, I see a neighbor work his garden patch in preparation for planting. I remember how full and bountiful it was last fall. Everyday, he was tending it diligently; with his work now, I am certain this year the garden will be as productive. Yesterday, he had it roto-tilled. I watched as the men, both of whom are probably in their late 60's, begin the process. Despite the handwork to turn over the ground, the roto-tiller caught several times, but working together, the men finished quite quickly, and the soil is now smooth and ready for planting. I’ll have to check today to see what is next. Tim was asking about him and the garden the other day; we both enjoyed watching the progress last fall.
It is travel week 2 this week. By late Friday, most of the students had left for various places; some planned to leave early Saturday, though we met Jonathan Holmes at the Sunday market. He was leaving for Palermo on Monday. Originally we had planned to go to Switzerland this week. However, a re-evaluation of the budget revealed that, with our France, England, and Wales tour at semester end, we should postpone expensive Switzerland for another time. Also, I looked at the stack of reports and other assignments on my desk, the uncompleted itinerary for France and the UK with Deena, and the dust bunnies no longer contained in the apartment’s corners – best to stay put, get work done, and tour locally. After all, the Veneto is a beautiful, diverse region – and spring is here.
Abbey, Emma, and I are also getting ready for Tim to visit. Emma has been e-mailing him lists of what to bring over, though I remind her that what comes here must go back, and with our 3-week trip through France and the UK before heading back to the States, she might want to consider luggage weight. Memories of our lugging 7 checked-in bags and 8 carry-on’s back in August quickly come to mind. “Lugging” – an appropriate term, no doubt from the word “luggage.” Yes, 15 bags in total we had. I don’t care what Rick Steves says; it is IMPOSSIBLE to pack for nine months of living abroad in a small carry-on, especially with school books. Nevertheless, traveling light is best. What we don’t need for our last few weeks here will go back with Tim or be shipped from the local post office. We will have to get organized and packed up to know what to send. Well, as Scarlet O’Hara would say, “I’ll think about that tomorrow.” Besides, it’s a warm, sunny day – and spring is here!
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