Less than Two Weeks Before Departure…

Seriously. How did that happen?

We’ve talked about how our typical trips of two to three, sometimes four, week durations seems “so long”…and they do go quickly…but perhaps the luxury of time of this length set us up to think it’d somehow play out more slowly. Wrong.

What a time it’s been. We’ve played tourist much more than we expected – as in going and exploring and discovering as we’ve always loved doing here. We’ve eaten too much, maybe had a little more wine than we should, and we’ve relished the day from leisurely wake-up to later-than-usual bedtimes. It’s a discovery of retired life, really, but in this amazing country.

Has it been all Instagram reels and roses? No…although the roses this time of year in Italy are dreamily incredible. There have been frustrations (all first world problems, mind you), a few disagreements (but minimal…we’ve marveled that we’re now together 24/7 and it’s pretty great), and pangs of missing our people and places back home, but overall it’s been so positive.

Have we reached that “Ah-ha!” moment of answers to what our plan should be? A big no to that one, which has surprised us a little. In fact, the time here, our explorations of possible towns, some dabbling in looking at real estate, and running scenarios over and over has left us even more confused in some ways.

Our temperature at this point in time is that the Schengen Shuffle – 3 months here, 3 months there – would make the most sense. We could eventually buy something if we thought we’d be most content continuing with Spoleto as our home base, or we could continue to rent and not be glued to one place.

Returning home will be another big data point. What will it feel like? We will be fully content to be there…will we be searching for return airfare within a few days of return?…will we be more confused than ever??

We also plan to spend more time at our little cabin on the Frio River. It’s always been a special place, a retreat that has kept us sane over the past 20 years. But now that the pressures of work are no more and we have this delicious freedom — would it retain that sanctity for us? The flip side of that is that we could sell (real estate there has appreciated wildly over the time we’ve had it) and find something really great here. Sigh.

As the days have narrowed to almost single digit countdown, we probably feel more sad than anything else about it. I have to fight my feelings of guilt regarding that…or maybe just recognizing them is a better approach. The biggest factor is the mother/daughter part of my soul — have I “abandoned” my mother, my kids/those who seem like my kids?? I know that’s somewhat dramatic, but it feels that way at times…haha! They’ve all made it clear they have given their blessing…and for that I am grateful.

In the meantime, the adventures will continue, the keeping an eye on “Vendesi” signs won’t cease, and we’ll enjoy each remaining moment here in this lovely town and region. Even the natives, the Spoletini, we’ve met and talked to speak of this city like a beloved family member; it’s a place they love and would never leave. That says a lot.