The Homecoming

After what can arguably be labeled as one of the best weeks of my life, I have returned from visiting far off and exotic lands to my sweet, native country. No place on earth, no matter how inspiring, how fascinating, how incredible can ever replace the pleasantness of being home, especially in time for its birthday celebration.

I don't mean to criticize Europe, or more specifically the countries of the Mediterranean--well, maybe just a little bit--and so for those who would like to know a little about the excursion we embarked upon, I will include some highlights.

Let's start with the ship, shall we? Best. Food. Ever. I could stop at that. I've never eaten so many delicious and rich types of food consecutively in my life and not been ashamed for it. Chile catfish with fruit salsa and rice almond pilaf. Fried Brie in phyllo dough with an apple cranberry glaze. Chocolate Mousse bread breading with vanilla cream sauce. I will miss them all...

Our complete tour started and ended in a little port city just outside of Rome known as Civitiveccia. For the seven days in between then, we made port at locales like Taormina, Valletta, Dubrovnik, Naples and Florence (a good place to get lost in, which actually is exactly what happened). It was often a startling mix of Old and New with bustling city scenes bursting out of century old fortresses, or in some cases, 2,000 year old ruins. Sicily had its rugged beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Malta was a captivating history lesson on its own. Croatia was an antique paradise. Pompeii was a "blast from the past" (and for those of you who know its story, the pun was absolutely intended). The Tuscan countryside and its cities are a revelation and a dream you only wish you dreamt more often.



But in all honesty, despite my love of each of the places we visited, I felt a little nag as if something was missing. Maybe it was the city planning and structuring with which my wonderful Mesa has spoiled me, or the lack of any local church buildings. Sure, there were plenty of those other kinds of churches, but hopefully you know what I mean. There are a lot of different kinds of freedom to experience out in the world. And even the wonderful freedom from cares and inconveniences that come with a luxury vacation don't compare evenly with the deeper ones we get to enjoy here.

Farewell Italy, with your painted landscapes and romantic charm. Perhaps I will return to you someday. But until then, it's good to be back.