“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
Semisonic
After four months in Roma, I am now settling into the life of the Piemontese in Torino. I have started the next chapter in my story, “Mr. Lombardo goes to Italia.” My first two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind, taking everything in that this beautiful city has to offer, as well as acclimating to life with the “Italiano.” I have new characters in my story, places to explore, and a never-ending amount of experiences that generate plenty, “How did I find myself here?” moments.
Leaving Roma was bittersweet for me. I am grateful to the city. It was the place where I started my journey of healing. It was my friend Joe who said, “Start in a big city where you can get lost, and then you’ll figure out where you need to be.” It was wise advice over a few too many glasses of rosé in France last summer. Roma was the right choice, but I’m not sure I ever felt lost there. At times it felt more familiar than foreign. I appreciated the anonymity among the wonderful mix of people that call it home. It wasn’t my forever place, but it was a good place to begin.
I am settling into a new rhythm in Torino. I have a new language school, which I find to be a much better fit for where I am at with my language skills. I take individual lessons from a young and enthusiastic teacher, Lucia. I would guess her age to be around half of mine, but she doesn’t let my maturity overstep her. I would like to make her laugh a bit more, however, my American humor mostly falls flat. We meet twice a week for 90 minutes and talk, a lot. Which I normally enjoy, but in Italian, it’s a far more limited conversation.
The Italian language is designed like a Tango. Each word is architected so that it hands off seamlessly to the next. It is melodic, hypnotic and sultry when listening to a native speak it. To my ears, it sounds like one big beautiful word that has no beginning and end. When I speak Italian, the sound is far less sultry and more like a struggling American in desperate search for a place to pee. I just have to keep trying to parla and ascolta! That means talk and listen.
I’ve also started taking yoga classes, and it seems to be a good combination of physical and mental exercise. Many here were surprised that a Zen guy from California doesn’t practice yoga. I never could find the courage to start regular classes.
I was scarred early on in my yoga journey. My first group yoga class was at a company executive retreat with 75 of my not-so-closest coworkers squeezed into a hot hotel conference room on a summer afternoon. If you know anything about yoga, you know two things are likely to happen; someone will fall asleep, and someone is going to fart. (The Italian word is flatulenza–even that sounds sultry.) Sure enough, at this retreat, one executive fell asleep and started snoring during the first five minutes. That could only be topped by another coworker wearing that, “Look at me, I know yoga and I know what I’m doing.” face. When we were doing our final stretches and in “happy baby pose”, she began trumpeting out the vaporous byproducts of her lunch. She spent the rest of the night trying to explain her flatuenza, “Yoga, is natural movement and we shouldn’t be ashamed of our body’s natural reaction to movement.” After that experience, I never wanted to be on the giving end of the natural reaction. (If you are not familiar with the “happy baby pose”, Google it. It will provide further visuals that will lock your intestinal tract permanently!)
I also have been meeting the locals and creating relationships with the local purveyors of service. I have a great bakery (Forno) just outside the front door, and the largest outdoor food market in Europe, Porta Palazzo, is a five-minute walk from the flat. You can find everything and anything you desire from over 800 stalls. I visit often to walk around and experience the vendors, customers, and products. It is an unbelievable experience.
I had my first Torinese haircut yesterday. Not only was the stylist talented at cutting hair, she was quite the salesperson. That woman could sell a carton of cigarettes and a case of booze to a nun. After dropping 100 euros, I walked out with something called an Oleplex treatment on my hair, guaranteed to make it shiny and soft, some expensive conditioner in case the Oleplex didn’t work, and a set of eyebrows that resemble Gina Lollobrigida’s in “Beautiful but Dangerous”. I didn’t expect to have my eyebrows waxed, but I was encouraged that it would open up my tired eyes. Well, after opening up my tired eyes when it was over, I would have preferred to keep them shut until the remnants of my former eyebrows had a chance to recover.
The “How did I find myself here?” moments come often. In a way that is wondrous and amazing. Last week at my yoga session, I laid on the floor for the final meditation. I took that moment to catch my breath, not just from Torino, but from everything I have experienced the last four months. I found myself tearing up not from sadness, but from wonderment. I could not have imagined this life for myself a year ago, when loss was fresh and the pain intense. I am happy to be alive in this corner of the world, and there are days when I long for something easier.
Life would be easier in the United States, but I don’t think I could get away with these Gina Lollobrigida eyebrows anywhere else but in Italia.
Arrivederci Roma. Ciao Torino!
Wonderful!! Absolutely brilliant – as usual! Chuckling here, giggling out loud, and also noticing the soft, warm spot in my heart that you have touched with your bittersweet memories of a year ago…and regarding your journey since then. More please… xoxox
Thank you my friend! Your complements mean everything to me. I’m glad you can chuckle, giggle, and reflect. What a journey we have had together in the year that I have known you, and it continues! Hope you are having a fantastic spring-summer time in England! Chat soon!
Love hearing your stories…. glad you are settling into life in Torino. The magical journey continues with new life lessons, adventures and stories to share. Love you!
Thank you Linda!!! I’m settling, but always slightly unsettled. It’s that language thing – when I get there, I’ll feel so much better. Life continues to toss out lessons and adventures, and there are always stories to tell! Love you and miss you and the boys..and the grand babies! Have a great weekend, Nonna Linda!
Oh, that market sounds wonderful! I think I need to visit Torino! I love that you are doing yoga, and happy to hear your reaction to that “normal bodily function” is as appalling to you now as it was a few years ago when we discussed what happens in yoga class. And, we didn’t have too many glasses of rosé last summer. Ce n’est pas possible! Very entertaining, as always, Lucca!
That market screams your presence! We need to go early, and maximize our eating time! I remember when you warned me about Yoga! And yes, you can never have too much rosé in France! Grazie mille, ci vediamo a Firenze!
Each time you post, I read the words and I am filled with happy tears and sad tears. I am so happy that the journey that we began 18 months or so ago has evolved to this point. I am thrilled by your wonderment and bravery. Starting over is so scary but you have done it with your usual grace and perseverance. I know that your heart is full and your mind is spinning with excitement. I get sad that you are now busy and farther away from me. I have lost a bit of the magic that we shared. My love for you is endless and I am so glad that you are finding new dreams and new adventures. I thank you for all the adventures that you have shared with me. Just remember that I will always be there when and if you need me.
Tua Sorrella
MIa sorella,
Thank you so much for your happy tears, and the sadness pokes it’s head in every once in a while, too. Who would have imagined the journey we have taken since then, and continue to walk..always together! You had such a role in this journey, and I will always need you and always be there too! Thank you for being the world’s greatest sister! Love to you.
Tuo Fratello
Hi Luke, I just love your diaries….you are an amazing writer and just bring everything you say to life with so much depth and emotion…am so happy you are enjoying new city, new love, new beginnings, etc. I look forward to your next edition!! Sending you lots of love and good fortune….Kathy
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Kathy, thank you 1,000 times! Grazie mille! I figured you would remember that retreat at the Deepak Chopra Center. It was there where I had the most amazing Ayurvedic hot oil scalp experience, I remember that gift from you! Sending back love, fortune, and happiness!!! XOXO my friend!
Your story about yoga with 75 coworkers brought me instantly to the memory of you on stage at a healthcare retreat, in a terry cloth robe, flinging twinkies and ding dongs out into an audience of hundreds who had just had yogurt and grains for breakfast. Classic Luke! Hysterical! Love that you are in such a great place, making wonderful new healing memories.
LOL..You know the retreat I’m talking about..AND..that Yoga class!!! I did forget about the Twinkie Toss..I’m laughing this morning having my coffee. I always liked to push the envelope..and it was the perfect place to be irreverent. I’m sure Kathy Richards will get a laugh out of this too! XOXO and wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Luke – $100 euros to you if you’ll name yoga names? Thankfully I missed that class.
Ha! It would surprise you! Thankfully, I believe she has left the building..literally and figuratively.
This made me LOL several times! I’m so happy you’re out having adventures. Miss you 😘
Oh Shane, you would find these adventures hilarious. I miss you too and hope to see you in Italia soon! Buon fine settimana!
Enjoyed this latest chapter of your diary. Cracking up about the yoga class! I love Olaplex and use it at home. I would love to have a smidgeon of your eyebrows because I have to have mine tattooed due to lack of hair there! I sure hope yours will grow back to suit you as the eyebrows are the windows to the soul! Love you and miss you so much!
Teresa, we should go to Yoga in December 🙂 If not, we can just hang out on the beach and laugh! I’m glad you are using Oleplex, so at least I know it works! We’ll see, perhaps I need to try it on my new eyebrows in case I want my soul’s windows to look a bit more fresh 😀😀😳😳. Love you and have a wonderful weekend!
Luke,
I am so enjoying your blog – its like being alive with a friend who I hadn’t seen in sometime. I feel you in this place, not only your location, but where you are in your journey of life.
I just turned 63, taking care of my mom who just turned 87 with dementia; can’t explain really, but you sharing with me, helps me with my own road in living.
As you so well know; Adult living is not easy and seeking out the moments a must, so please keep writing…your helping yourself, yes, and more importantly, your helping Me. (Ha Ha)
A dose of Love from the states, Always, Renee
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Renee, Oh how I think and laugh about our phone conversations and lunches. You were always a bright light in my career..and you can make me laugh!! Happy belated birthday to you!
I’m sorry to hear about mom. I can only imagine how difficult it can be. I am glad you are able to find some support in my writings and experiences. Adult living is certainly a mix of great-messy, love-struggle, happiness-grief..but you must milk it for all it is worth. We only get to the buffet table once, so fill that plate!
I will continue to write as long as life (and Italy) keeps throwing me wonderful stories to tell…which I can see no end at this point. I am glad we have reconnected and I feel the love you send, and I send it back to you with admiration for your journey!
Lucca,
I just love it all– the hair, the brows,the Yoga (glad that didn’t happen on my watch) and most of all I just love you my friend. You are so full of life and adventure! With every adventure I feel I am right there with you!!!
Bye for now my friend!!! Ciao
Lisa
Thank you! I’m thinking if you were in that Yoga class with me…we would have had quite the reaction. I’m not sure if I’m full of life or life is full of me, perhaps? It seems to keep tossing me the most unique experiences..sometimes I feel like I’m in a batting cage, and you know how much I love baseball :). Love you dearly my friend..and I cannot wait to see you girls again. Ciao ciao!!
No matter how much you are relaxed at least CLINCH some part of your body when you’re in a room with people.
Good luck in the new digs! Looking forward to reading about this place, it’s on our radar!
Tony, you are right. I’m. It sure I ever reached my full relaxation point. 🙂 If you get to Piemonte, let me know.
Dear Luke,
I was so happy to come across this as I don’t use this site often. So happy you are finding your new chapter and a new adventure for your head and heart. Lisa and I wish you always love and happiness.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Sharon! So glad you found me 🙂 I hope you and Lisa are well and that all is good in Southern California! Best to you both.
Gott see these browse…and glad you are getting in to Yoga, I think you will find it beneficial for your health goals, flexibility and longevity…and at least one of us has to do it! Cant wait to see Torino in October!!!
Riccardo! Love the last name..German with Italian flair! Yes, I think Yoga will be good for me, although I have to admit I skipped class this week in order to study Italian prepositions instead. Those are tough! Looking forward to seeing you in Torino in October. We will have a great time!
Hi Luke;
It’s been a treat to catch up on where you are in your life now – although I was really sorry to read about your loss.
I laughed at your story about being scarred from your first yoga experience. I convinced a friend to go to that same class that day after assuring her that her fears (smelly feet and farting people) would not happen. She was furious with me after we left that class as I think she was in the same vicinity you were in. On the other hand, I have this curious reaction to farting – it makes me break into uncontrolled giggling. So in that class, on the hot afternoon at La Costa, I was doing my best not to let loose with my giggles – thinking that it would embarrass the fart perpetrator. If only I’d know that she “owned” her natural reaction I could have busted out laughing.
I’m off to Spain for a month in November for yoga teacher training. Hopefully, I will learn to control my giggles in the probable event of the natural reaction.
I’m enjoying your writing (ever the master communicator) and truly appreciate you sharing your journey.
Kathleen! What a present to see you in my comments this morning. I hope you are well and life is wonderful. Thank you for your condolences and your kind comments. It was a very difficult few years but I believe I’m now in a better place.
I knew there were a few of us that remember that one particular Yoga class. I am glad I’m not the only one with the long-term memory scar. And yes, one cannot help giggle..at someone else’s oops!
I wish you a wonderful teacher training in Spain. Congratulations. What an exciting experience. I’m hoping to stay connected and thank you for reaching out. I think about our career time together often.
Best to you and send some pictures from Spain!
My heart is exploding with happiness for you and how you are settling into Torino and this next chapter! Torino is one of those cities that has always interested me and I really hope to get there someday soon! I can’t wait to see more of what you are up to! And stick with yoga, it really is life changing! 🙂 Un bacione dalla Calabria!
Lulu!! Grazie mille per il bacione! L’ho sentito!! Torino is a must visit! Everyday is something different and I’m just about to start the next post. We will see where it leads me! Yoga has been a good thing..despite the constant reminder of my inflexibility. There are always multiple dimensions playing out each lesson. When you get to Piemonte, make sure you give me a heads up! Un bacione a te!
Benvenuto a Torino! Io abito vicino a Torino e la amo profondamente. Le tue parole parlano al mio cuore, grazie per questo blog. Ti seguirò volentieri
Grazie mille, Lucia! Piacere! Sono felice che ti piaccia! Anche a me piace tanto il Piemonte Spero che ti piacciano i prossimi blog. Restiamo in contatto. 🤗
Wow. Just discovered your blog, and want to say thank you for sharing! I am on the cusp of leaving the US, when safe, to find a home in Italy. Loving your story.
Sue
Sue, well I am so glad you found me! And when you finally make it over – keep me posted on where you end up landing. It sounds like you were just about ready to go and then your plans got interrupted. The good news is, Roma is eternal–It will be here waiting for you and as beautiful as ever.
I am glad you are enjoying my stories – and thanks for following along. Here’s to our paths crossing in Italia!