If you have ever traveled in Italia, you know that a key part of every city or town are the central piazzas. If you want to experience an Italian city’s people, sit on a bench in one of the hundreds of piazzas scattered in this beautiful country. Watch how life and shift happens in the piazza.
“What all Italian piazzas have in common is their civic and symbolic importance: They’re the physical center of the community and also its prime outdoor theater; home to the most important political buildings, the main cathedral, cafes, restaurants, and sometimes monuments or fountains. There’s no better place to people watch in Italy than in a piazza.”
walksofitaly.com
https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/all-around-italy/italian-piazzas
As fall leans into winter, the holiday season approaching and my sister’s visit last month, I also leased my first apartment in Italia. It’s a milestone in that I hope this will be my last move for at least the next 18 months. Since I arrived in Italia, I have moved six times in the last nine months. Me and my three suitcases of “American stuff” moved by planes, trains, taxis, and buses. We rolled across thousands of cobblestones in the streets.
I look at my suitcases now, and think, “Wow, they could tell some stories.” They are definitely showing the wear and tear of moving as much as I am. A few of them may never see the cargo hold of an airplane again.
If you know me well, you’ll understand how disruptive all of this moving was to me. I am a nester. My home was my refuge, and I have always appreciated the stability of having a place to retreat. However, in hindsight, I believe I needed the disruption of all of that moving. If I was going to change my life, I had to shift my thinking of the past. Those past beliefs were how I defined my life–the size and splendor of a house, the conveniences it offered and the need to be in the center of entertaining friends and family. Life has its own way of beating humility into you, whether you want to face it or not. Six moves in nine months will certainly help you along the way.
After several weeks of searching rental listings and practicing Italiano with the real estate agents, I found my apartment online. I could see from the photos it was bright, with adequate space for living and occasional entertaining. Even though my friends and family visitors are few now, I’m working under the Field of Dreams assumption, “If you build it, they will come.”
The best part is the view and the light. I have six large French doors that overlook a piazza. I have a park in front of my building full of people walking their dogs and lunching on sunny afternoons. Yes, there’s noise from cars and activity, but there is comfort in hearing life happen outside your window. Just last week they opened a Christmas market in the park and installed a temporary skating rink for the holidays. If the need arises, I can go downstairs for a cioccolata calda, Siciliano pastry or focaccia. I think that need will surface often in the coming weeks.
From my windows, I can see the tops of the snow-covered peaks of the Alps. In the morning and evening they glow pink with the alba e tramonto (sunrise and sunset). It’s remarkable that a year ago from my bedroom I looked out at palm trees and sand-covered mountains in Southern California, and now I see Alpine snow. Shift happens in the piazza.
But can I gloat for a moment? The most unexpected surprise is that I actually have the word “piazza” in my address! Ok, if you’re not a lover of all things Italiano, you may not understand the magic in that. I have always known my first address in Italia would sound foreign, romantic and wonderful to pronounce. I never expected it would start with piazza! Every city around the world has squares, parks, and plazas, but only Italia can claim the coveted label of “piazza”.
If anything makes the last few months of life’s transformation and change worth it, it’s recognizing that I have started to create some sense of permanence in an impermanent world. Everything leading up to this moment was necessary. These last several weeks have built confidence in my new life and my language skills. They have also strengthened my relationship with the Italiano.
Oh, and not to forget, I finally have the courage to answer my Italian cell phone when it rings. For the first six months, I never answered it. I just froze in fear. I knew I wasn’t ready for a telephone conversation in Italiano. Once the move began, I had to get over that fear. When you’re scheduling appointments for utilities and deliveries, you’ll get nothing done if you don’t answer the phone. Now I pick up the phone and with just a wee bit of anxiety say, “Sì, pronto!” It’s the small things that count, and I take the wins when I can get them. Shift happens in the piazza.
I am grateful for my sister. She was here to help me start in this new place. I couldn’t have done it without her. She volunteered to be in the middle of the chaos as dozens of boxes, furniture and people arrived. We unwrapped, unpacked, unboxed and underestimated the amount of work to pull this together. We laughed at our language barriers, enjoyed meeting the new people in the building, and when the day was done, we drank Aperol spritzes and ate pizzas.
I am also thankful to my Italiano for his support through all of this. He has been my sherpa. After our first seven months together, I was starting to feel like a cultural sandbag. He never complained about my dependency, but I needed to try these things on my own. I can now celebrate with him that I actually did it, and I think he likes the way this makes me feel. He recently described our two lives like blending La Dolce Vita and Hollywood. Every day we learn something new and different about our backgrounds and how they have shaped us into who we are now. He tempers my insatiable American appetite for 24/7 satisfaction, while I push his boundaries on what convenience looks like.
When I decided to make Torino my permanent home, there were many factors that went into that decision. Primarily it was because I found love here, love for another person, love for the city of Torino and its people. Most importantly, I found love for myself. In the whirlwind of my first year in Italia, life was always preparing me for this moment. I can now look at 2020 as a year to grow more deeply into this corner of Italia and Europe. There is a change in the energy around me. I feel the desire to enjoy the efforts now, and fewer feelings of restlessness and anxiety.
I’m happy that life has led me here to this piazza in the middle of Torino, and I know that over time, shift happens in the piazza.
Thank you for reading The Spaghetti Diaries. As the holidays approach and a new year begins, no matter what corner of the world you call home, please be kind to yourself and be kind to others this season. It can be a difficult world, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t wonderful.
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So happy for you and the deepness of living that your life in Italy is bringing you. Aguri! I enjoy your writings, paralleling at times my own evolution and discovery as a California beach girl now living in Lucca in Centro Storico, uncovering my Piemonte Italian roots and realizing that talking with my hands and enjoying each cultural moment has always been part of my DNA. Plan to get to Torino in May and also visit my grandfathers village. We will look for your piazza!!!! Salute e buone Feste!
Lisa, thank you for connecting on this post. Isn’t it crazy thinking about your evolution..where you have been..and where you are now? Just imagine..where we are heading! Crazy exciting..and it’s best we don’t know now. 🙂 If you get to Torino, and you need some travel tips..ping me! It’s a lot like Central Europe with all of that wonderful Italian splendor. I enjoy it immensely!
Salute anche a te e buone Feste!!
Another great article and great insight into life! Your journey, writings and life lessons help us all – and constantly keep me focused on the “light” of living …
Thank you!! So good to have you part of my life. Wishing you a wonderful holiday cugino! Now I’ll do my best to stay in the light! XOXO
Sharing your experiences and feelings are sooo special to me. I love the way you open your heart and show your vulnerabilities my Dear.
The love of my life, Nicolas Ladies was from Torino and we spent time there with his family decades ago. Italy has a special place in my heart for many reasons. This makes me feel more connected to you also.
I am proud of you for following your path that stretches your comfort zone. You are growing before our eyes!
We miss you back in Palm Springs California. My home is always open to you for a visit.
Johnsie
Thank you Johnsie!! Think of you and my Palm Springs family often! Particularly moreso now, as the temperature drops to freezing! 🙂 I bet Nicolas was a pretty fantastic person to find you, another fantastic person! It’s so nice to see that we have more connections in our past and present in this wonderful place. When I get back there, you’re first on my list! XOXO to you and say hi to the gang!
Your journey has been exciting to watch unfold. You are an amazing man and deserve so much happiness. It is so wonderful to see it happening for you! Happy holidays to you! 💕😘
Thank you Sandi..! Sometimes I can’t believe I’m here, and then the cell phone rings..and I’m like, “Uh oh….this is real!” LOL Hope you and Christopher and all of your family have a wonderful holiday!
Lucca,
I love that you and your “American Stuff” have landed in Tornio in a spacious apartment with a beautiful view. You have always been so “centered” so finding an apartment near the Piazza is a perfect match and makes so much sense!
We love your journey (and u..) and how brave you have been every step of the way! Keep living, learning and loving all that Torino/Italy brings you!
Sending much love!❤️
Lisa
Ps hugs to the Italiano 🤗
Pss Imlressive they you are answering your Italian cell!!
I’m glad you are settling in and happy in your new home! Enjoy the season in your new home!
Thank you, Linda! I think you would love the energy of the city and I hope you visit soon! I also think you’d like my color choices 🙂 Sending big hugs to you!!! XOXO
So so happy for you Luke!! I eagerly await your blog posts. I love reading your adventures (written so beautifully, I might add) I am so happy you’ve found a home and love again. Love from Myself, Michael, Shelby and baby #2.
Thank you Sarah!!! I am glad to share the adventures, I think it helps create connections between two wonderful cultures and gives people the chance to see life from a different point of view. Thank you for your kind comments and congratulations to you and Michael! So excited that there will be another baby to add to the family. How exciting. Sending love back to all of you! XOXO
You have come full circle now. You are fully ready to embrace your new home and your new found love. I’m thrilled to hear this. I can’t wait to see you soon! Love to you both.
Teresa, thank you!! Full circle yes..and now probably a few more times around the sun! I’m finally feeling a bit settled into the rhythm of the city and the life here, still having my language challenges – but that’s to be expected. Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks – and I hear you are looking marvelous, darling!! XOXO
Wonderful to hear you are so happy and have landed in such a beautiful place to call home. Love reading your posts and following along on life’s journey with you. Wishing you and Alessandro a glorious holiday season filled with blessings.
Thank you!! It is a great place to call home and I am enjoying all of the holiday festivities here in Italy. I know the Milhomme house will be jumping with family and friends celebrating as well – so I wish you and Dick the best! I will give your regards to Alessandro as well! Big XOXO to you my friend!
Can’t begin to tell you how happy I am that you are finding relief and peace. It’s easy to see why Darin loved you.
Thank you Dale. Little steps and big steps make the journey to peace. I know he is with me for every one of those steps.
This might not make sense to you – BUT – I am so proud of you!
I think it makes perfect sense! I think about all of those wonderful people along the way that helped me get here. You are one of them! Thank you Renee, after all of these years, so happy to count you as one of my friends. Wishing you a beautiful Christmas season..and know that I think of you often! Sending hugs to you!
aaaah le piazze , the communion of food and people . their lives crossing it’s pavers for hundreds of years . each with it’s own flavor. to just sit there , drink the local wine , to feel a part, to just be. it is YOUR address . sono geloso.
“Everyday is a journey and the journey itself is home ” … Matsuo Basho .
thanks for sharing your journey and congrats on finding your place to hang your hat.
it is good to be loved no ? gina
Si!!!! D’accordo. Le piazze!! Dove la gente arriva con gli altri e da solo. Sono sempre belle. Ora, è il mio l’indirizzo. Le parole da Basho sono belle. “The journey is home!” È bello…amor!!! Buone feste! 😘🤗🎄❄️
We have another thing in common….My “permanent” address also has Piazza in it! It’s like a right of passage! 🙂 All the best on your hopefully final move in a long time!
LuLu!! We must be soul fratello e sorella!! I hope you are enjoying Christmas in Calabria and here’s to fewer moves in my future and living life in the Piazza!
ahhh the pizzas , the communion of food and people . Their lives
crossing it’s pavers for hundreds of years. Each with it’s own flavor.
To just sit there, drink the local wine , feel a part, to just be.
It is YOUR address. so no gelato !
“Every day is a journey and the journey it self is home ” Matsuo Basho
thanks for sharing Your journey and congrats on finding your place to hang your hat.
it is good to be loved ..no ? BUON NATALE !
sono geloso ( eat the gelato)
Dearest Luke, Thank-you again for your refreshing and authentic account and reflections. You never fail to inspire me and lift me up. Merry Christmas!
Pat, thank you! I’m happy that you enjoyed it and it gave you a lift. I find many moments here that force me to raise my perspective and lift my thoughts to the future and what’s possible. I have had an amazing year of self-discovery. Ending the year grateful! Thank you for following my writings this year. I hope to continue to tell the story. Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy New Year 🍾!
Glad to hear you’re settling in and all is going well (…btw, your view is beautiful). I truly hope you had a wonderful Christmas that the New Year brings with it, all of the best life has to offer.
Thank you Paul!! It has been a wonderful Christmas and now looking forward to 2020. I hope yours was all you expected and more. I wish you and your family the best in the new year. Thanks for your kind comments and staying connected.