Bien Arrivé

This is just to say that I arrived well. I think that was the best trans-Atlantic trip I’ve ever made!

The flight to London was only 8 hours and I slept for five of them. I also tried a homeopathic remedy, No Jet Lag  that seemed to work quite well. The woman who sold it to me told me that she took it for a whirlwind weekend fling in Paris with her lover. I thought, hey, maybe it has extra powers. There were a lot of men on the flight from London to Milan. Wearing suits. Wielding cell phones. Looking sexy. But that’s another post. In my novel, my character time travels while flying over the Atlantic.

All of this is to say that my trip was fabulous. I arrived in Milan and took the metro to my couchsurfing  friend’s apartment. I got to use my new Italian a few times. It was fun to see how easily the few things I know work. Add a smile to a few broken phrases and it’s amazing how helpful people are. (I better get going on my Portuguese!)

Maurizio is the CS ambassador for Milan and a wonderful host. He showed me my room, got me a beer and we talked all evening with his other guest Danny from Vienna. He also fixed the bungee cord on my new luggage trolley, which had worn away during transit. My first meal in Italy was rigatoni with pesto and tiramisu for dessert. I told Mau that I was going to gain weight and he said “So?” Welcome to Italy!

I have one day in Milan before I fly to Lisbon tomorrow. What to do? What I always do – wander around, explore, and make art. I’ve packed the Creative Travel Tools in my bag. I printed them on business cards and attached the stack to a key ring, so they’re easily accessible. More on that later.

For now, ciao! I’m heading into Milan for the first day of my Creative Odyssey!

Comments

[Jenny]

Creative Tools on a key-ring! Brilliant. I feel energized traveling vicariously with you! ( And a wee bit jealous) Just came back from a week of art workshops in San Diego ( my former home, briefly) where I wrote a haiku a day. It was a wonderful exercise, and I cant wait to see and hear what your odyssey brings to you!

[Cynthia Morris]

Thanks Jenny! I love that you wrote a haiku a day. I want to do that, too! I can't wait to dig into the artmaking more. Once I'm a bit more in the groove here. More on that later!