Another transition give rise to an opportunity to travel together. This time the boys are shaping into young men with one arguably already ready a young man. With grit, grace and courage Zach has made it through high school and with slightly less grit, grace and courage I have made it through my first half century. To acknowledge such a feat Camilla surprised us all with a 5 day hut to hut trip in the Dolomites. Forced marches for five days up in the hills. The boys have never carried back packs and dont seem to relish running or biking long distances…..
Our adventure begins in the infamous resort just outside SFO called Best Western PLUS. Somewhat perplexed and definitely let down, the boys were curious as to why it has been so long since we have stayed in a Four Seasons. Niko gently inquired if we could stay at Zetta suggesting that this might be more acceptable than an airport hotel. As it turns out this may not have been a bad choice. Despite it’s name the hotel was not the best in the west however the scrambled egg was oddly good. Still, a far cry from the villa in Tuscany at the Rosewood hotel.
As we relax at SFO ready to board our flight, whatever happens next it will be an adventure and we will be together. What can go wrong…..
If your friends have ever suggested to you or if you have ever been honest enough with yourself that your driving could be best described as “assertive,” “determined,” “rushed,” “pre-occupied,” “not-risk-averse,” or you are perhaps “one-who-makes-dubious-choices,” then you need to come and drive in Italy. Scratches on cars are worn like a badge of honor as was clear when we picked up our rental to find several blemishes but not one marked on the rental form. I have learned that in fact these are not scratches, dings, dents, or blemishes but rather proof that you are a worthy competitor.
Curious to see the local talent I watched. To my disappointment he did not reverse in one fair swoop or do a hand break turn a la Italian Job but rather stuck the noes of his car in the vacant spot leaving his vehicule at a 45 degree angle with the rear of the car sticking out into the road. He got out of his to inspect his work when he something clearly dawned on him. Assuming he must have double guessed himself and was about to repark a la driver’s ed, I was somewhat taken aback when I saw him get back into his car, put on his hazard lights, walk around his car to check all four lights were working and walk into the cafe across the road. Where in any other country one’s hazard lights are a universal sign for distress, in Italy it means “just grabbing a coffee….l’ll be right back”