Questions and Answers

It just struck me that the name of this blog is "My Fall in Florence," and since fall is nearly over and winter is nearly upon us, this can only mean that my adventure is drawing to a close as well.

Ever since I first concocted what, at the time, seemed like a crazy plan to spend three months in Italy, my mind has been spinning with questions. The nature of these questions has changed over time. In the early days they were filled with uncertainty and doubt, then there was the phase of fear and trepidation, and now they are more open and hopeful.

As these new questions spin around in my mind, so do some vague answers that make me feel something like a human Magic 8 Ball. And this range of responses can be applied to all of the questions I've had in these past 6 months. We all know that the 8 Ball is indeed Magic, so if I'd had one available at the very beginning, responses might have gone like this:

• Is this idea completely crazy? Reply hazy, try again

• Would I be happy in Florence even though I've never been there? Outlook good

• Could I really figure out the logistics and make this happen? Most likely

• Would I be able to keep working and earn money from so far away? Signs point to yes

• Will my clients be OK with this? Cannot predict now

• Worst case scenario: I sit in my apartment alone for three months and never meet a soul.. is this possible? Very doubtful

• Will I really get in the habit of having red wine even at lunch? You may rely on it

• Will anyone come and visit me while I'm there? Concentrate and ask again

• Will many more wish they could come and visit while I'm there? It is certain

• Is it possible to learn Italian and be speaking fluently by the time I leave? My reply is no

• Will I gain 20lbs. and not fit into any of my clothes by the time I leave? Better not tell you now

• Will I meet an Italian count and move into his piazza? Outlook not so good

• OK, so if not a count, how about a really cute waiter with a scooter? You may rely on it

• Do they have pretzels/sandwich bags/skim milk there? Don't count on it

• Will I ever start to feel comfortable there? Without a doubt

• When the time is winding down, will I be ready to leave? Ask again later

• Am I going to be excited to get home and see my friends and family? It is decidedly so

• Do the mosquitoes ever die there? My sources say no

• Will I be able to keep an open mind about "unique" foods like wild pigeon, wild boar, octopus and tripe? As I see it, yes (with the exception of the tripe)

• Will I be sad to leave when the time comes? Yes

• Will I be dreaming about coming back very soon? Yes – definitely

So it turns out that the plan wasn't so crazy after all and has surely had an impact on me that I haven't even felt yet. The end of the adventure brings mixed emotions: I'm really sad to be leaving but I look forward to getting home to enjoy the holidays and who knows... maybe starting to plan my next crazy adventure.

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