Last night, I woke just before 4am ... in time to feel an earthquake shudder through the city here.
We were fortunate, far enough from the centre that no damage was done here in Genova. I thought it was a 3 or 4 magnitude quake. Of course, I did get up and go find my wallet, my glasses, warm clothes and my camera gear and put it all by the bed in case the next one was stronger.
But I slept. I have experienced some big quakes in New Zealand.
Today the rain came. And there was this point where I longed to be home, in a place known to me, and so I wandered into an ancient church and sat quietly, listening as two priests recited something in Italian. Perhaps it was the rosary service ... but I am guessing.
And now here I am, back beside the open window, working at the kitchen table here in Genova.
