And so it is ... 'nothing left to lose' has gifted me the courage to move to Italy. Finally!
I have been loving Genova since 2008 but ... I had stuff I could lose, I didn't dare move. Who leaps from that kind of cliff edge really ... without wings?
Suddenly, and unexpectedly... I lost everything, even a country. Everything, except my books and my desk, and that's only, so far.
But really, I'm smiling. I'm slimmer and stronger than I've been in decades ... and honestly, that's a good thing. Right?
'Stuff' can trap a soul in one place, oftentimes quite happy to be there. Add that brilliant job, the family, those responsibilities ...
So my take on all that is ...how many people get the chance to wander off, in search of that next life. The next big adventure?
Mmmm but this is my second big move. The first time, I packed my shiny, new university degree and flew out of New Zealand heading for Istanbul. This time, I have meandered ... slightly lost and a little bit broken.
Finally, I arrived ... on a Tuesday, here in Genova, Italy. In that city I have loved, more than any other since 2008. I have that 'nothing left to lose' thing going on and I'm planning on making it here because I believe there is nowhere I'd rather succeed in making a life.
It's been so good to be back. And fortunately, I really enjoy the northern Italian sense of humour. Mmmhmm ... because there has been quite some teasing, as new doors opened and I've met new people. I had forgotten the humour. The affectionate mocking:-)
Most notably/enjoyably, I was documentary photographer at special event last Friday. Up in the mountains here (I love writing of being up in the mountains in Italy) and it was such a privilege to be there, to be free to capture the day, to meet the people I met. I will write of it soon but I need to process the photographs. Get permissions to share.
There is something about Italy ... about Genova, that fills my soul with a special kind of joy. I have no idea what it is and, believe me, the Genovese cannot begin to imagine what this terribly 'enthusiastic' foreigner finds here. Never mind, I find something I warm myself on and so here I am. Tasting it, trying it, loving it.
I suspect there will be stories ... lots of them. And photographs too. I'm slow at the moment, it's been 30+ celsius since I arrived. I'm adjusting, and sleeping more than I've ever slept ...
Stories to follow. I'll leave you with a favourite song, performed in a much-loved place in the city here.
Ciao for now.