What a trip. First and foremost what a great time for Hannah and I to spend together. After four and a half years of being married I think that this trip was long overdue. No emails, no cellphones, no meetings, activities or events. Thank the Lord for 10 days with just the two of us realizing again how much fun we have together and how in love we really are as well.
From the get-go I told Hannah that I wanted to her to handle all the details, planning and agenda for the trip. What I had no idea about going into it is how much work she would do to make sure that I was able to enjoy the trip. Every meal, hotel, bus ride, and location was researched and planned ahead of time . She was able to answer questions, make quick changes, work to find the best and cheapest way to do everything. Simple things like making sure I got a great mozzarella and prosciutto sandwich everyday just made me feel very cared for and loved and relaxed knowing that she was taking care of things and I could just soak it all in.
The meals were great and true to form I ate the same thing for lunch and dinner every single day. In fact I still wish I were eating the sandwiches and pizza here in Charleston. It was wonderful to enjoy a glass of wine together before our walk to dinner and then another bottle with our meal. It was great to see Hannah enjoy her gelato especially on the last night when she bargained for a small cup for 1 euro - still not sure how that worked out. Probably the best lunch was in Cinque Terre when we picniced under a staircase to avoid the rain after a long hike up the coast and the best dinner would be a draw between a naples style pizza restaurant or a typical italian dinner at a great little place recommended by Luigi.
Rome was great though it is definitely busier than my typical pace of life. Even though I probably wouldnt spend a lot of time there on our next trip you just cant miss out on several of the sights and museums. I would have to say one of my favorite moments with Hannah in Rome was at dinner on our first night sitting outside and next to the pantheon. An awesome evening that got us off to a great start on the trip. Prosciutto pizza, pasta carbonara, wine and gelato.
Florence was great and somewhere that felt a lot like home. While still definitely being a city it would be more of a Charleston full of great stores, restaurants, delis and wine bars in addition to plenty more great historical places and museums. Without a doubt my favorite time in Italy was at sunset with Hannah at San Miniato looking out over the city. For me, it was one of those places and times that bring peace and as John Eldredge says you feel like God is romancing you through the beauty of what He has done. In the same frame you could see the city, the countryside, and the mountains in the distance. We enjoyed a nice Moretti beer or should I say that Hannah enjoyed it as I took three sips and she took care of the rest...I am definitely not a beer drinker anymore but who wouldve thought Hannah would be? Truthfully, she isnt either but she is so in love with Italy that pretty much anything with an Italian label is good as gold in her eyes.
Cinque Terre was the final stop and probably a great place to end on. Our trip might have been the equivalent of going from NYC to Charleston to Palmetto Bluff. We definitely ended on a peaceful note. CT is beatiful and provided us with the opportunity to have a great hike up the coast and take in amazing sunsets on stone covered beaches. Here again, I would probably have to say that my favorite time with Hannah was on the evening of the 14th when we shared a bottle of red wine and sat on the stones as the waves came in. In that moment there was just really nothing else other than the two of us and those moments are great for my soul.
The trip really brought me back to life. The difference in my head and heart from the time I left and when I came back is drastic. Italy provided an environment for the Lord to speak to me and more importantly for me to listen. I experienced times of prayer that had a closeness and intimacy I havent felt in a long time and I absolutely loved Hannah and cared for her and felt like I knew her more closely than I have felt in some time as well.
I have been to 12 countries this year, more than half of the states in the country, nearly 100 flights and this was one of the most needed. It definitely wont be the last time we go and Im already looking forward to getting back with Hannah. In the meantime though we will be experiencing Uganda together in three weeks from today which Im sure will provide another opportunity for us to grow together.
