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Tis Returns to Italy! Day 41: Struggling to Find the Joy

Writer's picture: Lisa TisdaleLisa Tisdale
Rainy Nights in Lucca Italy

Rainy Nights in Lucca Italy

Lisa of Tis Travels is on a three-month journey through Italy, exploring, eating, and living like an Italian. Follow along on “Tis Travels” on Facebook and Instagram!

Today, everything blew up on me here in my Italian paradise.

The washing machine died a few days ago and with no time during the day to go to the laundromat, I’ve had to hand wash things. Clothes are hanging from every possible place. To speed the process along so I will not be wandering around town wrapped in a blanket, I opened the windows on the front, back and side of the railroad apartment, to create more airflow.

During an important call with my client today, the rain we’ve been having turned to a massive gale that engulfed Lucca, took out my Wi-Fi, and unceremoniously disconnecting me from the call. 

Meanwhile, the wind blew my clothes that were hanging everywhere through the apartment, toward the window in the back. I chased after them, grabbing everything I could to keep them from blowing into the street below.

To add to the fun, one of the window shutters was blown open into my iPad nearby, knocking out a huge chunk of the screen.

On top of all that, I had learned at the last minute that to be permitted into the Italy Spain football match in Milan tomorrow night, I am required to have a Covid rapid test as my ridiculous paper CDC card will not be accepted. I was delighted to find that here, they not only stick the swab up into your brain through one nasal cavity but also the other after first shoving it down your throat. 

Piazza Anfiteatro in the Rain, Lucca Italy

Piazza Anfiteatro in the Rain, Lucca Italy

Around 9 pm, I gave up on my day and headed for a vino. I grabbed a table with a view of the rain on San Michele church. During my first time in Lucca 15 years ago, I stayed just off the square and loved walking by this beautiful old church. I’d often walk inside and enjoying the paintings and look for the old graffiti carved into the columns. As I reflected on that memory, it reminded me that sometimes happiness comes easily and other times, you have to work a little harder to find the joy in life. 

As I sat and thought of all that has happened in the past year and a half, I took a moment to be grateful for where I am. I am here in this beautiful country, feeling safe to roam and enjoy myself. Days may be challenging but at least at the end of them, I can take a walk on the city walls, have a drink with a view of a beautiful old church, or tomorrow, cheer for Italy as they beat Spain! 

Sometimes you just have to remind yourself to slow down and treasure the little things. That is always where the most joy in life lies.

Ciao for now!

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