Together again, one year later

I had a visit from Charlene and Pete yesterday. They were here in the Bay Area for their son's wedding and the day before they returned to Virginia we got together for lunch. Originally my husband and I met Charlene and Pete exactly one year ago this September, when we were traveling in Italy. Specifically, we got to know them in the Cinque Terre, having shared a common living arrangement in one of Giuliano's bungalows, on the side of the steep hillside in Vernazza.

Being that Vernazza is a tiny rustic fishing village, despite the hoardes of tourists that invade its main piazza every season, it still invites intimacy amongst its guests. Therefore it was easy to get to know our fellow travelers, sitting on the rooftop of our cabin drinking a glass of wine as the sun set over the rooftops and the sea every evening in Vernazza. Charlene and Pete however, usually were just setting out to take photographs at that hour. They would wave to us cheerfully, as they headed out to catch the best light of the day and to take stunning photos of the beautiful Italian scene.

But, being that the Cinque Terre is small, as luck would have it, every day we would run into them in Manarola or Monterossa, as we made our tour of the five fishing lands, via the hiking trail or the local train line. We would bump into each other and share a gelato as we talked about our unusual and much gossiped about host Giuliano. Vernazza is small, need I remind you, and the town is full of personalities and stories that make for interesting banter. We would share notes about learning the Italian language and where to find the best Italian magazines - the silly soap opera photo kind with hilarilously funny captions. Back on our rooftop, in the early mornings, before striking off down the twisting trail above the train station to enjoy a caffè and a pastry at the bar run by two Sicilian twins, who never ceased to drip with charm and flattery, we would swap travel stories and offer bits of advice of where to go next time.

It is always lovely, the friendships made while traveling, and even lovelier still when those friendships are maintained after returning home. Charlene and I have a nice way to stay in touch through our Italian chat group Impariamo. And, after meeting Charlene and Pete again after one year's time, all I can say is what a dynamic, interesting, funny, and sensational couple they are. Here's to traveling and meeting excellent people!