I’m so happy for you and your lovely family! Freak-outs are normal, but I love your focus on the great things! Italy sounds much like Spain (but better food). Contractors (contractors!) always said mañana, mañana there, and I think it was at least a year before they’d let us pay them. What I love most about Spain is that in every town and city, everyone comes out of the house to walk and chat around 7pm — the old ladies rest on benches, gossiping, parents stop for a glass of wine and tapas while their kids run wild, and teenagers stroll, holding hands. I adore that culture! Think of how connected we’d be to our neighbors if there was an unspoken time every evening to walk, say hello, and catch up on the family news.
Full of delights! I love how you meet so many challenges with an eye for beautiful moments. I took a few screenless days and am just now catching up. I'm reading your words while sipping a Crodino spritz and taking in the magic fading light of southern September as it accompanies the last of the cicada siren. Making plans for Italia 2026 -- absofuckinglutely NOT during the Olympics ;) -- Verona+Sicilia. Looking forward to your updates! -JB
Like a bunch of kids with new bikes, tucked into a gracious COMMUNE no less! We all still smell the same over here but are living larger through yall and your zeal for horse meat and new friends and all things that shine. Love you my brother, hug the fam for us and keep finding those heirlooms. There’s no Enough Police for great memories
What a lovely essay Jason! Bravo. I’m in Türkiye now wrapping up some business (plus enjoying the turquoise coast) but your writing left me longing for home. Glad to see you enjoying Italy!
I’m so happy for you and your lovely family! Freak-outs are normal, but I love your focus on the great things! Italy sounds much like Spain (but better food). Contractors (contractors!) always said mañana, mañana there, and I think it was at least a year before they’d let us pay them. What I love most about Spain is that in every town and city, everyone comes out of the house to walk and chat around 7pm — the old ladies rest on benches, gossiping, parents stop for a glass of wine and tapas while their kids run wild, and teenagers stroll, holding hands. I adore that culture! Think of how connected we’d be to our neighbors if there was an unspoken time every evening to walk, say hello, and catch up on the family news.
Full of delights! I love how you meet so many challenges with an eye for beautiful moments. I took a few screenless days and am just now catching up. I'm reading your words while sipping a Crodino spritz and taking in the magic fading light of southern September as it accompanies the last of the cicada siren. Making plans for Italia 2026 -- absofuckinglutely NOT during the Olympics ;) -- Verona+Sicilia. Looking forward to your updates! -JB
Like a bunch of kids with new bikes, tucked into a gracious COMMUNE no less! We all still smell the same over here but are living larger through yall and your zeal for horse meat and new friends and all things that shine. Love you my brother, hug the fam for us and keep finding those heirlooms. There’s no Enough Police for great memories
What a lovely essay Jason! Bravo. I’m in Türkiye now wrapping up some business (plus enjoying the turquoise coast) but your writing left me longing for home. Glad to see you enjoying Italy!