Baby Loves Olive Oil
I’ve had a big week. I’m either crazy, stupid or brave, and quite possibly all three. Here’s a thing about me: I like Italy. I know, who doesn’t, right? But I like Italy a lot. I like Italy so much that last Wednesday with just a few days preparation, I got on a plane, alone, flew to Nice, rented a car, drove to a town in Liguria that I’d never been to and BOUGHT AN APARTMENT.
Impulsive, yes. But also no. Having a house in Italy has been a dream of mine, and Robert’s as well, for almost 20 years now. My first ever day in Italy, in November of 1999, it became a part of me. That was in Liguria also, a different part, but the same region nonetheless. The region that is home to the Italian riviera, pesto, and the most coveted olive oil in the country.
A series of fortuitous events led to the quick decision that I would go check out this small town in the hills to see what I thought. I was connected to a real estate agent there who is a friend of a friend and off I went, with my amazing husband’s trust in me and support of this wild idea.
The last few years have not been particularly easy for me on a personal level. I feel like I’ve been spinning my wheels, trying desperately to find inspiration. I have a good life, a really good life, but I’ve been struggling to find the spark. This endeavor has been all spark.
Our new apartment is a project. It needs big things like a new kitchen and a bathroom remodel. But I’m so excited to get going on it. I’m excited to have a home to visit in the sweetest little town called Pieve di Teco. It’s 20 minutes from the coast, 30 minutes from the mountains, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and deciduous forest. I’m not exactly sure yet where this step will lead us but we are setting out on a new path and it feels so right.
I’ve never traveled outside the U.S. on my own. I’ve never faced speeding Fiats on a one lane mountain road. I’ve never been away from my family this long, eaten multiple meals in a row alone in restaurants, or opened a bank account in another country. And I’ve certainly never been solely responsible for a purchase such as this. My goal for the week was to push myself through the nerves, shyness and uncertainty of foreign travel and for the most part I did.
Tonight I am in what might be the world’s smallest hotel room at Gatwick airport in London. (The toilet is actually IN the shower, that’s how small it is.) I can’t wait to get home to my loved ones, who have had their own challenges while I’ve been gone. I want to kiss my babies and snuggle them close and fall asleep with Robert’s chest against my back. But I’ve proved something to myself this week. Even if this whole thing turns out to be a terrible idea, I’m better for it. I can do hard things. I feel strong and happy.
So funny it took a trip to Italy alone to find out what those who love you already knew. You’ve always been brave, you’re always creative, you’re always inspiring, and if this is what it took to ‘take’ for you – great! Worth it! Now where’s my bedroom?
I love you Kathy.❤️❤️❤️ I’m hoping you’ll be one of the first to come and visit. You know, after we have a functioning kitchen and bathroom and the rest of the place isn’t full of garbage and junky old furniture!
Yay Ive! I’m so excited for and proud of you. What a thrilling new chapter you are embarking upon for you, your family and all of us living vicariously thru you. (But also dreaming of a trip to Pieve di Teco sometime in the future…..) Chris XO
Wow! That is so incredible! Congratulations on busting through the fear. Now I’m inspired!
Oh Ivy! This is such joyful news!!
I admire you so much.
I can’t wait to hear the details.
Love love love,
Lyn
I owe you big time Lyn. Your connections made this a reality! I can’t thank you enough.
I hope you like visitors!! I haven’t yet been to Italy.. And bravo on the jump! That must feel AMAZING.
Dear Ivy…
I’m soooo happy for you! That apartment is going to be so happy receiving all the TLC you, Robert and the kids will shower on it! Never look back! You are off in a wonderful adventure!👍😘🎉🥂
So wonderful, Ivy!!! Congratulations!! I got to stay in Nicola once – anywhere near you? Also, I have a dear friend who has an apt in Umbria, and her friend runs a culinary tourism/farm/B&B I bet you would love. So let me know if I can put you in touch with my friend – you would LOVE her.
More posts, more posts!!!
Thanks Jessica! I think Nicola is down at the other end of Liguria, near Cinque Terre? Not so far from our new town in the scheme of things. Two hours or so?
I would definitely be interested in connecting with your friend. I really have no idea what I’m doing!
Wow, I am so impressed! Well done—I share your love of Italy and wish you s wonderful adventure.
Ivy!!! I’m so thrilled for you! What a wonderful development in your life and your family’s. I can’t wait to visit you there. I’m so proud of you! This is just perfect. And I can’t wait to hear Felix speak Italian! Love you so much❤️ And this is a lovely piece of writing.
I am absolutely thrilled for you. Wonderful..Whoppee!!!!
How lucky am I to call this woman my wife?
I’m not known for crying easily but this whole thing has had me in tears twice today. I’m literally spilling over with pride for you my love, and joy for this next chapter in our lives together.
Sei tutto per me, amore mio.
Andiamo insieme. XO
Mama mia. We love Italy as well. What a great adventure!
Estoy fascinada leyendo tu historia tan aventurosa y curiosa en tu jornada en un nuevo lugar fuera de tu cuna, es estraodinario saber tus experiencias por esos lugares tan diferentes y llamativos como lo es Italia. Les deseo mucha suerte y éxitos en sus nuevos proyectos. Bravo amigos!
Okay, great! I sent you both a message on FB Messenger 🙂
Ivy, all of this, and you, are awesome. Well done. We’re coming. Ciao Ivy.