And here we are! Italy, I love you!

It still feels unreal, but here we are in Italy! I truly can't believe it! It's been nearly a week since we arrived and set foot in my hometown, Olgiate Comasco, located in the province of Como.

Having lived in this town for 25 years, the memories of places, people, and events are still vivid in my mind. It's incredible to be back and reconnect with the familiar surroundings that hold so much meaning.
Initially, I had concerns about accommodating our group of five in my parents' cozy apartment. However, to my delight, things have been going quite well so far. Our kind neighbours offered their garden cabin to my husband, Jason, allowing him to work remotely or as they say here, engage in "smart working". It's a true blessing to have this additional space for Jason to focus and be productive, especially considering the early morning meetings that would disrupt everyone in the apartment.

This quaint cabin is filled with a unique collection of animal skeletons and stuffed creatures. The owners, passionate hunters, have curated a captivating display that adds a touch of whimsy to the cabin's atmosphere. I find it hilarious to see Jason surrounded by bones and horns, especially when his Australian home office is filled with surfboards!

The girls have been attending a horse camp for four full days! It's a dream come true for them, and honestly, for me too! Horses were a significant part of my life while living in Italy, and witnessing them in these familiar places, doing what I loved to do, is truly a dream come true.

Denise, my mother-in-law, has adapted well to Italian life. It's wonderful to see her observe and appreciate even the smallest things. This being her first time in Italy, she's fully embracing the concept of La Dolce Vita, making the most of her experience!

As for me, I am savouring every minute here! I cherish the time spent with my parents, relatives, and friends. The warmth and friendliness of everyone around me are truly heartwarming. It brings me joy to wander from town to town and bump into familiar faces. The sense of familiarity I feel when I step out, the places, the people, the smells, the sounds... Everything transports me back to memories of my life in Italy. I felt a wave of nostalgia yesterday as I strolled through the centre of Como, breathing in the atmosphere and realizing that this is only temporary.

Anyway, that's enough for now. Here are some pictures from our first week. I'll be back in a week with more stories to share!