As someone who has more history than future, it’s hard to be surprised.
However, one of the most ... yes ‘surprising’ ... things about moving to Modica is how helpful people have proven.
More than that though, those same locals and ex-pats have become friends. An entirely unexpected development!
Oh f’sure, you expect to meet people as you travel through life, as we both have, but for those people to become actual friends? That’s a whole new thing for us.
I mean, I lived in Hornchurch in London for three years, and made very few.
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| So very true... |
But new friends are like honest politicians: Damned hard to find. At least so we thought, before arriving here 11 months ago now.
Y’see, one argument my wife put to me before we left the UK was: "But we don’t know anybody..."
Well, we do now, don’t we Alice?
And isn’t it a great feeling to be welcomed into someone’s home, with no caveats or expectations? Beyond ‘just’ being a friend?
Or to be greeted with a huge smile, a witty comment, kiss or hug? Just for being there, being yourself, and living amongst them now?
When we walk about this city, which we do on a daily basis, we can wave to so many people now.
It’s a great feeling, of course. And I, for one, wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else.
Not now anyways.
Moving On Up
Moving home is stressful.
And we’ve had our fair share of stress these last few weeks!
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| Reckon! |
As most things at least appear to be done here in Sicily. So not entirely unexpected.
You have to be willing to make compromises, cut some corners, and/or be flexible.
And where you can’t do that: Don’t!
Here’s where that (in)famous Kiwi "She’ll be right!" attitude comes to the fore. Because, in my experience, the very best way to handle such stress is a willingness to accept what is, and move on with your day.
I reckon it’s the bestest way to handle stress: Both in work and in your private life.
Of course, one of my favourite quotes during this entire process (and for months now) was: "It is what it is..." As I’ve said before, while somewhat lame, it’s entirely the truth!
But we had some great help along the way.
I mentioned friends?
Friends who gave us oh-so-helpful advice about local services. Friends who allowed us to do our clothes washing at their place.
Friends who got a mate with a forklift to help move our new washing machine up to the first floor. Friends who willingly opened their home to a couple of then homeless, almost-strangers!
The list goes on.
We so owe so many people now at least a drink and/or meal!
Daily Routine
Now we’ve moved into our ‘Kiwi4everhome’, what constitutes our ‘daily routine’ then?
First off, I’m now going for an early morning walk. Just a couple thousand steps to wake me up, and greet the new day. It’s mostly just me, the street cleaners (who now know me), and the stray cats waiting for their breakfast.
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| This one rules them all locally... |
Y’see, we only get water in Modica for a few hours every morning, so it’s something you have to do here! We have 3x300 litre tanks, and it takes around 45 minutes to fill them.
Then it’s onto my laptop, until Alice wakes up. That happens anywhere between 7:30 and 8:30.
And oh how I envy her! I’m lucky if’n I get six hours a night.
Then it’s shower time, and (usually) off to the shops to stock up.
Stopping for breakfast along the way, of course. It ain’t really morning ‘til we have that granita and brioche!
After that, it’s working about/on the house, until I (have to) have my nanny nap. Anyways, it’s the hottest part of the day, so…
More laptop time and/or work in the afternoon.
Sometime between 7 and 8pm my favourite time of the day kicks in: Terrace time! We go up there, sit (often eat or drink too), discuss our day, and put the world to rights. Pure bliss!
The later evening is for TV, movies or other relaxing pastimes.
I love my life!
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