Ok devoted readers, sorry for the long wait, but you can all stop holding your breath because I am now back in action. I arrived in Italy Saturday evening without any complications. I think this is the first time in a long time I can say that I have had a smooth flight. I was a little worried about my bag, since I had to switch to another flight, but it all worked out perfectly. The only thing I would change is the fact that I did not get as much sleep as I planned.
The during the six hour flight I enjoyed a few movies to keep myself awake for the food, which of course turned out horrible. Can't ever trust airline food, especially when your hungry. I learned my mistake when my stomach tossed and turned once I landed in London. I decided that I would wait to eat something I can rely on once I reach my second home.
I was surprised by Pinnucia once I reached Rome. I thought that Don Luigi would have been the one to come and pick me up from the airport, or at least Cecilia. It was great practice for me though, since Pinnucia doesn't speak any English. Seems like all of my lessons were paying off, since I could actually have a conversation. I am still not quiet at the level I would like to be, but time will help me with that. The other volunteer, Matt, doesn't arrive at the monastery until the end of the month. So this entire time I will only be speaking Italian, which is exactly what I want.
My return was just filled with everyone saying hello and welcoming me back into the monastery. So I answered every one's questions while sipping on some tea that Pinnucia made me. I don't know I you all remember, but Pinnucia is a grandmother now. She took out some photos of here granddaughter Sarah. She apparently went to visit her daughter and son-in-law in Kenya in January and February. After seeing those photos, I think I have spotted another place I would love to visit sometime. Just add it to my list of things to do.
Trying to find some way to fall asleep was difficult for me. On my second flight that was only three hours, as soon as I got to my seat I just knocked right out and woke up once we landed. I guess this short little nap was the downfall to a perfect night's sleep. To my surprise I woke up Sunday Morning 3 am. I tried everything that I could think of to fall back to sleep, but nothing worked. I somehow managed to stay awake lying in bed until 6:30, which is the time I usually get up to start the day. I already knew it would be a long day for me. I started feeling tired around 11:00 am, but had no possible way of going back to bed. I just had to tough it out until after lunch. I normally don't like taking naps during the day, but I made an exception today. I was so tired that I overslept and was late getting back to the shop, but luckily no one really cared much. I guess they all understand that I would be a little sluggish today, considering I had to get used to life here again.
In the afternoon Cecilia gave me the low down on what was going to happen on Sunday and Monday of next week. March 21st is marks the date when Benedict passed away and there is a huge festival here in Subiaco. We also have to prepare the church for mass, which sounds like there will be hundreds of people here. I will try my best to take some photos of the chaos, but might not have the opportunity due to the herds of people flowing in.
Interesting little side note. I ran into the Abbot today and to my surprise he did not recognize me. He looked at Don Antonio and asked, "Should I know who this is?". Don Antonio told him that it was John, one of the volunteers from three months ago. The Abbot was shocked and then blamed it on my hair. He said he didn't recognize me because my hair had grown so large, but I can understand where he is coming from. A three month vacation is a long time to be away from the monastery.
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