The last few weeks have been a learning experience. This is just a short look.
The temperatures are hot and here you stay cool with the water and the beach. The shade and the wind also create cooler temps. The streets are empty in the hottest times of the day as people retreat for siesta. At night there are many people walking in the cooler temperatures. It seems like a regular way of life.
I’ve had the opportunity to learn how to use so many different things, from keys to front doors to coffee pots to stoves and washing machines. So many things are a learning opportunity. Even asking for items in Italian at stores and bus stations is an adventure. Learning every time as I’m exposed to new experiences.
Walking out the door, knowing I will be experiencing these moments, takes courage. I don’t know how I will always succeed. Overall, it works out and I enjoy the walks and the sights and what I am learning of the history of this beautiful part of the world. Those first steps take courage.
I’ve learned of a new favorite poet. Her name is Maria Costa. A few of her poems are in this video. Her books are unavailable, though I hope to find one. Her poems are profound. She lived here in Messina, in a house that used to be on the beach. It is a preserved house. A UNESCO site. I met there with people who are working to preserve her words and her home. Then I found her poems online. Here is one:
I have met people from Slavic countries living in Messina as I reached out to a Sicilian mosaic artist from Belarus when I learned of her work in the streets of Messina, Irina Belaeva. Due to her inspiration, I hope to create a tile mosaic one day to leave as a gift to this beautiful citta.
These are some of the treasures I’ve found in Messina. Another treasure: the beautiful old buildings that I hope can be preserved. I saw this one last night along the waterfront. It is in such need of care and looks like it has had a prominent place in the history here. I don’t know it’s story and hope to know more as I wander these streets.
Of course there are the most iconic structures too and so many churches (chiesa’s) They are majestic and beautiful. And wrapping it all up is the treasure of my son Conor’s music. In this video, I’ve chosen to use his song for his group Cosacchi that’s called “Steady”.
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