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~ { ....Ellis's Italian apartment...} ~

The impetus for our trip to Europe was my daughter Ellis studying in Italy.
So after having the very best of times meeting up with her and her fabulous boyfriend  Elliot
 in London
 I was so excited to see their very own Italian apartment
 and
 get a glimpse into  their Italian life.

On our way to their  apartment from our hotel
 with Ellis and Elliot as guides,
 we made our way through the charming streets of Torino....

and of course we had to stop for some
 authentic cafes ....


We made our way through their
 authentic  daily market....
all the while taking in the Italian charm that surrounded us.

We made a few purchases... for the experience. 
Luckily I had remember Ellis telling me...
you don't touch the produce.... rather point... and they bag it. 
Being such a toucher myself .... 
I found this custom a little hard to remember.

With our purchases in hand we made it to their apartment....
 up three flights...
and with much anticipation on my part....

to see exactly where my darling daughter had made her  home....
so very far from our own.

I found the space to be both adorable and enchanting....
I felt like I had gotten to go behind the scenes .... 
to get a peek into some parts of real Italian life.
Staying at the beautiful hotels we do
 I always feel  some what removed from the 'real life' of the areas.
Just the way someone coming here and staying at the Montage 
would't necessarily 
get the feel of real life here.
 I wanted a taste of both... and with such excellent tour guides....
that is just what I got in Torino.

I found everything about their apartment utterly charming....
from the two balconies with mini views of  the snow covered alps..
to the tiny efficient kitchen that opened up into a dining room
 complete with a table and chairs and a couch...
 perfect for cooking, dining and studying...
in Italy.

Being so enchanted with their space
 I was thrilled when Ellis offered up the idea 
of getting some groceries and
 having lunch in the apartment...

So off for a walk to EATALY we were. 
As luck would have it...
Elliott and Ellis have the very great fortune of living literally just blocks from this
holy grail of grocery stores....
(even calling it by such a pedestrian name as grocery store does it an  injustice).
and with only three in the world...
EATALY is such a destination it warrants it's own post...

so for now....
 I'll just say we found everything we could possible want!


Back at the apartment 
Ellis artfully arranged all of our finds into
 the most beautiful of meals....

and one of our
 most memorable lunches
 in Europe.


Ellis has done one of her memory walls 
in Italy as well...
It is a good thing it is a large wall...

because the amount of  weekly traveling they have done....

has resulted in so many memories.

I was especially touched by the spot 
dedicated to the things I had sent her...

A map of Europe marks their weekend adventures...

Ellis has her own blog where she has captured her own traveling memories...

I am so very proud of my girl for so many, many reasons.

She has a bravery and courage
 I didn't even know she possessed.

Reading her traveling posts from home...
I must admit...

sometimes I was hit with pangs of jealousy for her adventures...

until I did travel....
and realize just how trying and how very much work is involved
negotiating  new places...
without the help of language.

The travel  quote that says...
traveling is only glamourous in retrospect 
is so true.

I am proud of Ellis for finding such
 a wonderful, smart, capable, loving and protective
boyfriend  in Elliot.
Jeff and I have always said....
if it wasn't for Elliott...
Ellis would have never gotten to go to Italy with our blessing.

I am so proud of both Ellis and Elliot and all they have accomplished...
far away
and at home.


So
Needless to say...

our good bye was once again a tearful one...
and I am counting the days until her return...

 all the while  
wanting her to savor and enjoy
 every moment in Italy
 with Elliot....


for all too soon it will be a part of their memory.

Having been back long enough...
to recover from traveling....

long enough to get my life here in order....


Now comes the third gift of traveling....
reflecting and reminiscing....

For me traveling has been so worthwhile....
an investment that just keeps giving.

The first gift being
 the thrill of seeing new sites...
exposure to new situations...
the realization of what a big beautiful world is out there.


The second gift
 the enveloping relief of being back 
in the comforts and beauty of my beloved home....
with new eyes of appreciation.



And now the
 third and most lasting gift
to me of traveling....

reflecting and reminiscing..
the reliving of the trip...
and
the shared history with those who were there...

forever  united in time spent together....

the sweet, sweet memories of....

 remember when....


as always my friends

I wish you love and joy
as you style your life



t

16 comments:

  1. Wowsers! I cannot believe the incredible life that they are experiencing there. I really cannot imagine seeing my daughter take on an experience like this but I hope she does. How wonderful that you got to experience a piece of this highlight of her life so far. And...I cannot believe how much the two of you look so much alike. Beautiful.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Sarah! You never know, your daughter might surprise you, mine did. When Ellis left for college 2 1/2 years ago.... 4 hours away seemed too far, now look at her!

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  2. Lovely post.

    Throughout my life I have made it a priority to travel. During my younger years of living abroad on my own in many different countries and places I learned more about the world and myself than I could have ever hoped.

    You are lucky to have had a glimpse of your daughter's life while she discovers the world.

    We are never to old to learn or travel as long as we have an open heart and a willing spirit.

    Bisous
    Suzanne

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    Replies
    1. Suzanne thank you for your poignant comment. I can now see how much is to be learned and felt through traveling. Seeing how Ellis had made a life for herself out in the world...was my favorite part of my trip.

      I love how you say "we are never to old to learn to travel". i know I did bring an open heart and willing spirit and found them to be the key to a trip filled with wonder, love and enchantment. Suzanne thank you for sharing your love of traveling and soulful spirit!

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  3. Do you think Ellis would mind my taking her place over there in Italy for a few weeks or so? It looks like a magical life!
    You are both such beautiful women. I'm glad you had such a wonderful trip.
    xo, A

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Adrienne! Doesn't living in Ellis's small apartment look like a dream!

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  4. Now this post, this one reminds me of my own experiences over there. Your other posts I got to see Europe through your eyes. That kitchen, that meal, that entry way... that's what I remember, how I experienced it. I love the gifts that you found through your travels. My parents didn't have a lot, but we did travel. And in many ways I feel so blessed that of all the things I missed growing up, of all the things I still do not have, at least I have experienced travel to far away places where I've eaten and laughed with the locals and seen the sights and had my horizons expanded. That's a great gift. And Ellis is experiencing that, too. I'm so glad you got to visit here there and see her apartment, and experience it for yourself. The little kitchen and the bread meal. *sigh* xo

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    Replies
    1. Anne thank you for your lovely comment. I marveled at your post with all the places you have traveled!

      Yes, I agree, somehow that tiny kitchen laden with the bounty of simple foods.... was such a beautiful memory!

      I have so enjoyed you following along on my journey.... Thank you Anne.

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  5. Your daughter is so lucky to have this experience! My daughter is a senior at UCSB and was unable to study abroad since it would throw her off schedule and she would have to graduate a year later! Still I remember my semester abroad when I was in school. Hopefully my girl can travel before she gets a job. I love reading about your adorable daughter and all your adventures.
    Connie*

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    Replies
    1. Connie thanks so much! Where did you study? Is your daughter excited about graduating this year?

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  6. ALWAYS, always, always love reading your blog.....I look forward to it everyday.....but dear heart, no pressure to publish everyday.....I just enjoy it so much.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much Catherine! you certainly made my day!!!

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  7. I love all of the little details you've picked up and everything from you on her memory board is every bit as stylish as her mum.

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  8. I can almost taste everything you ate for lunch! How fantastic Tamera, to see your daughter in that place and especially that she has such a good guy. So fabulous I loved reading this. I am actually at the hospital right now with my youngest. She might have to get her appendix taken out and I am sitting here "waiting" for the doctor, so I was able to really savor this post. BEAUTIFUL!!! xoxoxoxox

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  9. A beautiful post about travel, your loving relationship with your daughter, connections and beauty, and the return home. Lovely photo of you and your daughter, smiling and radiant. It speaks a thousand words.

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  10. What an incredible blessing for her to be able to do this. My little cousin studied art history in Tuscany for a year and met the love of her life (an italian, Paolo) while she was there. They are married now, with a beautiful little girl. She runs a lovely handmade business you might like, check it out here: www.tulipandi.com :: inspired by Italy!! xo

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