Enjoy Each Day

One of my favorite movies is Under The Tuscan Sun. I watch it every time it comes on TV. When we found out we might be going overseas to live, I went out and bought it. Jess and I watched it over and over again, thinking how wonderful it would be to live an adventure like that. People will tell you that life isn't like the movies, but that's not necessarily true.

Life is about enjoyment here, not rushing from one event to another. Every restaurant and cafe has an outdoor seating area, covered with large umbrellas. Families and friends enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner and greet familiar faces passing by. You can sit for hours with a cup of coffee, and no one tries to rush you along. Each bite of food is to be enjoyed. Each moment to be savored. After a nice dinner, you wander down the cobblestone street to Leonidas for a scoop of speculoos ice cream or a box of chocolates. The locals know that you are new to the area, and some curious, but most just smile and nod their heads as they pass by. There is always something going on during the weekends here. There are markts, carnivals, music festivals, food and beer festivals. The list is endless. The lesson to be learned from this place is to simply enjoy day. Life is short. Hug your family. Enjoy time with friends and relatives. Heck, you can even jump in the neighborhood fountain and dance. Odds are the politie will simply help you out, shake their heads, and mumble "toerist" or "Amerikaan". (Rent the movie-then you'll understand.)