Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Today was my last full day on the Central Coast.  Tomorrow I head south to catch a plane to points east.  If all goes well in a few days I will be back home in Sicily.  I couldn't have asked for a better day to end my trip.  It started out with torrential rains and ended with beautiful rainbows.

My day was filled with family visits, and creature comforts such as a manicure, pedicure, shopping, and Mexican food.  While I'm in Sicily I do miss my Mexican Food dearly!  Italians cook fantastic food, but shredded beef tacos do not grace their menus (and I'd be a bit frightened if they did).

It is easy to see why I love San Luis Obispo and the Edna Valley where I grew up.  Yes, I used to live in this beautiful place, and still get to "come home" every now and then since my family is still here.  I hope one day to move back, but I doubt it will be soon since I am a military wife and there aren't any Navy bases nearby.  Until then I will soak up as many visits as I can.

 It has been a fantastic trip spending time with family and getting to live the American lifestyle for a bit.  We Americans have it pretty good.  Life over here is convenient.  It is easy to take for granted.  That is something I've definitely learned living overseas - not to take the ease of living in America for granted.  Our freedom and wealth (even in these hard economic times) as Americans was and still is hard fought and I don't ever want to forget that.

During this trip I've seen a lot, some that are as familar as the back of my hand, and others that I hadn't taken the time to see and enjoy for many years.  The way I see the world around me has also changed with living overseas.  I have acquired a new focus on seeing and experiencing the world around me that I hope I will never lose.  There is so much to see and do in this big world and I'm trying to cram as much into this life as possible!

So tomorrow I say my "see you laters" to my dear family and this amazing place.  I will hold them close to my heart as I travel back across the ocean to my husband who has been gracious enough to let me loose to travel for nearly two months without him.  I miss him and can't wait to see him!

I doubt that I'll have time to post again until I reach Sicily so I will see you again in a few days when I reach the other side of the ocean.  Ciao!