Early start yesterday so no morning check in time. This mornings campervan morning finds us parked up, in a quiet spot, over looked by vineyards, olive groves and a farm. Lush green and the smell of dampness post yesterdays storms, the sounds of crickets and we are close to a small road so the occasional car breaks through the soundscape. We are back on the road. An early drive yesterday morning through torrential rain, intense lightening and thunder to San Gimigano and to accidentally join the tourist throng. Apparently it’s a hidden gem, which was initially the draw. Hidden from who I have no idea. The streets were rammed, the coach park was heaving, the car parks were all full, but we parked far enough out and walked in. Not so much hidden then, but most definitely a gem. The air full of American, English and other rich European accents, which was a bit of a culture shock, you had to chip a way to find the Italian lilt. It was not what I had envisaged. As Alain De Botton wrote :
“ The reality of travel is not what we anticipate “
You had to look through the mass of humanity, distance yourself from it all to find and observe the beauty that lay beneath it. Chisel out quiet and views, experience the slate and stone. An immersion in riches, which you were able to find with a little work and a little patience. Patience to wait for the right moment. And why is patience so important ? According to Paulo Coelho :
“ Because it makes us pay attention “
Pay attention to every step, every corner, every bend, every Piazza, every alleyway, fresco, archway, doorway and window, statues, churches, civic buildings, courtyards and towers.
I think that was the lesson of the day, despite what’s thrown at you, to be able to strip back the layers, learn patience and really pay attention to what is going on around you, well at least for me.
During this trip I have been delving into Rick Rubin’s book the ‘ The Creative Act ‘ and he talks of :
“ The ability to look deeply is the root of creativity. To see past the ordinary and mundane and get to what might otherwise be invisible “
So on the road and off to another stop. Lovely days people.
“ Sometimes the key arrives before the lock “ Rebecca Solnit.
Comments