This old blog has been pretty quiet lately, but for a good reason. Speedy and I are selling our house here in Rapallo and moving back full-time to the States.
It’s hard to say goodbye. We’ve been here about 14 years, 4 of them as full-time residents. Rapallo feels as much like home as Arizona (both feel a little other-worldly, to tell you the truth).
We leave behind a house into which we’ve poured our hearts and souls. We leave behind the gardens which were non-existent when we started, but which now produce oranges, cherries, apricots, pomegranates, grapes, plums and persimmons, in addition to basil, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, more basil, and any veggies we feel like growing. Sometimes there’s even a good olive crop.
But a house is just stones, stucco and paint, and a garden is just dirt and plants. Either can be replaced in another location. What can’t be replaced is the friendships we’ve made over so many years. From our first visit in nearby Camogli, when we met a friend of a friend, to a meeting just a few days ago, people have been welcoming, kind and – always! – helpful. The community here helps one another when necessary in ways that are humbling and heartwarming. We’ve been befriended by people from all over Europe, from Asia, from America, some through introductions, some simply by chance.
We’ve had adventures in Rapallo and beyond, many described in the pages of this blog. We’ve entertained under the wisteria which, just last year began to provide the shade we planned for.
We’ve had guests visit from near and far, some old friends, some family, and some new friends too.
View from the guest room
Speedy has cooked fantastic meals in the kitchen, on the outdoor BBQ and, beginning a couple of years ago, in the tandoor that he built himself.
There are so many stories I could tell you! Some of them I have, but many not. And now I won’t. Most likely this will be the last post from Expatriate in Rapallo, but I hope you’ll return for a visit now and then when you want a dose of beautiful Italy, or want to rustle up one of Speedy’s amazing dishes.
Thank you for reading and commenting on Expatriate. Your presence has kept my eyes open and my mind interested. It wouldn’t have been any fun without you.
I have an idea for a new blog – but not quite yet, as we’re very busy trying to move.
And busier still learning to say goodbye…
An Ex-Expatriate 
Hier ein Blick am Weg nach San Ambrogio. Für dich.
Here’s a look at the way to San Ambrogio. For you.
Che bella! Una fotografia fantastica. Grazie!
You’ve given us so many brilliant and entertaining blogs, Louise, but you have saved the best for last. The years have already given you many lessons about saying goodbye – to family members, to pets, to a career, to communities of friends, and to another home that you and Louis built with love as the foundation. It does seem that every goodbye is a new lesson and that past experiences with loss do not make a new one any less painful or poignant. As in the past, I know that you will leave behind people who will miss you dreadfully, but who will continue to be a part of your life because our web of friendships is what keeps us aloft. You extend and reinforce this web with the exquisite writing and photography of your blog. This one ends, but I await with joyful anticipation the next!
Hilary – you are the one who should be writing. Your eloquence humbles me, as do your sentiments. The web of friendships not only keeps us aloft – it catches us when we fall. Thanks for always being there.
Alle guten Wünsche für euch in der Zukunft. Schade für mich. Ich liebe Rapallo und habe immer in deinen Blog geschaut. Ich bin jedes Jahr im Juni in Rapallo. Zwei Mal mit den Fahrrad von Salzburg. Viele Grüße, Ernestus
All good wishes for you in the future. Too bad for me. I Love Rapallo and have always looked in your blog. I am every year in June in Rapallo. Twice with the bicycle from Salzburg. Regards, Ernestus
Thank you, Ernestus. I have wonderful memories of two visits to Salzburg, but can’t imagine riding a bike from there to here! The wonderful thing about Rapallo is that she seems timeless – I’m so looking forward to my own return visits here. If I see a Salzburg bicycle (? how would I know ?) I’ll flag you down!
Seems like an idyllic life..what prompted this decision? I ask as I contemplate the future for us…..many of our friends are selling the suburban home and buying in town (Philadelphia). Lots more discussing some kind of change.
Jan, I’ll reply in an e-mail – you ask a good question. a presto
How sad in a way. I understand the moving on concept, but you two have created such a wonderful place there, certainly for us, but also for so many others. We weren’t coming this year anyway but were hoping to catch you next year in Liguria, but alas – another time another place! We love you guys, you did some amazing things on that hillside and we always loved tucking up that hill to visit and chat with you over the years.
Love – Wells & Anne
Thank you, Wells and Anne – as you know, we poured our hearts and souls into Casa della Palma. Some great memories of your visits here, always lively. And so great to meet members of your posse. I’ll reply to you in an e-mail… baci!
Dear farfalla. Being a frequent visitor to Rapallo: three times allready this year, I was so looking forward to bumping into you sometime. Sadly, it is not to be. Buona fortuna nella vostra traslocho.
Well phooey, John, I wish we had met. I think I’m going to envy you your frequent visits to Rapallo. I have every intention of returning, but perhaps not 3 x in one year! Grazie tanto per i visiti al mio blog…
Good luck in your new life.
Thanks, Debra. I’ll still be following Bagni di Lucca (but not til there’s a bit more time, in a month).
In bocca al lupo!
Grazie tanto. La futura e’ sempre aperta!
best of luck
Thanks, whoever you are, and thanks for visiting.
Best of luck in your move. Better luck in finding real (Italian) food in the US. Well, unless you are moving to one of the “Little Italys” like in daBronx!
Oh Gil, we long ago stopped searching for good Italian food outside Italy. Actually, Speedy is such a superb cook we rarely look for any food outside his kitchen!
He sounds like my non Italian wife.
I’ll miss your comments, Gil – you’ve been such a faithful visitor.
Thanks. I’ll bug you in your new adventure. Not much happening in the woods of CT.
I first found you and Speedy when I was visiting my daughter near Trento 3 years ago, and wanted to find out what songbirds I was hearing and seeing. I’ve enjoyed receiving your blog every now and then here in Toronto, Canada,, and wish you all the best in this new stage of your lives.
Thank you Marilyn. We’ll be spending more time with the hummingbirds and cactus wrens in the great Southwest of US.
Ah, like me you’re quitting the blog! If you’re like me, you will be very relieved! Now that you’ll be in the USA once more, and I hope you’ll head toward Ct. soon and visit me on Locust Hill. I learned a lot about Italy and Tam and Willa are heading to Italy in June, very sad you won’t be there! Do hope I’ll see you soon! Love, Hat
Hatsy, I’ll get to CT one of these days, but don’t know when. Right now we’re just concentrating on extricating ourselves from Italy. What a pity we’re going just when Tam and Willa are arriving. Boo. I’m not ready to stop blogging yet – I’ll be opening a new one in the next couple of months – stay tuned.