Buenogiorno Sweet Friends!

I arrived Monday in Pistoia with the help of two Italian guardian angels. I left Milano around 8 AM to make the 9:15 train from Milano to Florence. I decided to take the bus to Milano Centrale station and I met a very nice lady who spoke no English. When I asked if the next stop was Centrale station, she shook her head no and mimed that it was 2 more stops ahead and that she was getting off there as well. I indicated that I would follow her. We could not speak the other’s language but using our hands, facial expressions and other body language, we made it work. We arrived, got off the bus, and began walking towards the station. After a few minutes walking, I realized I left my computer bag on the bus with the tablet and a few other things inside. OMG!!! And the bus was no where in sight. I indicated I had left something on the bus and she began waving her arms and pointing around the corner, seeming to “say” the bus was at the stop around the corner. I ran towards the corner and was delighted to see that the bus was indeed still there at the stop. Apparently it was the end of the line stop so it was sitting there until time to depart. I couldn’t believe it. Had she not been there, I would have just resigned myself to it being gone as I would have naturally assumed that bus had stopped briefly and gone on its way. My angel walked with me to the station, escorted me to the ticket office and showed me where to catch the train. All this without any English or thought to her time. I don’t know where she was going but I’m sure she was late because of me. I kept saying over and over, gratzi, gratzi, gratzi, a thousand times gratzi. I remain grateful for her kindness and hope someone is equally kind to her.

Thanks to her I made it to my train with one minute to spare. WHEW! I arrived in Florence and was told the train to Pistoia did not leave for 90 minutes. So, I went to a cafe for breakfast. I met the nicest woman there – Lucia. She spoke perfect English and told me she was on her way to Pistoia as well, not for the music fest but for a training workshop in the Feldenkrais Method. It’s a style of integrated medicine that improves mobility. Feldenkrais believed that self-awareness of movement would lead to improved mobility, less pain, improved circulation and better well being. It’s just now gaining popularity in the US. Lucia, who is 60, was going to the workshop to be trained in the method. We talked in the cafe and on the train. She told me many things and I found we saw life and wellness in the same way. When we arrived in Pistoia, she introduced me to her driver and he told me how to get to my hotel. We exchanged contact info and promised to keep in touch. I would not have made it to Pistoia without my two guardian angels!! I’m so grateful to them both.

Once in Pistoia, I checked into my hotel the Artemura Residence. I have an apartment with a small kitchenette that is hidden behind folding doors, a large eating/sitting area, a large bedroom and bathroom and a terrace that overlooks the garden. It’s stunning! I love it!! I went to the Piazza Duomo to figure out where to buy a ticket for the concert. Nothing was open so I decided to have some lunch at a cafe. I found a spot and requested a salad mista with every veggie they had in the kitchen on it. When I tell people I’m vegan, they immediately understand, no cheese, no meat, only veggies. It was perfect. After lunch, I went to the post office where the local ticket hub is located. I purchased my ticket for Jack Johnson and did some sightseeing.

Pistoia is a traditional Tuscan city with no skyscrapers or modern buildings. It’s pretty much historical buildings that were originated in the 11th century and rebuilt over the years. The streets are small and winding, the colors are mustard, terracotta, shades of green, orange and red. It’s so picturesque but the pix don’t do it justice. The day was a cloudy with sun peeking through but just as quickly showers would start. So I went back to the hotel to figure out what to wear to the concert. It was unseasonably cool, so the shorts and Hi-Life t-shirt from Hawaii were not going to work. I wore my ‘Shiny happy people’ t-shirt and my tie-die skirt from Hawaii. I also brought along my Hi-Life jacket from Hawaii in case it got cold.

Bambino opened for Jack Johnson and they were pretty good. The crowd loved them. He spoke very little English, but the guitar player from Boston spoke plenny! It was great! While wandering around prior to the concert, I met another couple from Hawaii – Krissy and Brian. She was born and raised there, met him on the island when he was stationed there and now they live in northern Italy where he is based. She had on a Clark Little ‘shoots’ t-shirt so of course I ran over to say HOWZIT!! You’ll know if you’re from Hawaii! We had a big time together, and I so enjoyed meeting them.

I went back to my spot down front with all the kids. It was not packed when we got there for Bambino but by the time Jack started, the Pizza was pretty full. I was right next to the stage with all the other kids, something I haven’t done in years! It was awesome! Jack was incredible. He played all his old stuff, everything I wanted to hear plus a few off his new album. The crowd ate him up. Everyone was singing along, and they knew all the words. He returned for an encore of 5-6 songs and ended around midnight. All the cafes and some shops were still open, so I roamed around to find something to eat. I found the Stickhouse, a Popsicle place with handcrafted, vegan, fruit only Popsicle. Heaven!! I had two!! I got a mango and then a kiwi. OMG, they were amazing! I went to bed happy!!

So far, Pistoia has been a wonderful experience. Can’t wait until the Johnny Lang concert. I know it will be equally great. Pictures are coming from the concert, but can’t upload them today.

Rock on kids!!