Arrivederci

The winds have calmed down and the sea is a bit smoother. We check the Internet one last time to make sure the weather is in our favor and head out. Our sails are unfurrowed and our course is marked at 83° due east. We leave Italy and the site of land heading for the Ionian islands of Greece. I have grown to love Italy and the Italian people. When I think back upon these past couple of weeks all the sights we have seen are recalled like a photo album in my mind, but the people are recorded in my heart. They are very proud of their country, but are more loyal to their regions. They also have an incredible regard for their monuments of history, but don’t seem to mind spray painting graffiti on the walls of ancient ruins. They view foreigners as an invasion on this little piece of heaven, but welcome you into their hearts without reservation. There is a dichotomy about them that is both frustrating and endearing. Such kindness and love have been shown us all along the way. We could not have made it through Italy without their help and generosity.