Christmas in Italy
by Marc Gunn

I consider myself a very fortunate person. In 1985, my mother moved to Italy to work at a American Military Base in Italy. So I had some great summer vacations and I got to spend Christmas in Italy a few times, sometimes even selling flowers in the markets of Padova, Italy.

After graduation from college, the trips grew less, but last Winter, I had another wonderful Christmas in Italy, and I want to take you on the journey with me.

This is my Christmas story. Despite a host of problems, Italy always has and still holds a special place in my heart. Without further adieu, I bring you my Christmas in Italy.

Oh, Give Me A Home, Where the Gondoliers Row...

Italia! Am I there yet? I'm getting really excited. I had a wonderful weekend outdoors and watching movies, and eating delicatable pastas, and now I'm ready to go off to the boot across the ocean.

I want to eat Asiago cheese. I want to see snow-topped mountains, drive through mountain passes. I want to smell the fresh Italian mountain air and hear cow bells. I want to walk among buildings that are centuries old. I want to smell the flowers in the markets. I want to drink Lavazza! I want to have jam session with Italians. I want to write music. I want to take photos of things you just don't see anywhere else in the world. I want to walk through fields. I want Fiat's to pass us at 60mph in three-foot visibility fog. I want to play with my Pekingneses and cats. I want to curl up and read under my mothers airy afghan. I want to wander the markets of Cammisano. I want to eat bracciola and drink San Pelligrino acqua. I am ready to return to Italy!!!

A part of me just wants to jump train and leave it all behind. Live forever like a good Italian son...with his mother. ;)

But I can't deny the fact that our music is progressing forward and I want it to continue to do so. I am aching to make music my livelihood. So for now, I must just take a break to plan for our next move, to feel inspired to book gigs that will propel our music careers forward and inspire others in the process. For now, I will just rest relax and pray.

Murphy's Law Takes Over

Dang that bloody law! Yeah, two days ago I'm running down some steps, and I sprained my ankle like a fool. Right before I leave for Italy too! Blast it all! Ah well. That'll teach me. I don't know WHAT it'll teach me, but I can hope.

Well, tonight I leave for Italy. I've a long road ahead. I'm driving up to Dallas as soon as I finish packing. Hit the cruise control and then crash in the DFW airport so I don't miss my flight. Meantime, I'm all set with a new camera that kicks arse. And I'll be bringing my autoharp for an Italian jam session, my personal journal and, of course, the Lord of the Rings to read since it looks like I wont' be able to SEE the movie until next year, blast it!

So tell me if I forgot anything and wish everyone a wonderful holiday season! Don't know if I'll be writing here or not. Hope to, but no guarantees, and I don't want to spend all my time on a computer too!) Take care!

Back Safe and Sound

Wow! There's so much to talk about I feel intimadated about even beginning! So let me start by saying Italy was incredible. It was an adventure, a challenge, a joy, a sorrow, rollercoaster ride of emotions and worth every minute!

So since I'm not sure where to begin, we'll start with...the beginning.

Christmas in Italy | Christmas in Italy Air Travel to Frankfurt | Train Travel to Italy | Christmas Eve in Italy | Christmas Day in Italy | La Festa di San Stefano | Vicenza Italy | Padua Italy and Italian Countryside | Trip to Venice Rained Out | Camisano Open Air Market | Veneto Antique Market | Links | Venice Italy, My Home Away From Home |

Copyright 2003 Marc Gunn
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