Work creates a structure in our lives. A steady job circumscribes our time. Instead of circadian rhythms, we adapt to corporate rhythms, rising with the echoes of old punch clocks and factory whistles, timing our commute to the tides of…
Author: Jill Hackett
Surprising God
Marrakesh, Morocco, in Riad Omar. Sitting inside a beautiful traditional red and green tent, having dinner on top of a riad in Marrakech, I am discussing the Call to Prayer with Jamal. Jamal is a shopkeeper who has offered to…
My two Italian husbands
Citta della Pieve, Umbria. “Call me. I can do anything for you. AN-knee-theeng.” This strange man had just thrust his card in front of my face, so close that even with my reading glasses on, I had not a prayer…
Phone home (cheaply)!
I often get asked about inexpensive ways to call the US from abroad, and there are some easy steps to take to phone home–and save some money. Does your phone have the right frequency? If you are not sure what…
About packing
Check out www.onebag.com . This website has a good packing list, as does Rick Steves’ website, www.RickSteves.com . For more than a month, you may not be able to get everything in one bag, but it is a helpful place…
“Make me Harry Potter!”
As I was installing a lightning bolt on this British lad’s forehead, a la Harry Potter, his older brother watched carefully, and then signed up for a shooting star on his forehead: Harry Potter and Merlin as relatives!
It was indeed a day full of magic. Once a year Paciano offers
Gershwin and the Knights of Malta
Maggione. Opening night, in June. Built 9 centuries ago, between 1150 and 1170, the Castle of the Knights of Malta is impeccably restored, and is the first castle I have seen that I have ever wanted to live in. The…
Dealing with people’s reactions
When you share your plans: “I’m going to Italy for two (or three) months!” be prepared to handle the reactions. You’ll find three main reactions. 1.The detractors, who will try to tarnish or take your dream. (For example: “It…
Dreams are one thing, having them another.
It sounds like it should be a simple choice, when the opportunity presents itself, to grab that brass ring. But it isn’t always. I first learned this when my daughter asked for a trip to Europe with me as her…
Italy is not a good place to experience suffering
Every Christmas day, in the fondo of Palazzo della Corgna, the terzieri of Castello presents inspirational scenes for the season (called a presepe). It is Castello’s gift of the season to the community. Castello is one of three terzieri’s (a…