Reflections on My 39 Years in Umbria

Well, here I am - a new blogger. Who knows why, even though I have always felt I had things to communicate, I resisted becoming a blogger? It is much like my many years' resistance to writing a Christmas letter to my friends near and far: I resisted for so long, perhaps thinking it was "less" than a personal note, only to soon become convinced that it is an ideal vehicle since over the years my Christmas card list has grown.
The Internet has changed so many things in our lives: for an expat like me it has lessened the distance and increased the quality of communication among people of like interests. It is my new association with friends at SlowTrav which has introduced me to the world of blogging and of sharing reflections, experiences, interests...and a love for Italy, "my" country since 1969. I thank you for your blogs, have read them with delight and curiosity...and always with admiration for your naturalness in sharing your lives.
So, hopefully with some encouragement from some of you, I will give it a try. Wish me luck as I try to put into words, from time to time, a bit of my EXHILIRATING JOURNEY FROM LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA TO UMBRIA 39 YEARS AGO!