Today is the day. Today is the day I am leaving for Italy. I can't help but feel excited as I slip into my car after my shift from work. I purposely worked the night shift last night so I would be able to sleep during the long flight. After moving back home to care for my mom, I went from a full time ICU nurse to PRN, or as needed. Basically I can make my own schedule which was helpful in caring for my mom, able to just pick up shifts when I was able to. A shift was just what I needed to keep my mind occupied and help time pass until it was time to leave for the airport.
By the time I am finally able to go through all the security checks and board the plane, I am thoroughly tired and exhausted. Once I get situated in my seat and close my eyes, I fall into a deep sleep almost immediately, sleeping away the majority of the plane ride.
I slowly come back to my senses when I feel someone nudge my shoulder, prompting me to open my eyes.
"Hey. We are about to land." I hear the person in the seat next to me say. I briefly mumble a thanks and go about trying my best to stretch, feeling a stiffness in my neck from the angle I fell asleep in.
I look out the window and find that I am unable to look at much scenery as it is pitch black out. I look at my phone to find it is about midnight here, as Italy is six hours ahead of what I am used to. I go through the motions of getting off the plane and getting my luggage. Luckily, it is relatively easy to get a cab at this hour. Easier than I expected.
Once I get settled in the cab, I pull up the address of the rental villa and rattle it off to the driver. I stare out the window during the drive, taking in the scenery in the dark. From what I can see, the landscape is beautiful. I can only imagine what it will look like during the day. The drive goes quickly and before I know it we are in front of the rental villa. I grab my luggage and stand in the porch of the villa as the cab drives away, ignoring the rain that begins drizzling from the sky.
Even though it is dark out, I can tell that the villa is more beautiful in person, the pictures not serving it justice. I may have splurged and spent more than I typically would have on a rental, but I can already tell it will be well worth it. A beautiful two story stucco villa with greenery throughout the house.
I walk up to the door and open the lock box hanging on the door with the code I was given. Once opened, I retrieve the key and unlock the door, stepping inside. My clothes are slightly saturated with rain, and a few droplets fall onto the dark hardwood floor.
The hardwood floors covering the majority of the first floor are beautiful, met with neutral walls that are covered with Italian art. A large stone fireplace takes up a wall in the living room. I continue through the villa and make my way up the staircase, locating the master bedroom among several other rooms upstairs.
I toss my suitcases on the bed and grab the first pair of shorts and t shirt I see, heading to the bathroom. My muscles are sore from the position I slept in on the plane during the long plane ride. I take in the large bathroom briefly, admiring how modern it is, but am more focused on turning on the shower and relaxing my muscles.
Once undressed, I step under the hot water. My muscles immediately start relaxing as the hot water soothes them. I make quick work of washing my hair and my body before stepping out. Despite sleeping on the entire flight, I still find myself tired, most likely a mix of exhaustion from my night shift and jet lag. I brush my teeth and crawl into the bed, the cool silk sheets caressing my skin. My head barely hits the pillow before my eyes close, leading me to fall into a deep sleep.
******
I wake up the next morning to sunlight shining through my room, burning my eyes. Still half asleep, I roll onto my back and stretch, my muscles loosening. I stand up and go straight to the window, wanting to take in this beautiful country. I look out my window and am met with a beautiful green pasture. This is one of the reasons I chose this villa. Not only was it beautiful, but it was more secluded than the other rental properties and had a beautiful landscape. Trees are scattered throughout the yard along with wildflowers. I have a feeling I will be spending a lot of time there, enjoying the scenery.
