I flew over the Alps early this week on my way to northern Italy.
It was like entering a shining realm of purity. The sun was setting and its rays were bathing the peaks in a light the colour of amaranth. I would have spent the rest of my life up there.
 This experience gave a whole different meaning to the line thrown by George Clooney in his recent movie “Up in the Air”. When he finally manages to collect 10 million miles and is asked by Sam Elliott where his home is. “Here” is Clooney’s answer.
Ten million miles is not really a goal of mine but I do happen to do some of my best thinking on planes.
Once I start looking at the sad BA food, usually thoughts come to me….
I took off from Turin last night, on a delayed flight to Gatwick and I started thinking about the Po valley below me. I thought of my ancestors who walked and worked its land. I thought of all years I have been gone from Italy.
All of a sudden, they seemed to stretch between the plane and the ground… on a fluorescent silk ribbon… lighting up the winter sky.
I thought of all the people I have met. Those who still remember me and those who have forgotten.
When I got home, I found a Facebook message waiting for me… from an old friend… one I had not heard of for the exact number of years I have been gone.
Wouldn’t you agree… life does work in mysterious ways!
|
|
