Do you remember how it was to be young? You would leave home to meet friends at around the time you now go to bed. The day was long and you were rarely in a hurry; everything moved slowly. Now things are different. If I need a millisecond for myself I need to arrange stuff the whole time, so there is some sort of efficiency and the day can fit some ‘me time’. Do not think intense enjoyment during ‘me time’: it is mostly looking at the ceiling, dead, happy that no one is demanding anything from me.
This whole thing with the camper made us young again. So when I received a message from Alex C. somewhere in the north of France, (day 3 of our trip or so) that he would give a party in Italy to celebrate his 40th birthday together with four other 40-year-old friends, we decided to go. Because we are young and because we can. Who cares about the initial idea of travelling through b-roads, coast by coast around France? This is why we have vague plans: to be able to NOT follow them! We started taking the highways instead, and started driving as quickly as we could to make it to the party. It would be a surprise not only for Alex, but also for Riccardo and Domenico, for old Delft’s sake.
To be honest I thought Martijn wasn’t serious when he said ‘let’s go’. Not only because we should all of a sudden start rushing, but also because the party was somewhere in the mountains of Umbria, in something like a forest with something like a building. Google street view showed narrow rural uphill roads: the camper could no way fit. If we could make it width-wise and not fall to the side, we would definitely hit the side trees because of our height. ‘Jesus Martijn, the kids..’ Martijn would have a constant smile and his usual ‘komt goed’ attitude. We also convinced ourselves that if we don’t manage to arrive we would still enjoy Italy for longer than we initially thought. Ok then, let’s do it.
The last 15 minutes of the route I was holding my breath. Mostly because the road wasn’t that bad and I thought it would get bad anytime. Imagine, being 10 min far from the party and unable to reach it. No way.
And then it happened: 50 m from the ‘house’ we could not pass because of the trees. I jumped out to ask for help, with Martijn screaming: noooo, you will ruin the surprise. Alex saw me, hugs, nice to see you etc and then they got right at work: with a ladder and ropes and covers to hold the trees so we can pass with as little scratches as possible. Bingo. We parked in the perfect spot for the kids to be able to sleep while mom and dad party.
Great party, amazing people, lovely location and our beloved friends – what more do u want. Thank you zio for saying I looked the same. Even if it was dark and you probably changed your mind the morning after, it is the greatest compliment I can receive after 10 years and two pregnancies. #zioforevergrateful
I installed an app to check the music level cause apparently louder than 80dbs could create ‘permenent hearing loss’ at (little) Alex. Ups. I did my checks, we were safe. Poor Alex. His first party was a bit loud. He woke up many times and the last dj gave up at around 09:00 am. Which is after we woke up for breakfast! It is nice to be young again!
The day after there were ‘corpses’ spread all over. More chit chatting and more catch ups with great views. We confirmed once again Italians are intensely enjoying life and moved on to enjoy more of this incredible country.
