On becoming a dreamer and lover.

For young Italians, the future may be outside of Italy. Maybe in the U.S. or in the Scandinavian countries or elsewhere in Europe. Where they can find jobs. Maybe young Italians need something different than their homeland. Maybe when they retire, returning to Italy will be a good and wise decision.  Then they can truly enjoy Italy.  Exactly what I’m doing now. As a retired American. Living in Italy for up to half a year. With my Italian true love. Meanwhile, she isn’t retired. But still, she has the opportunity to spend summers living with me in Minnesota. We each have the best of two worlds. I encourage young Italians to start exploring second and third worlds. To learn English or German or French or Chinese. Anything that broadens their vistas and opportunities and understandings.  Oh, it’s all right to stay in Italy, too. To make the best of it. To learn how to truly live without getting hugely monetarily rich. Instead, put the emphasis on culture and learning and appreciating the relatively inexpensive pleasures of life.  Good art. Good books. The great outdoors.  Learn to converse with strangers.  Cultivate a handful of true friends. Find a true love.  Maybe of a different nationality. A different perspective/persuasion. Yes, become a dreamer. A lover of life.  –Jim Broede