Postcard from Assisi

"Would you like to join us?" the couple asks me, after I walk past them a second time on a warm summer evening on the patio of an Italian country villa.  Staying at an agriturismo, a working vineyard near Assisi, I am wide awake and absorbing every detail of the beautiful countryside of Umbria.  Observing the couple playing a board game together, I want to talk to them, but I am hesitant to speak having no idea of their nationality.  But my new friends, who are Dutch and know at least three languages, speak to me in English as they watch me walk by once again.  Somehow they know I am an American.  We begin a conversation that will last for many years.  For the next three evenings, we meet at the same time and place and enjoy each other's company immensely.  When we part, we agree to keep in touch and we do.  Over the years, we have traveled to each other's homes and met each other's families.  Why do I travel?  To share conversation, perspectives, and lives with friends from another country.  (June 2003)