for years i have wanted to travel to scotland and italy, but i have never made it a reality for one reason or another. in november of 2010 my father's younger brother herbert passed away at the age of 83.
 |
| uncle herbert |
|
two months later my father's older brother johnny died at the age of 93.
 |
| uncle johnny |
neither of my uncles had children, and they were both generous toward my sisters and me in their passing. this trip is being funded by their generosity and my uncle johnny in particular is part of the inspiration for this trip. my uncle herbert always said i didn't know enough to come out of the rain. i have a feeling i will have many opportunities to prove him right! i am grateful to both of my uncles.
 |
| my uncle john, aunt elenor, my nonna, uncle herbert, and my father in their younger years. |
cleaning out my uncle john's house i found this picture.
 |
| uncle johnny is the second from the right |
this was his seventeenth birthday. he was born on thanksgiving, and it looks like perhaps the turkey in the basket was going to help him celebrate with his friends.
 |
| uncle johnny in the army. getting ready to go to europe |
uncle johnny was part of a bike club in the thirties that would ride 100 miles on their balloon tire bikes. how cool is that?
my mom's parents came from scotland and my dad's parents came from italy. like i said, having never been there i wanted to go. loving bikes, that seemed the best way to travel.
i start my journey tomorrow, where i go and what i do are still a mystery. i have this loose idea of scotland to italy, but i am open to what happens. i will be bringing a harness and rock climbing shoes. my butt may get sore and i could hop on a train. it will be a journey and i am excited.
