Soundtrack

Back one year ago, in January, Martin Solveig's Hello was played endlessly on the slopes of Bardonecchia, soundtrack to abundant clumsiness and falls on the snow.

When February came, Skin's You saved me popped up quite a few times on the radio and in my email box.

In March I was dancing with the Black Eyed Peas for my birthday, so in April well-deserved rest and peace came with the beautiful soothing voice of Patrizia Laquidara.

May was a though month, from many sides. Music seemed to stop healing, me just longing for the summer to arrive and the Italian radio streaming from my computer Arriverà.

And summer finally came. With summer came rebirth of energy and hope. June was brightened by little trips, sun and a bit of rock. July was simply great: my New York moment of happiness and fulfillment. August misled me and served me a mix of bright sunshine and a little bitterness. As always, it was a matter of waves and winds.

In September I tried to change direction and Noel Gallagher accompanied me, while in October I had to get tougher on my resolutions and face the emptiness of words and promises.

Despite everything, November brought me in Africa once again, where the sun was hot again, animals were wild, villages were poor but dreaming was not only possible, it was real. Until December was back and, as we know, Thank God it's Christmas.

Sylvester

The sky has been clear the whole day, the air chilly and sparkling, the winter sun shining as much as it could afford. Enough to make one regret that it's the last day of the year.

For once, a peaceful handover to the new year. No sensational discoveries, no exotic destinations, no exciting encounters.

In this hamlet on the side of a forgotten mountain in South Europe, a blood red sunset closes dramatically the show of another year in our lives. A good one or a bad one? If 2010 is the benchmark, outperforming was too easy a task. 

A number of memorable events, people and trips, sure - and a few others better to forget. Tomorrow will be a beautiful day and another opportunity for a beautiful start.

Christmas three - or four

So this is Christmas. And so it is gone.

Buying presents, visiting family, eating too much, getting a flu from one of the kids, maybe.
Same as one year ago, nothing like the years before, not sure about the next ones. Christmas in Rio next year?

I'll be gone soon. A Christmas tree too big to decorate will overstay me here.

Happy new year

Buon 2011 da Marrakesh!