Thanksgiving

This year I got the chance of spending the Thanksgiving in USA, and not just in any place but New York. It is a really big and nice city. I was walking around and recognizing places I’ve seen only in movies: like Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Empire State building, east Village (where I was looking for my ‘Friends’ to say hi :) ), Lincoln Center, Queens, Manhattan… Some time ago I was not even dreaming of this. But now is happening. Some pictures available here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/validineata/sets/72157603289763259/

What is Thanksgiving? Well… I was used to think of this holiday like another opportunity for Americans to eat and to shop. The family is gathering to eat the turkey and the next day (“Black Friday”) they are enjoying all the sales. Which are something that you cannot ignore. But if you are visiting New York and you have just 2 and half days to do that, shopping is on the bottom of the list then.

Beginning with this year I start thinking of Thanksgiving like an opportunity to summarize my year. I took a break from feelings I used to have during the year: being angry, being sad, pretending to be happy, being happy, being scared, being stressed, missing someone… and I felt a new and a great feeling: being thankful for all good and bad things that happened this year. The good ones made me happy and from the bad ones I learnt to be stronger.

This is why…
- I’m thankful for having the greatest friends. (What makes them so great is the fact that they are my friends even if they know me :) ).
- I’m thankful for travelling so much this year. This year I saw the USA for the first time. Chicago was love at first sight. Now I discovered that New York is great too. This was not my first visit there, but this was the one that made me feel I love this city too. Is a big difference to visit a city by taxi or by walking around and feeling his spirit. This year I visited Amsterdam (and met old and good friends there) and also England with his great London, old castles, York, Wolverhampton (where I met another good and old friend).
- I’m thankful I’m healthy.
- I’m thankful that I still can dream.
- I’m thankful that my brother got married with a great person who loves him and which he loves.
- I’m thankful that my parents are getting old in a nice way.
- I’m thankful that my credit card is locked and now I spend only if I really need something :)
- I’m thankful for having a good job that allows me to travel and to help my family.
- I’m thankful for having you in my life.