I drove from lake Garda over to Bologna to stay one night close to the airport, as I took an early morning flight from Bologna to Madrid. I was nervous about leaving my car and most of my belongings in it in a car park for the duration of my trip, but all went well on that front!

Flying has always felt special to me. You need to switch off your phone and other electronic devices and are more or less forced to stop for a bit to think and reflect. Of course, my time off in Italy is much about that in general, but still being at the airport and in an aircraft felt special, the same way it always does to me. It’s also so interesting to observe the people at the airport; they come from everywhere around the world and there is a feeling of excitement, frustration, goodbyes and adventure in the air. I sat next to two elderly Italian ladies in the airplane who just couldn’t contain their excitement about their trip to Madrid, with their travel guides and attempts to glance some views outside of the airplane window. Other, more experienced travelers, are often so deeply engrossed in their own world that they hardly recognize anything happening around them. People are so busy to get in and out and the aspect of personal space gets a whole new dimension in the crammed aircrafts. I also always pay a lot of attention to the flight attendants and how they interact with the passengers.

Even after this short stay in Italy for about a month I started to reflect on my journey. What was funny about traveling via air this time, was the lack of the usual expectant feeling on returning home. This time I wasn’t returning to Helsinki Vantaa airport, but to Italy. One night in Bologna didn’t quite give me the feeling of returning home yet, so it was a strange, new feeling altogether. Continuing my journey. I did get a tiny glimpse of the feeling I assume I will eventually get; the yearning to return home. Or will I? As a miniature summary on my journey reflection I came to the conclusion that I am definitely on the right path. A suitable quote came to mind: “it feels good to be lost in the right direction”.

My trip to Madrid was such a delight. I had already visited Tomi once in summer of 2018, and it has never really been about sightseeing or exploring the city in the traditional tourist way, but rather about spending quality time with that very dear friend of mine. This trip was about us – welcoming the new year, and doing a yoga retreat together.

I will be honest in admitting that the yoga retreat was heavy and quite rocky road. We took trial passes to Bikram yoga and really sweated it all out during this extremely challenging, infrared heated class we took every day during the visit. The first class felt fatal, and neither of us knew whether we would come out of it alive. The heat, the new yoga practice for both of us and the extremely strict, yet motivating instructor, Keila, was a dangerous combination. It was impressive, how she knew every yoga students name, motivated each one of us to push ourselves harder and nearly made us shit our pants out of fear - in good way, though. We also had no idea that the class takes 90 minutes and the first one felt like 679,9 minutes of torture with a risk of a bursting bladder.

On the second day there was even half-serious discussion about skipping the entire class, but we toughened up and went through with it with glory. Even though we came close to death during classes, hysteria was present when discussing them afterwards with the people we got to know there and the general awkwardness of being new and having no clue of what to wear, how to act in the changing rooms and all the practices around yoga towels and other class-related logistics (+ me speaking three words of Spanish). I am proud to announce that I am now motivated to continue with Bikram after this trial also in Italy – the over-all benefit to the entire body and mind was evident, despite my fierce love-hate relationship towards this sport. Long live Bikram Yoga and Keila!

We also fitted in a visit to the Christmas Garden “Las Luces del real Jardin Botanico” in the Botanical Gardens, which was fantastic! My best friend knows me too well, as botanical gardens and fairy lights are two of my favorite things in the world! The ambiance was magical and the crowds of people didn’t affect it much as the masses got distributed nicely around the huge park area in the sold-out spectacle. The design of the light show was a peculiar mix of mind-blowing, beautiful elements combining simple light effects with the plants and trees and tackiness (with an emphasis on the mind-blowing bits, though), one installation also contained a special music element. The show made me think of Lux Helsinki. What a wonderful idea to create this magical Christmas garden – we really enjoyed it! Here are some snapshots of the best light installations:

Christmas Garden pics from “Las Luces del real Jardin Botanico"

Furthermore, we had a warm-hearted dinner with friends, met up with the extraordinary Tarot card and palm reader Fabiola, did some interior decorating in Tomi’s new studio, did a photo shooting session and several home concerts, walked a ton, had soulful discussions, as well as meals together, all with a focus on wellbeing and wellness.

Dinner with friends, party looks and new plants

After returning to Bologna, my mind was occupied with thoughts around friendship. What does friendship mean to you?

I have come to the conclusion that it is surprisingly rare to find such people in life, who firstly, listen to you, and who in addition actually hear you. I firmly believe that people can only get to know someone else as deeply as they know themselves. How phenomenal is it to be blessed with friends, who truly see you as you are – the pretty and not-so-pretty parts you’re made of? Whom you can openly speak to about any topic in the world, even the most embarrassing and awkward ones. Whom you can get the total hysterics with, get challenged by without judgement and reminded by to drink enough water after Bikram yoga. Someone who you can buy new plants with and waltz around the streets carrying them while considering most suitable plant names (final decision: Nicco, Valentina and Ricarda).

Someone, who promises to warm you up with the hairdryer, when the January cold surprises you in Madrid and there is a risk of you freezing while sleeping on the couch, but eventually shares their own bed with you with the increased risk of hypothermia. Someone you can travel with for a week, without major disagreements or world wars. Someone you can chat with for hours on the phone and do a deep analysis about your true essences with the odd diversion to other random topics and pets. Someone, who would drop everything and be there for you on your wedding day on a Tuesday in London and top up your wine glass when shit hits the fan. Someone, who you can hold accountable for regarding stuff you decide to commit to together (or ignore all of it and have a laugh about it). Someone you can go crazy with on the dance floor and have smoothies with. Someone to exchange the best Netflix and book tipps with. Someone you can hang out with in total silence while feeling 100 % comfortable.

For me friendship is about sharing, caring, challenging and supporting one another on the journey to finding true authenticity – in whatever shape or format this plays out in your energetics. It’s not always comfortable and fun (although mostly it is), but that’s the only way growth can take place. Friendship is about being there for one another, yet providing the required space when needed, like a modern dance performance or piano ballad. Some friendships require more frequent contact than others and that’s ok. Some friends are family members and some family members are friends and family members.

I am grateful for having true friends in my life. Friendship is precious to me and the real essence of it does get highlighted, when you take off alone into the world. Even though one could practically say I am alone here, I am not alone, thanks to you. Also being a true friend is something I want to make an effort in. Big love and cheers to all my friends out there ❤️

A special tribute to Tomi - thank you for having me over and for always having my back - you are the best.

A picture about Madrid, friendship and New Year's Eve

Now - Bologna calling! I will be exploring the city; its’ rich food culture, museums and of course churches over the next two weeks & am hyped about my first visitor from back home. Keep an eye on my update soon!

Stay well & bacio! Cass 💋