Amos 9:13“Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; When the mountains will drip sweet wine and all the hills will be dissolved.”’ (NAS)
Trains are a common way of travel in Italy. Trains can traverse the Mediterranean coastline from France to the Southern tip of Italy. Travel goes through Oceanside villages, farmland, mountainous regions and ends with Vineyards hugging the coast of the Italian Riviera. The vineyards are old there, balancing in small and large fields between the town, the train tracks and the hills. Stakes made of old vines separates them, and the grapes hang off the spreading branches on the supports. People are in the fields checking on the vineyards, greenhouses, and fresh vegetables growing along the hills in verdant patches.
We stopped and made our way to a Pension (small hotel) for the night. After walking through the village, we found a local restaurant. Stepping down worn stone steps into the coolness of grotto-like surroundings, we sat to eat. The meal was pasta with fresh herbs, and tomatoes still warm from the fields sharing the plate with mozzarella drizzled with olive oil. The wine was served in a stone painted pitcher.
After the delicious meal, we found a restaurant supply store where we could buy the oil and vinegar containers, the glass Parmesan cheese holder and the stone pitchers for wine to bring home. It is not the same as being there, but pouring oil and wine and dipping cheese from these containers bring back memories of the Italian wine country.
What little things remind you of your trips and all God’s blessings?
Do you have a special place in your home where you store your travel treasures? Are they spread everywhere as a reminder?