11 November 2021 | Off to another half-marathon after a mediocre finish in Helsinki, I packed my bag (and a better pair of running shoes) once more and headed southward, this time to Italy. But taking advantage of the occasion and maximizing the time & opportunity, it was wise to likewise explore nearby provinces,. Arrival point was in Bergamo, the second most popular city in Lombardy (next to Milan), a mixture of old & new town distinctly characterized and notably identified by its literally higher medieval grounds in Citta Alta at its core, where most of the historically relevant tourist destinations are located. In sunny days, the place is a picture of vibrance but in weary days it appears as a peaceful site, serenity at the finest. Glad to catch a glimpse of the middle-ground with autumn just about to end and the colder months about to begin – that I ended up having a nice round of hike up the hill decoratively walled in massive Venetian defensive systems; these series of photos as hotshot evidences.

Needless to say, there are a lot of Bergamos in our life, at different junctions, on various circumstances, and in several occasions. Looking back at the decisions I had to make, opportunities I had to let go, and the places I have been to before I came to where I am right now, I would say the lessons (regrets, what-ifs, and mistakes included), were the Bergamos I didn’t plan about or ask for but essentially rolled the dice and kicked things into motion leading me to where I am now. Following the same cycle and pattern, living this current life that I, for a fact, never cared to dream, may just be another Bergamo to my Milan. But, only time will tell.

Bergamo might turn out to be not just  another stepping stone in the future, after all.