Where in the World is Dakota?

Called to Go: Following the Mapmaker’s Call, One Step at a Time

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  • September 24, 2025 — Exploring the Charm of My New Italian Home

    Today I wandered the streets of the place I’m blessed to call home for the coming months. I honestly felt like I had stepped inside the pages of a novel—or at least back in time. The architecture is stunning, the history feels alive, and the air is full of anticipation for the wonderful days ahead.

    My first walk was to one of the schools, where I’ll soon be meeting some of the teachers, and then to have lunch nearby. I didn’t capture a picture of my chicken Caesar salad, but you guys—it was the largest salad I’ve ever been served! And the price? Less than $8! (I’ve spent more than that on a coffee at the drive-through!)

    After lunch, I was driven back to where I’m currently staying, but I still wanted to explore the area a bit more. So I ventured down the road to two of the town squares. Everything is absolutely gorgeous! But… rookie move—I forgot to bring an umbrella. When the thunder, lightning, and raindrops started rolling in, I kicked my lamberfeeties (my feet—thanks to a friend for the term!) into high gear.

    Guys—ragazzi—these churches I cannot get over the history I’m literally standing upon. I wandered inside just as they were open but not yet fully lit. Even in the dim light, the atmosphere was breathtaking. I can only imagine the splendor when everything is illuminated—absolutely goosebump-giving.

    Every morsel of food I’ve eaten so far has been delicious. Before coming here, I told myself I’d ease into the food, since it’s so much better and I don’t want to shock my body by gorging on all the things at once. Believe it or not, I haven’t even tried gelato yet—surprised? Me too. 😅

    The light and dark contrast this day added such a dramatic feel to my meandering through town.
    Yes, that says 1571 at the bottom!
    These paintings are massive. I can’t imagine how long it would have taken the artist to actual paint a masterpiece such as this.
    The artwork and details are simply stunning.
    Those statues at the top went all the way around that area.
    A different church-a bit darker inside but just as gorgeous. I didn’t get as many images here because it was so dark.

    I can’t get over how large these doors are-LOVE IT! This second picture is the top of my head at the door. Look how far below the cross bar I am & I’m not short by any means!

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  • September 23, 2025-Somewhere over Europe

    I’m waking up somewhere over France right now! 🇫🇷 AAHH!!

    Okay okay… I’m getting ahead of myself—let’s take it back to yesterday.

    First off, I’m proud of myself for calmly (and mostly anxiety-free) navigating my way into Canada 🇨🇦. Let’s be honest… I’m thankful for the abundance of arrows, signs, and partition walls. 😂 But really—for anyone who’s traveled with me in the past—I was ACTUALLY cool as a cucumber (thank you, mental health work!). I did get a bit turned around, but I used my big girl words and asked for some assistance.

    Anyway, the Canadian layover (5 hours) was NOT as arduous as I’d imagined. I walked a few laps of the entire area—much to my back’s dismay. Still haven’t mastered packing light yet… keyword: yet! 🙂

    I met a lovely, well-seasoned-in-life couple from Iowa (I won’t hold that against them, since they aren’t holding it against me that I’m originally from Nebraska… hehe).

    While waiting to board, I met another lovely human on her way to play violin at a wedding in Italy—literally for just three songs! I bet it’s going to sound absolutely beautiful, and I can’t wait to search the internet later for recordings of her playing. I hope she enjoys her vacation before heading back to work!

    On this flight, I’ve had the pleasure of sitting in front of a newlywed couple from St. Louis on their honeymoon! How exciting!! With the stress of planning a wedding (they were just married—literally), they don’t have a ton of plans beyond their general itinerary. So of course, I’ve been happily sharing a plethora of my Type A, thoroughly researched ideas. 😂

    I seriously wish them the best as they start this new chapter. I pray they always keep dating each other, communicate openly, and remember they’re a team—no matter what life throws their way. Hopefully, lots of delicious food and beautiful memories await them!

    Travel tip for my tall friends: Pay the slight extra for the exit row—major leg room! The only downside is that the bathroom is usually nearby, so it can be a high-traffic area. Honestly, it hasn’t bothered me at all (and no unpleasant… um… odors either 😅).

    Also—I’M FREEZING. Yes, I know… a very rare moment for me. But here we are.

    362 km until we land—about an hour! EEK!! I’m eagerly checking out the window as we descend. Still just lots of bright, white clouds. I’m glad my body woke me up when it did, even though I only got about 3 or 4 hours of sleep—way better than the 20 minutes the night before!

    Once I land and handle all the airport things in this brand-new country, I’ll have to figure out how to navigate to and from the train station (treno stazione). I’m instantly reminded of a VERY WRONG stop I once made on the New York subway at 2 a.m. 😬

    It’s going to be just fine—promise. And if not… well, I’m sure an entertaining story will come out of it. I’ll definitely keep you posted on how it all goes.

    We’re descending more now, and the Swiss Alps are just below. Come on clouds—move over! I’ve got new things to see!

    Ciao for now! 🇮🇹✈️

    All the leg room!
    The Swiss Alps

  • September 22, 2025-Let the Adventure Begin!

    Holy crap! I’m doing it!!
    I’m on my first flight on my way to moving to freaking Italy. Like… what?! Who am I, and what the hell am I thinking?! LOL.

    If I weren’t the one physically sitting here, I’d say this was a joke or a dream. I also can’t believe I’m still awake. I only slept about 20 minutes—30 if I’m lucky—before Elizabeth picked me up. I’ve nodded off a few times, but I’m REALLY pushing myself to stay awake until tonight’s flight.

    Getting all of my luggage through DIA was quite comical, if I do say so myself. The strap I used to hold my two large black bags together was SO helpful. I would’ve been a complete disaster without it. The new security updates DIA implemented were smooth—no issues at all. Well, except both my carry-on and personal item were flagged… for my squishy cube and makeup remover wipes. Strange—but nothing wrong!

    We just officially flew over Toronto—first time seeing Canada! Woo!

    I met a kind stranger while boarding, and we had a casual conversation about why we were each flying. He was… not floored, but maybe astonished, that I’m just getting on a plane and moving to Italy. Never been there, just doing it. I guess it really is astonishing—or stupid—one of the two. :)

    But really, I’m just walking in obedience to where I’ve been led and called to go.

    This stranger also suggested I should write a book—knowing I’m doing this blog. Maybe I will… actually use that master’s degree I paid for, haha. Funny enough, he isn’t the first person—someone who knows nothing about me—to say that. Maybe they’ve all been messengers from the Big Man Himself. I know this man would be one person to buy my book—1 is better than none!

    I don’t think any of this felt truly real until the plane actually took off. Up until that moment, I was pretty terrified and questioning if I was doing the right thing. But deep down, I know I am. I also know God didn’t stay behind at DIA—He’s right here with me, and He’s already in all the tomorrows I can’t see yet.

    As someone wise once told me: One day at a time.

    Let the adventure begin!

    Elizabeth dropping me off at the airport beofre the ass crack dawn!
    Me & my luggage

    Goodbye Colorado!

    Hello Canada!

  • Where in the World is Dakota?

    Welcome to my Travel Blog as I wander around Europe!