Day 34, April 2.

I’ve been in Italy for a few days but I didn’t see the real Italy I know and absolutely love until today: Mantova. Absolutely beautiful very old small city. The feeling it had was unlike anywhere else I’ve been on this trip. So peaceful and serene yet at the same time active—especially in the evening as we left the book signing to get an ice cream before we left, and the entire feeling of the place had risen a few notches.

The book signing itself was a trip. We did it like we did it last time. There were only 5 people in the audience but it was a very lively audience that asked great questions. I was giving what I thought were great answers. The feeling seemed really good, even despite their intellects.

A couple of times in the middle of the presentation both Chiara and I had the thought, “This is going so much better even than last night.” Except they were not interested in the answers (except for the bookstore owner—she listened!). They were only interested in what they already knew, and they did not want to know this. They didn’t even buy the book. Apparently most were a particular brand of psychoanalysts, and so far as they were concerned, that was all there was. It would make a great instructive video of “Even though you’re apparently doing everything right, it isn’t enough sometimes.” It happens.

Driving to Bologna afterwards to drop me off, Allesandro, Chiara and I had a great talk. Monica was a most wonderful host, and I am very happy to be published with her company. Parenting from the Heart comes next.

I’m feeling a little better but not even close to 100%. I’m so hoping this doesn’t turn into a bad cough like Tammy’s kid had.