When I got an email from a dear friend about Giulia’s event, I immediately knew I was going to go for it. It was a good experience and am grateful to Giulia for organizing it. The first of the four steps was the most difficult for me to deal with. Abroad, it’s much easier to start talking to strangers, but Verona – on this front – not that receptive. In the beginning, I decided to start from a simple question like “should I get into drawing?” as the other one in my mind was too difficult to ask a stranger. I was able to talk to 4 people, the first 2 people did not answer, looked very confused and walked away quickly, the third woman was quite defensive but talked to me for a minute. Then I saw a street painter and had a lovely conversation of 5/6 minutes about drawing. I think it’s very useful to train one’s observation skills, and this way is also fun and social, which is even better.

Cristina Fochesato

It was easy finding beauty in Piccadilly, with its magnificent architecture, intricate art in every shop window, and the kindness of the city embedded in things like a public toilet, zebra crossing, maps, rails, etc.

Amongst the things which I found unattractive were CCTV cameras, and grand posters of pompous and contrived models. Yet t-he most striking thing I found unattractive was -striking because it brought forth a deep issue in me- a sign that read “happy mother’s day”. I thought I’d already come to terms with my mother and I’s shared past. Why then, this feeling of repulsion? I was obviously still bound by our relationship.

For 45 minutes we were asked to loiter, with a question in mind.
My question inevitably became “how else can I approach my mother and I’s relationship?”

Instead of walking around the city, I lay down on a pew inside our church. Having loitered for the past hour with honed awareness, when I lay on that pew, my mind and heart was relaxed, and receptive.

Then the answer came. “Be a good example” it said. “Love her, accept her.”
I felt relieved somehow.

I don’t know how this insight will change our relationship. I don’t even know if I can live up to that insight. Yet indeed I was given insight, which was unexpectedly brought about by ‘Street Wise’.

Thank you David and Jo for facilitating a nurturing event.