Good News Alert!
Remember Elena? The woman I met on the Via Francigena from Orio Litta, Italy – who we collectively raised almost $1,000 for her to visit NYC for her 50th birthday? Well, if you don’t remember or you are new here, click this link to read her story.
I’m excited to share with you that she made it to the Big Apple! 🍎
Elena visited the week of Thanksgiving, November 23-30, 2025 – just in time for her 50th birthday on December 1st.
The weather was cold and the Christmas decorations were on full display! The holidays in New York are a wonderful time to visit. It’s so fun and festive!
Unfortunately, Elena’s trip was sadly overshadowed by an unexpected death in her family. When she landed at JFK, she received the devastating news that her mother-in-law had passed away while she was flying over the Atlantic Ocean.
This was her text to me about the situation.
Purtroppo non ho vissuto con un pieno spirito perché appena atterrata ho ricevuto la notizia che mia suocera era morta. Quindi il mio pensiero era rivolto ai mio marito e ai miei figli a casa.
Translation: Unfortunately, I didn’t live with full spirits because as soon as I landed, I received the news that my mother-in-law had died. So my thoughts were with my husband and children at home.
Heartbreaking. 💔
I do think she tried to make the most of it despite her sadness.
Here she is with her tour guide (I think) shortly after she landed. Translation: “We’re waiting for the last guests for our November group trip.”
Notice the espresso cup. ☕️ Italians do love their cafe.
I was planning on flying to Manhattan to meet her and show her around, but because she is a smart woman, she signed up for an Italian speaking tour – and probably received a better tour of NYC than I could give her – and she certainly would have understood the language better.
Here was her itinerary.
A highlight was attending the 99th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and eating a traditional Thanksgiving meal complete with a turkey.
Here she is at the parade waiting for it to begin. She is in the bottom left corner wearing a cute stocking cap.
Elena and I are a little different when it comes to documenting our travels. I take too many photos and she barely takes any…and almost no selfies.
Below are a few photos and a video she shared from her trip.
This video was taken in the taxi ride from the airport.
Here is what she had to say about it.
Questa è la mia prima impressione di NY…luci, edifici imponenti, i clacson delle macchine, le sirene che fanno da sottofondo.
Translation: This is my first impression of NY…lights, imposing buildings, car horns, sirens in the background.
She pretty much nailed it. NYC is a hustling and bustling city – even at night.
All in all, I think she had a good time. She shared that she is forever grateful to everyone who donated to make her dream of visiting New York City (and the United States) for her 50th birthday a reality!
And from the bottom of my heart, thank you guys. You all helped me to be a reverse trail angel after so many people extended their kindness and generosity to me on the Via Francigena cammino. 🩷🥾
The world is full of really good people if you look for them.
Much love & gratitude. Namaste 🙏
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