I took a few sips from my tea as I waited for the train in Rome. I could tell it was going to be humid in the Italian summer. It had already been warm in Siena when I was there. I checked my map one more time to make sure my guide was actually getting me to the right place.
"Darcell? "
Andrea was tall, wide shouldered, and welcoming, wearing a standard issue green and black ski patrol jacket. I quickly got some porter and we moved aside for a few moments, out of the crowd. We smiled at one another, quietly pleased to have found each other. He clearly liked single women.
"Welcome to the Alpini Reserve, Darce. I'm Andrea, your trekking guide from Avignon."
"Thanks," I replied as we shook hands. I dug out my iPad to take his picture. I knew they wouldn't have a picture of me on the site, but I couldn't be sure of the logistics, or what type of cameras might be out there. It turns out there are actually many, including many with night vision. I had sent the link to my connection in the US, and with her permission, I had copies downloaded onto my phone and tablet.
I guess he thought I was an American tourist because of my accent. I still had a bit of an accent now and then, but I had an international passport, and didn't correct him about my origins. It would have been rude. I was soon distracted by the sound of his voice. He was very attentive, and had me repeat my name a couple of times.
"Now we will walk to the central lodge for the start of the trek."
I packed up my iPad as we walked through the streets, and prepared my things to hike through the forested hills. I had kept the guide on top, the wood bottom and lightweight nylon sides on the bottom of my pack, with photos of myself on the bottom of my pack, slipped into a pocket. I was ready for anything.
"It is a long day today, Darcell. You may want to wear this hat."
I smiled at him and bowed my head as we walked together. He smiled and spoke softly.
"It is a long walk, we will arrive at camp in time for dinner."
I smiled and he smiled back, a big smile, as we got underway. He struck me as a little shy, or reserved.
"How are you, Darcell? Do you need anything?"
"I'm good," I replied. "It's my first time hiking like this, so I'm a little nervous."
"No, no, no," he said, shaking his head.
"Everybody is nervous their first time doing this, Darcell. What is your name?"
We both glanced up as the train went by. I saw a couple of people smiling and pointing at me. I wasn't sure if they were smiling at Andrea, or at me. He stopped me and turned me around so that he could look at me directly.
"Is your name Darcell or Claire?"
I giggled for a minute and then gave him a smile.
"My name is Claire, Darcell is my maiden name. I am a female hiking guide today."
Andrea grabbed my hands and held them up, looking down at me, and letting go. I ran my hands down my sweater and jeans as we began walking again, Andrea shaking his head.
"Your friends were trying to tell me you are female hiking guide. It's a dangerous job for a woman."
I smiled.
"I know, but I'm pretty strong for my size."
"I am encouraged to hear that," he replied. "We are here."
We stopped in front of a large wooden building with a few signs in Italian and French. The building was painted a light shade of grey. The roof was a deep black, with white trim. To one side of the large wooden door was a small hut, with a sleeping area out in front of it, and a small washroom next to it.
"Here is the lodge. You can rest for a while. I will come get you when the meal is ready."
"Oh, okay," I replied, a little taken aback at the whole thing. "Thanks Andrea."
He smiled and looked a little concerned. I had a huge smile on my face still, when I walked through the door.
Four young adults, who had been leaning out of the door, the moment it opened, came running to greet me. They walked all around me for a minute, laughing and goofing, rolling their eyes at one another. I counted heads and went along with the ruse. It wasn't going to be so much of a farce, since I was just borrowing Andrea's guide name.
One of them stopped in front of me, and grabbed my hands, looking me dead on. He was short, swarthy with dark features.
"You are so pretty," he exclaimed. "Are you from Italy?"
"I am from Canada. I am here on a business trip with my company."
"Your company is crazy to send you all this way by yourself."
I laughed.
"I am good at what I do and yes they are crazy to send one person alone. But I've been to Italy many times now, and have hiked in these hills before. I am very happy to be here to visit with you all."