arrivederci: until we see each other again
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” ~Anita Desai
Dear Universe,
There are certain places in the world you will never forget no matter how much time passes or how far you go.
For me, the Almalfi Coast is one of these places.
Beautiful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Simply stunning? Yes. Breathtaking in every way? Absolutely. And unforgettable? Most definitely.
There is something about the mountains, the water, the pebble beaches and the hot sun that makes you feel like you have found paradise. There is something about your hotel being in a cave that makes you feel like you’ve been dropped in a place you thought only existed in fairy tales.
And there is something about hearing waves crash by day and Italian music serenade you at night, that is peaceful, calming and enchanting.
Traveling to new places can sometimes be difficult. It can be overwhelming and exhausting and at times a little scary.
But it is so worth it.
Stretching beyond your comfort zone—even a little—can be rewarding. It can take you to new places, introduce you to new people and give you new opportunities. Stretching beyond the familiar can also be exciting. Because even when things don’t go as planned, you usually learn from those experiences too.
And of course, going out of your routine and your everyday territory can lead you to something that you will never forget, something you didn’t even know you were missing.
It can lead you to paradise.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the experience of finally seeing Italy. I feel immensely grateful that we traveled safely, enjoyed every moment and laughed every day. I feel grateful that we nourished our minds—lots of reading and learning, our bodies—so much delicious food, and our souls—so many quiet and beautiful moments to contemplate.
I won’t forget a single instant, a single place, image, taste or scent. And I certainly will hold the places close to my heart.
Arrivederci, Italy.
Until we meet again.
Much, Much Gratitude,
A
