The way the light shines in Italy is different. The golds, the mustards, the yellows. There’s something about that color that makes me just swoon. 8 years ago, during this very season, I was studying abroad in Rome. It is still one of my favorite times of my life. I loved it so much, I just had this feeling like I was flying the entire time. So last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel back with my friend, Gabby!
It’s interesting going back to a significant place from your past. For me, I think about who I was then and how I’ve changed but have stayed the same. I wonder if my past self would be proud of me now. I think about how time passes, slow and fast. How we are here and then we’re not.
I thought about the evolution of my worries. 8 years ago, I stood in the Piazza del Popolo worrying about how I would order food in a different language. I would pace back and forth in front of the restaurants, torturing myself that I would say something wrong. I conquered it eventually, but now as I stand there it seems so silly. I hope whatever I’m worried about now will seem as silly as that in ten years.
I want to go back already. Towards the end of our road trip, we discovered Siena. I had never been before but fell in love with the feeling of the city. We roamed around, getting lost in the small streets and alleys. Finally we found our way to the Piazza del Campo. The sun sank into twilight and it felt still. It could have been because we had been running around all day and now we finally had a moment of peace. But the feeling of calm was palpable. We could hear the squeaking of bats, the low murmur of shoppers nearby, and the clinking of dishes from the restaurants on the outskirts. It was one of those moments when you just think, everything is beautiful and it will all be ok. Another favorite memory to add to the archives.
Here, I collected some of my favorite photographs from our trip. We drove from Rome to Florence, stopping at two agriturismos, which are similar to bed & breakfast stays. Agriturismos are wineries or olive farms that also offer places for guests to stay. It is a great opportunity to stay on a working Italian farm. Some have animals, pasta making classes, or horse back riding, like ours! It was a beautiful way to see the Tuscan countryside. Enjoy + stay tuned for the release of the video!
Couples making out, hidden alleyways, clothes hanging from the dry lines, red mopeds, the mix of ancient and modern. Just a few of my favorite things when roaming Italian cities.
