Completely irrelevant backstory: I developed an irrational hatred of men (anyone, but mostly men) with clefts in their chins because when I was at University (living at a residential college) a guy – who was perfectly nice to me – made a comment that has stayed with me. It was during a game of netball and I was an okay player so I’m assuming he was just trying to be funny when he said…. “We’ve made her better, stronger, fatter than she’s ever been before….”
I talked a little about this while still on my recently holiday… the fact that there were so many moments I attempted to commit to memory so that I’d have comfort on the long hard cold winter nights after I returned to the stark fun-free desert that is Australia. (Joking obvs… cos it’s almost summer here!)
There were moments, but there were also experiences. And ‘things’. Things that – I realised – I could actually be doing in my everyday life.
I’m home from my Italian sojourn. People have been asking if I was sad for it to be over. And I’m not. I’m happy to be home (well, almost home as I write this!). Don’t get me wrong… I had a wonderful time and Italy certainly lived up to my expectations. But I’m keen for a break. Some normality. Some down-time.
I know (and met) people who knock off several countries in the 3+ weeks I spent in Italy, but it still felt like I crammed a little too much in. And of course that’s more about me than my itinerary as I’ve mentioned (often) that I’m not a great tourist. And I’m not an avid traveller.
I’m sorry… that title is kinda predictable isn’t it? I was trying to think of something a little less cliched, but well… it’s the last day of my trip and I’m dreading a lot of hours on planes tomorrow (well, today by the time this is published) with my sore gluteal muscle (ie. how on earth I’m going to sit for over 20+hrs (plus waiting and connection times). At least I’ll have ditched my luggage so I can roam around airports more easily.
Anyway, I’ve had three full days in Rome, the longest stay I’ve had (other than the writing retreat itself of course). I’m not sure if they would have been more productive had I been a little more mobile (physically) but suspect not.
I mentioned in a recent post that I’d had a few places in mind when I eventually made it to Italy. Venice was never one… though there was that seen in the 1979 movie, A Little Romance.
Anyhoo, when planning the trip I threw it in at the last minute as everyone said it offered something a bit different.
And amazingly, it’s actually been one of my favourite places (though admittedly I’ve said that about almost everywhere!).
I am seriously OVER train stations with no elevators and escalators (ie. CInque Terre). And by that I mean I’m over the lack of ramps / elevators, not the places themselves!
The worst thing is that you usually have to go up AND down. Or down AND up. I normally put my cabin luggage on my suitcase on wheels, but at each staircase I have to lift it off and push the handle down and carry my suitcase up the stairs. Before doing the same but opposite.
I’ve already mentioned that Italy has been the only country I’ve ever wanted to visit. And maybe also Alaska. Though perhaps I mean the Antarctic. Or the Arctic? Whatevs…
The dream Italian holiday included: Tuscany (obvs), Sorrento / Positano and Cinque Terre. I’d seen pictures of the latter – five stunning villages dotted along the north-ish western coast of Italy.
