Amore Estivo
30th August 2023
I have always seen the traveller as someone who has the courage to go through the unexpected, and curiosity of knowing how much they still don't know yet and want to discover it. Personally, my passion for the world sparked at a very young age. Travel for the experience, for the chance to see beyond the world as you know it. This time I went back home and landed in the city of Ancona, which is a city on the Adriatic coast. There is such a magical feeling driving through Italy’s landscape, it takes your breath away and for a moment you think of love at first sight. That is the closest feeling of admiring Italy. Italians take great pride in their culture and heritage and you sense that as soon as you land. It all feels familiar, the people are as sweet as they can be, and as talkative as you can imagine.
For anyone visiting Ancona, I recommend exploring Conero, a small area that encapsulates the essence of Marche. It offers the perfect blend of the blue sea, green nature parks, ancient villages, and gentle hills. Don't forget to add a stop at The Passetto, an extraordinary panoramic park overlooking the sea, ideal for walks in spring and autumn and beach visits in summer. I continued my journey by train from Marche to Tuscany in this little town called Punta Ala which is just a two hour journey from Florence. In my train journey the landscape of rolling hills switches between intense colours and antiquated houses full of history. It’s like opening a film roll full of beautiful pictures, from charming medieval villages to vineyards, greenery, forests and luxurious villas. In Tuscany you can be a sun seeker by day and at closing of the day learn all about wine production and dishes. Bad taste is never trending in Italy.
To truly appreciate the magic of travel, it's essential to empty your mind of expectations. I want to share a Zen story that beautifully illustrates this principle. Just as a cup overflows when filled with expectations and opinions, our travel experiences can be limited by preconceived notions. To explore the world fully, leave your biases behind and embrace minimalism, focusing on the journey itself. A Buddhist mentality can greatly enrich your travel experience. The first path is to live fully in the moment, cherishing the present without dwelling on the past or future. Embrace the sights, sounds, and people you encounter. Disconnect from your phone and immerse yourself fully in every moment. If you don't like a place on your first visit, consider the circumstances that influenced your perception. Sometimes, external factors like weather or your travel companions can color your experience. Challenge yourself to revisit and see if your impression changes. Travel is a privilege and the ability to explore the world is a reason for immense gratitude. Millions of people worldwide do not have this luxury due to poverty, war, or political restrictions. Take a moment each day to appreciate the incredible opportunities your travels bring. Be mindful of the challenges others face and strive to share happiness and love.
My journey in Italy continues onto the next postcard picture destination, going up north to my hometown Bologna, a city rich in culture and Lasagna. I arrive at the Station and walk through Via dell’Independenza, a street where you will see people in a rush to go home or leave and begin their own journey.
Between the splendid Neptune Fountain and colourful townhouses, I meet my oldest friends over coffee and reminisce on the past and where we are now. There is a bitter sweet feeling to go back to a place you’ve spent such a long time in, but no longer a part of as a routine.
Bologna takes great pride in its culture, and contributions to art, architecture, literature, and cuisine, especially the Tagliatelle al Ragù made by my family.
At the end of my journey back to the airport I remind myself that the magic of Italy is not just in its landscapes but also in its people and their deep-rooted appreciation for preserving their cultural identity and traditions. As you embark on your own journeys, remember the profound impact of mindful travel and the Buddhist mentality. Approach each experience with an empty cup, embrace the present, and express gratitude for the privilege of exploring this vast, diverse world. Italy, with its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage, serves as a perfect backdrop for your own transformative travel experiences.
