Oh Stephano

In Lake Bolsena and everywhere in Italy, there is no such thing as "budget accommodation" A small room basic room costs $100 or more a night, Air bnbs are higher, hostels/ dorms with 12 beds are $50 a night-I repeat 'No budget accommodation-forget it. 

I went on a local website and I found this room with a view of Lake Bolsena-it was a family guesthouse with amazing reviews staying with a really nice family....it was perfect and there was a space available in a 2 person shared room (2 beds). I am a near expert on finding budget accommodation so I figured I could get lucky have no one in that second bed and have the room to myself-and that is exactly...what....happened:)

There was another girl who stayed there too but in the other room and a nice guy from Spain who stayed in HIS own room for one night. 

It was a beautiful room with the most comfortable bed, snacks/tea and a nice kitchen/outdoor bbq with the family living upstairs- Stephano, wife, and son. Stephano and wife were so kind, full of life, and welcoming. All their reviews were 100 percent true and I was so happy to be in such a peaceful place with the incredible weather. 

I extended my 2 night stay to 4 or 5...it was so relaxing and the constant moving gets to be exhausting. 

When I met Stephano, he was really kind asking about my life in USA and what I like about Italy. It was a short conversation, but very warm, kind, and uplifting to my spirit .

The second night, I am sitting inside the lovely room just resting at 10pm and I hear music....I look outside the window and Stephano is outside playing the electric guitar. He saw me peeking my head outside and initiated I come outside. 

I figured this was a great time to socialize with him and the family thinking his son would maybe come downstairs or the other guy staying in the guesthouse....

It ended up just being him and I sitting outside together.....

I said, "What about everyone else?" 

He said, "This is my time of peace wine, guitar, and spending time with guests." 

"this is the Italian life-the good life." 

He was playing BB King...Pink Floyd....The Doors...we were just totally musically connecting with some great jams...and I was singing.

Again, the simple travel moments that I live for.....

He gave me a bottle of wine from their family winery and we shared that together. 

It was so refreshing having these conversations about life experiences, expectations, how to live in the present etc. He shared a lot about his real life in the office by day and working in the fields for olive oil on weekends.  I was going to take the train next day, but it was Sunday and only a few trains were scheduled. 

"You should stay one more day and I can drive you on my way to work, but only if you want to Prischilla. It is really wonderful getting to know you." 

There was some vibe going on and he was staring into my eyes and smiling saying, "I'm really special" as I sat there with my glasses, hair in a bun, and black fleece jacket. I didn't feel special at all, but he was very charming and spoke so eloquently.  That was my green light to go to sleep as he was married. His wife was lovely and I respected both of them very much. I had a great conversation with her too, but in small doses. 

On Monday, he ended up dropping me off at the train to go back to Rome and we had more great conversation over espresso and this incredible croissant. He was friends with everyone in town and he was just that person that made you smile and feel good-it was a very special quality.  

He said, "I must come back and visit and he was very sad to see me leave." I watched him drive away and I smiled to myself....

When you are traveling and you are about to leave a place and you meet someone great like Stephano- it reminds you of the beautiful people that come your way... you want to keep traveling, and it reminds you that one day....A single Stephano will come your way and it won't just be you alone....It will be a companion and a partner to share your travel world and experiences with....bello!  LA DOLCE VITA! CIAO

Jesus Where is the luggage?

Spending sometime outside Rome, I visited a lovely city and name 

Montefiascone. With the weather being so nice, the plan was to visit Lake Bolsena and spend some time there. 

The bus dropped me off and I was going to take a taxi (yes I used the word taxi as all I ever talk about is walking or the bus lol).  

The bus dropped me off in front of a church " Basilica D S Flaviano" (XI-XV Centuries). 

Church description: 

"This romanesque chruch was built in 1932 on the remains for the earlier church of St. Maria. Given its special location at the intersection of FOUR Roman roads, the foundation of the church is based on the church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. 

The legendary character of Defuk, who died after having drunk too much muscatel wine(Est! Est! Est!) and his tomb is inside the chapel." 

From the description, you can imagine how incredible this church was inside. I planned to stop inside for just a few minutes and i left my luggage behind a van on the street. I repeat, I left my suitcase behind a van on the street IN ROME.

Yes there was a lot of theft in Rome, but this was a small city and a lovely one. I decided to take a risk and it was not a smart one for sure.

The problem was the church. The church was so incredibly stunning and I was in such "Aww" that I was in there for at least 15 minutes. I was so mesmerized, as this was ranking as one of my favorite churches in Italy-, I totally forgot about my suitcase. 

Now when you are carrying this massive suitcase from bus to bus to bus to foot to foot to bus....you just get to a point where you are like, "Whatever, I don't even care." And it was 6 months of traveling and I was at that point. 

After my visit, I went outside down the hill and near the van...and "GONE." 

The big black suitcase disappeared and since I was the one who made that decision, I was like, "Oh well that was a dumb move." 

I decided to contact the police to inform them in case they see it and maybe file a report, but I had a feeling that would not go anywhere with no insurance and me leaving it behind. 

Long story short, the police come and they comment on me leaving the bag there and I say, "Yes, I know I know..no good." There were no staff on site at the church and they had no interest in even looking for it. We just looked inside the church and around the entrance doors.  They told me to just go file a report at the police station, which I did and then I stopped at a wine bar in the center to take a break and make a plan.

In honor of the church, I had to try the Est, Est, Est! and it was phenomenal, great atmosphere, and again in Italy (they give you like 3 or 4 snacks with your glass of wine), which is pretty much a meal. I was thinking to myself of what items I had in there of value and things that I really can't replace(which was honestly not much because I was veryyyyy low budget with new shopping). 

After I had one full glass, I was feeling refreshed and I thought to myself, I should not just give up on my suitcase-maybe if I walk back down that street I will find it or someone who has some information-highly doubtful. 

I walked past the church and I didn't see it...I saw a couple walking up the side cobblestone and I figured I would follow them up to the square and take a taxi. 

I had my head down walking uphill with my black Swiss army backpack and there it was! 

My suitcase was in front of the side entrance to the church at the top of the stairs. I gave my suitcase a big hug and said, "I'm sorry suitcase... I won't do that again...and of course................Thank you Jesus:) 

Meet Mr. Italy

Meet Mr. Pasquel 

This man was just an absolute bundle of joy. I met him on my cultural exchange website in Naples (why is it always men perhaps because I am a man in a different universe lol Men are so easy going, fun, cool, chill, no emotional bs and drama and guess what? It is genetic and frenetic because my best friend and my mother are exactly the same as me. 

Anways, Mr. P was just a wonderful person. He worked in IT security partially remote and partially in the office. He lived his life to the absolute fullest with travels all around the world. He loved to collect the most unique antiques, magnets, records, and paintings from all over. I gave him a small Indian elephant, which he put on his shelf filled with his travel memorabilia. 

Pasquel was like Santa Claus, very jolly, overweight in the cutest way, very adorable face, and lovely eyes. He was very passionate about traveling and would talk about going to Patagonia, wanting to visit Mt Everest, his upcoming trip to Serbia, and his love for Brazil.. He had the best music taste ever and he had Alexa play some great tunes.. 

Unfortunately, he spoke very quickly and Alexa had difficulty following his commands lol. I would say something and she would respond right away....perhaps her preference was women not men;)

While Pasquel seemed like he had it all-this truly proud Italian who loved wine, great food, music, and riding his vespa all around town-he had a very bad health condition that made me worry about him very much. 

When I went to his house for dinner, he prepared caprese salad and sausage and peppers for dinner. It was delicious and I was enjoying our conversation. I mentioned that everyone must visit India at least one time in their life. He said that he would love to, but he is afraid to visit Asia after what happened in China... 

He took a trip to China for work and he ate some chicken for dinner and he was rushed to the hospital just an hour or so later...He had gotten the bird flu and it had negatively impacted his heart. The details are foggy, but he had to have a stint put into his heart and he was on life support. It changed his whole body chemistry and he has had problems with his heart, his liver...his kidneys...his intestine. 

While I was there, he went to the doctor and the doctor informed him that he had Stage 3 kidney disease meaning only a small percentage-I think he said only "10 percent" of his kidneys were functioning. 

Basically, his doctor told him he needed to change his whole diet and for an Italian....the diet change was devastating. He had to eat no dairy, no meat, no wine, and no sugar....for an Italian that is an absolutely painful diet. He took such pride in his culinary tastes and cooking great dishes-I was very sad for him and worried because after he received this news....no cheese for him was the worst he said...

I loved meeting this wonderful man and hearing his great stories from across the globe I hope he stays healthy and he gets to one day travel to India...I told him to never give up on your travel dreams and just be very safe and cautious everywhere you go...and clearly avoid China...what a traumatic experience and my heart goes out to him Mr. Italian P.! 

What Wonder

Back to Naples.....

I headed to the Napoli Cathedral. It truly took my breath away with its astounding beauty. I seem to just walk right into everything on this trip… I do not know if it is just a brilliant design by the city or it is just the natural timing that I luckily have….but I was able to see the beautiful nativity scenes and wood carvings…the talented locals you can see in their shops working on a new piece-painting or building…there were houses and all kinds of figurines….many red hot peppers….

Had some amazing Pistachio and Fiore gelato…smaller portion for me because I am a tourist of course….

Went to a nice art gallery

Went to Domenico church

Went to Chise church…

Went to the church for mass that looks like an expensive building outside

Went to Sapori grocery store and bought pistaccio cheese, truffle cheese, caviar, salami, and prosciutto and eggplant Milanese…

It is just better to eat from the grocery store and eat from the locals at home....big expensive restaurants are overrated and not preferred to eat in alone, especially with Italians-no thanks. Like my friend said, they would probably be laughing about me back in the kitchen.  They are a bit intimidating at this point- restaurants, cafes, and overall service type atmospheres- they make me feel a bit nervous because I am so extroverted and I just have to be quite, reserved, and order.  I do not know what their mood or attitude will be towards me so I just become shy now. 

 The magic of the churches

 The churches were like God, “Today is the day, I’m going to give you peace and you are going to connect with me.” The paintings, the stained glass, the sculpture-the various depictions of Mary and Jesus…I felt much more connected to these churches than in Rome…it was like I was taken to the moments of Jesus suffering…the pain, the struggle, the suffering depicted in every intimate way…it was a very divine experience from one church to the next… not one positive or memorable interaction other than the lady who asked her friends to move over so I could sit down at mass…that was really the extent of it….

It felt like I was stuck from one tourist street to a next with many people….it was nice seeing each and every church along the way… My host jokes that it is Pizza, bar/café, and church just going down the streets. There were some antiques, art, and Africans selling sunglasses and fake purses on every corner…

It feels like when you walk around people are just always shouting and the rest of Europe is not like that at all…even in Spain they are alive, warm hearted, and they are loud, but not like Italians. Everyone knows everyone and you always hear a Ciao bella on every corner…It is really nice the sense of community, but is there community so close they can’t let tourists into the equation…it is an interesting concept to think about….too much community…is there such a thing?

Italian people believe in auspicious behavior…There should be 12 people sitting at the table or 14, not 13 because of the Last Supper. There were 12. Black cats are bad luck…no umbrellas in the house…don’t try and give yourself luck or buy luck for yourself. Give it as a gift to someone else. Keeping it is bad luck for yourself.

Amalfi Coast

We drove down the coast to Amalfi where the sun continued to peak its way through the sky and driving down the coast was spectacular because it just felt like we were the only ones on the road. Amalfi definitely had its charm, but I think there are a million places just as beautiful…Shhh don’t tell Francisco.

We walked along the main area with our umbrellas and we shared a couple espressos and some pastries at this traditional local place outside the tourist trap. He is very funny in such a quiet, unexpected way. He talked about his favorite foods in India, the 2 week wedding he attended, his education in Amalfi coast attending school….He has such a quiet humor where he is telling a story and that ends up being hilarious, but you do not even expect it. It was splendid just laughing with him and listening to his stories at the hotel with people who “blew up the bathroom” or behaved in silly ways. I forgot about how bad my knees were hurting and just soaked in the Amalfi dusk...the stars so bright and the cliffs had such definition in the dark. A beautiful place to photograph and a mysterious place as well.

We got back and he said, “Are you hungry?” He made exactly what I was hoping for, which was Carbonara pasta. It was presented like it was coming from a restaurant and he put in such effort with the presentation and setting the table…it was really cute…

He told me all about Positano and how it used to be exclusive 20 years ago and now it is just commercial. Successful businessmen from America come and they have so much money but sometime you would never know it. The American who wore the same shirt with the ice cream stains and at Chocolate ice cream for breakfast every morning-The guy who is running Wallstreet.

Another Italian American going to the bar fridge to take a glass of milk every night. The traditional Italian servers that just know the menu and don’t speak English. If you ask any questions outside of the menu, they get very confused and it is too complex.  He tries to teach them about Gluten free and lactose free-sheep milk…

They don’t want to learn, but they do want the tips of course. He said just tip the bellboy 20 euros before you go into any hotel and they will always remember you. The staff then brags that  “room number 43 gave me 20 euros” and they make public announcements and are so happy….

His stories are really entertaining and funny. He is just not at allll my type…We sat together on the couch watching the second episode of the Vatican girl….He had been working on renovating a new house during the days and barely had any sleep the past week.

He fell asleep in about 15 minutes. I decided after the second episode that maybe this was not the best show for me to watch in Italy during Holy week…..

Path of Gods Praiano

 The weather was absolutely beautiful every single day. It was so beautiful I actually thought it would be okay to see some clouds or rain for a day-who even thinks that when they are traveling? People who consistently get beautiful weather:) 

It rained one day in Positano and the other day was cloudy and partial rain so that day I decided to take my hike while Francisco went to the gym.

Now when it comes to hiking there are few things:

1.             I don’t give up on hikes-when I start them I am on a mission to finish them

2.             I do not like to take bus/car rides up or down. I like the whole hike start to finish-it is a whole spiritual and physical accomplishment

3.             The timing of the hike might be additional time if it is not clearly marked because I could potentially get lost(sense of direction not my biggest strength).

4.             I don’t like hiking in groups. I enjoy hiking alone so if I do get lost- I am asking other hikers for directions or I am just trying to find my way.

We had waited for the rain to stop and clear up before we proceeded with this hiking plan. Eventually around 1pm he dropped me off at one of the entry points. He gave m specific instructions on where it begins and where it ends.

I said, “ So you are saying I can’t get lost.”

He said, “No, you will find the church at the top. I have never heard anyone getting lost up there.”

Well, I took his word for it and followed his directions for the “Path of the Gods” located in the small town of Priano, which I absolutely adored-the smaller the cities in Italy-the better.

Now it is great when it is a busy trail and there are people there to maybe ask a question if you have one….in this case there as not one person on this trail. The weather was not great, there were not any tourists on the hike, and it was incredibly steep.  It was steep and it was all uneven rock going all the way up.

 When I say all the way up, I mean just walking on rocks straight up with no breaks in between in levels. I never complain about hikes as I love them so much, but this was not good for the knees that was for sure.

For a Holy time, it was an absolutely divine hike because I was alone and the clouds were beautiful as it just rained and there was still overcast with bits of sun. I saw sheep and donkeys that were just adorable…I was just up in the mountains staring down at the earth so high up and closer to God where I really wanted to be….

When I hit the private property and stared around looking at the sheep, I realized I might have been too high up as I had sheep staring at me like, “Did you not follow the trail? It is the other way.”

Unfortunately, I did not make it to the church so I must have missed a turn and just went all the way up to someone’s private farm on the top.

It started raining and I began to head down the rocks…the broken rocks….that were so steep going all the way up… that I had pain in both my knees. I don’t think I ever went so slow down a hill trying to not jump.

Francisco showed up right on time and he was asking me, “ How did you like the church?”

I said, “Umm…well… I didn’t really get to the church.”

He said, “You got tired and stopped.”

I said, “No the opposite I think I went way past the church and to a farm.”

He was laughing hysterically, “You Americans can’t get anywhere without Google maps.”

Priscilla,  I shrugged my shoulders, “No comment."

Do I recommend the hike? Absolutely

Do I recommend hiking alone in the middle of a storm with unmarked signs or roads? No 

     "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." 

PRIS and Positano

It turned out that a portion of my Holy week was going to be in Sorrento, Positano, Praiano, Atrani, and Amalfi.

As previously mentioned, this was not the plan, but if someone had to spend Easter on the Amalfi coast I guess that person was me-what a difficult life I must lead haha.

I had rented a room for my time in Sorrento and Salerno, but when I stayed in Positano that was at my friend’s place. His name was Francisco and he was an absolute gem of a person. One of the funniest Italian guys I know and so sincere, kind, caring and amazing.

Unfortunately, it is very sad that he was only my friend because he was a great guy-so great that I had to question, “ Is there something wrong with you Priscilla?”

When I took the bus into town, he picked me up in his Tesla and then we had a short drive to his place. I thought to myself, “Wow that was nice and fast.”

He said, “That’s not it, we have a long way to go.”

 

“Go where,” I said.

He said, “Go down.”

 

He took my oversized suitcase and attached it to a metal carrier that delivery drivers use to move packages and there we went on a hike way down the hill. He pulled it down and then he lifted it with both his hands and carried it down a thousand stairs(not an exaggeration) and yes(he was kind of showing off a bit).

There was a golden lab barking(that was his parents house) and below was his house. His family owned a hotel and restaurant in Positano. His family knew Positano before anyone even knew Positano was a city in Italy. They loved their business and they loved their family(Italians living near to one another-very common).

This was not your ordinary beachside place. It was a vacation spot that people dream of with the perfect view, the lemon/orange trees, the cute dog, the happy Italian mom cooking homemeade food, the pizza oven, the AI espresso machine, the peace and stillness of the ocean, the sun and moon bright in the sky when the sun would set-this was just so beautiful and so special….especially for a Holy week…..

Ok this was a slightly spoiled portion of the Holy week, but having him as a company was very uplifting for my mood because laughter is good for the heart and the soul. Thank you Francisco. Angel!

Sorrento Palm Sunday

 I woke up very excited for Palm Sunday. I read that they decorate the Palms in Sorrento with flowers, ribbons, and food-sugared almonds that they eat after the service. I had planned to go to the Cathedral of Sorrento. I just attended there last night for a lovely concert for the “Passion of Christ.” It was a nice concert and there were other churches….

There just so happened to be a church right next to my accommodation. I went in for about 15 minutes and I thought, “This is not my church for Palm Sunday.” It was definitely all the locals, very small and intimate.. I could feel the stares of a guy looking at the tourist wearing pink and I left around 10:20am with time to make it to the cathedral.

I was waiting for the bus and the local guy was really nice. The older men can be very grumpy or very cute and friendly. He said to me, “Bus come.” “Wait, wait.” Then his friend came by and he explained the whole bus and train system, which was very nice for someone to take time to do this.. he said that the bus comes at 11 and I knew that would be too late. So I thought I would just walk, which only took 30 minutes with my pace….I saw locals all walking with the decorated palms in their hands…they definitely weren’t walking all the way to Sorrento. I realized there was another church just right up the street.

It was right on the square and it was just perfect. The priest was so nice. He only spoke Italian, but he made sure someone spoke English to explain to me the service is outside and then everyone comes inside for the service. I had felt good spiritually with his presence and I knew this was the location for me. Everyone joined outside in the square holding their palms up in the air and he gave everyone a blessing with splashes of holy water. We all followed one another and walked inside. I managed to get a seat in the front behind a very nice Italian family (everyone dressed perfectly for the occasion). It was a local church with no tourists and very local, authentic experience. The service was lovely and I shook the hand of the priest on the way out and he said, “Buena Dominica.” He was so nice and he really made me feel good. I went on with my day going near the port down by the small beaches. I just walked and walked and realized this was just such a tourist trap…beautiful, but just too many tourists. The day was beautiful and that was all that mattered- the birds flying through the sky in a V.

Everyone was sitting outside with the Aperol spritz and drinking….it was just was not appealing to me. I took a couple rounds in the grocery store, saw some shopping stores, sat in the park, and walked back around 5:30 pm just in time for sunset from the rooftop of the accommodation. It was quiet and peaceful and no one was up there…It was Palm Sunday and I was in Italy staring at the most beautiful view, orange and lemon trees, a futbol field, and local homes. On Palm Sunday, everyone was with their families having a nice family dinner and I was here just admiring the peace of the sunset. am always walking around on a holiday when everyone else is sitting with their family enjoying Palm Sunday and the “Sunday dinner,” which is like sacred for Italians. The local girl from the gallery said that Italians always try to get together on Sunday. It is important to have this time together as Italians it is part of the tradition.

As someone once told me on a regular basis, 

“Family is everything Priscilla.”

Spring Break or Holy Break?

 

When people ask, “What is your favorite time of year?” People usually respond with their birthday, New years, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter. My favorite time of year is not just the one day- Easter.

It is the whole week starting with Palm Sunday, which is Holy Week aka Semana Santa. It is my goal to celebrate Holy week in different cities and countries around the globe.

This year I finally decided I would celebrate Holy week 2024 in Italy. Originally, I had planned to go to Sicily-Catania, Palermo, Ragusa, or Trapani. There are so many incredible traditional ceremonies that I spent so much time researching.

Unfortunately, life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. I was still visiting the coastal cities and I was not ready to go on a whole Sicily adventure for just a few days. Sicily will hopefully happen at another time, but the main point is to emphasize, “Priscilla came to Italy for Holy week.”

I visited Positano about a week before the restaurants, bars, and everything would open.  It was not a priority for me as I found this trip to be a religious trip combined with visiting tourist attractions.

Being in Italy during Holy week was a check mark off the places I wanted to visit during this time. Hopefully I have many great destinations planned in the future because Holy week is “the most wonderful time of the year.” CIAO friends X PRIS

Hey There Naples!

I had visited Italy on two different trips, but I never made it to Naples..... and I had this city on my radar for not just months, but years and years-11 years to be exact....make your travel dreams happen friends because life does pass us by and then we are missing out on eating the best pizza ever haha

It was the first day of Naples and I finally wore my Calvin klein belt I had sitting in my suitcase for 5 months.  I had my new tan slip on shoes from India and a pink Linen shirt.

Everything in Naples is Hills, which was something to definitely get used to as I walked down the hill I stopped at the church. Then there was another hill going down to the main road. Everyone was talking on the street, having their coffee, scooters passing by at lightening speed, delivery drivers, and restaurants all with their doors open.

“ I made it to the bottom of the hill and turned right without looking at the giant pothole that was under my feet. I tripped and fell right on my knee s-staining my jeans and giving a couple black marks to my brand new shoes…Was I physically injured? No…. WORSE

I just made my outfit dirty and walking around with stained jeans and shoes is a Tourist Red Flag Alert.  Italians would go home and change, but I decided to skip those hills going all the way back up to my friend’s apartment. I had to utilize my wet wipes.

What a great place to fall in front of a gas station…..I was so embarrassed that I quickly got up and hid behind a car to check if I had injuries. I also wanted to make it look natural when I walked past the gas station haha.

I stopped with a business man who was trying to speak with me using “Google translate.” He was trying to ask ME for directions, which I always find to be entertaining- I did not look Italian with that look.

I took the old school trolly with grafitti and 80s vibes to the Spanish quarter and life in Naples was ALIVE and ALERT.  The streets were alive with the sound of Opera and the taste of Pizza.

 I stopped to get the famous Napoli pizza… I did not just “stop for a slice.” I do what an abnormal person with a fresh food obsession does…I walked back and forth non chilantly waiting for a new batch to come out….and when something is fresh- it changes the game. The basil, the sauce, the dough-ok the whole thing- Wow.

It does not take eating 3 big meals a day or eating all day- it is just a few things in a day that make it “food worthy.” I definitely could never eat like a normal tourist, croissants, gelato, pizza, Italian pasta, big breakfast, frappacino…..not Priscilla!

I proceeded to walk up the hills through the streets admiring the locals hanging their laundry, the art graffiti, the votive shrines, the charming cafes/restaurants, tailors, umbrellas hanging in ceilings, futbol memorabilia everywhere, small mom and pop shops. I just kept walking around with my eyes wide open up one hill, down a street, up another hill- my eyes were leading the way. They lead me up to the most beautiful panoramic point of the city-this is where you get when you spend most of your time walking.

I had not used any map, but managed to find myself down to the bottom to the exact point where I started in front of the Bershka store…That is always astonishing when that happens because I do not really have a great sense of direction, but somedays are just perfectly aligned with the universe.

Summary:

Sooo many groups of kids and students….Piazza Plebsito, Galleria Umberto…Italian kids are literally the cutest and they are so well behaved…the older ones are a bit rough with each other and loud, but that is what happens when you go from being a cute Italian kid to a real Italian, loud, opinionated and patriotic…ready to shout and ready to fight if needed…like my Italian friend and her family always having these verbal disagreements and then loving each other at the end of the day….they are family….

I visited the San Elmo Castle, Castell del Ovo, which was a long path along the marina-amazing for running and biking. I watched the sunset right on top of the rocks and finished walking the path until the end where I reached….Beverly Hills….or Marbella….or Soho….the wealthy area of Naples with “the best of the best.” Cutest wine bars, nicest restaurants, upscale supermarket, great boutiques-absolutely loved it… the Italian wealth you can smell it from a distance, the haircuts, the purses, the expensive outfits… Each store, café, and bar was just picture perfect and with the highest quality of everything! Vomero and Port Royal are the following day, but I still cannot figure out the name of that area

Kiss Me Italy I'm IRISH

 

Big prayers and Happy St Patricks day  to my grandma up in heaven…

Went on the bus to the center of Rome with the plan to go to church, but I ended up having a great detour! Thanks to Giulio I was able to get a phone with a local SIM card and Google maps was great for giving bus, train, metro directions. The bus stop was right in front of his house and that would take me right to the center, but there was a marathon that meant road closures and changes in bus routes.

A very nice Filipina woman saw I looked very confused and asked where I needed to go. She told me to get off the bus at her stop and she would walk me half way. She was on her way to work at a spa in a very posh Italian hotel. We were both walking very quickly while I was telling her about visits in the Phillipines. She turned right and I went straight and it turned out the marathon had started. The church was on the other side of the bridge and I had time to enjoy the music and watch the runners for 45 minutes or so. It was the perfect weather for running and the band reminded me of U2 with great energy and smiling bright with the sun.  

I wanted to spend more time, but I had to go to church…and boy was I meant to be at this service….He said that “If you are not dying every day or suffering, you don’t know Christ…” He said this referring to various scripture, but it was like he said it in 20 different ways just to emphasize that suffering is being a real Christian period.

My bouts with depression come and go. While God sends angels to uplift my spirit, it is the times alone that can be challenging. When I am in my own silence, hearing my own voice, and dealing with past trauma. When I am comparing myself to others life and how everything seems to go “uphill” for them and difficult for me.

Today in church, someone would look at me and think, “She looks like a happy girl.” The weather was spectacular and the detour allowed me to walk through the streets of Rome quietly and peacefully.

Travel tip: Get up early and walk when the crowds of people are away and you can be alone with a city, your heart, and your higher power.

 

I always am distracted when traveling focusing on the beauty around me. But the reality was that I did feel like I was suffering. India was an amazing experience and the departure created some depression. It was sad leaving I had so many plans and things I did not yet accomplish….

In this church(the name of every church service would be impossible I think), I stood before God seeking forgiveness for my sins-Hail mary full of grace forgive me of my sins now until the hour of my death… He said, “Sin, forgive, and don’t fear death….” I feel the prescence of the Holy spirit through the priest when I feel so connected to his message that it feels like God is speaking directly to me.

When this happens(I think at times when he knows I need him the most), I know God is listening and he has an angel on my shoulder. I can breathe deep, renew my spirit, look up, and mentally uplift my mind for the rest of the day.

The church services in Europe, in general, are always very special. And that goes to say, the Catholic churches in Italy were also very lovely.  The People were so kind in the service, dressed well, elegant, classy, respectful, and peace be with you was such a pleasure…You felt like people really wanted you to experience peace and joy….To be in a country with such value and respect towards Catholism-that makes a difference in the services.

To be in these churches with not just Italian catholics, but Catholics visiting from all over the world-that is a truly unique experience and that comes in Italy.  

My religious day continued with a visit to the Vatican. A short line and some friendly not so friendly Italian officers lead me into St.Peters square. I had it timed out where I could go to one service and then have time to get a latte/a croissant and wait for the homily of the one and only -Pope Francis(Papa Francisco).

I had been waiting for a lifetime for this moment to hear him speak at the Vatican. I stood at the fountain right underneath his window. We were all waiting for that moment where he comes to the window… Being directly underneath the window,I could see him and I heard him speak…a bucketlist moment. He spoke in some English, Italian, and Spanish… followed by his Apostolic blessing…Did I mention how divine the weather was with the birds flying through the square and there was a wave of peace that came over the crowd…

Next…..a thousand tourists all going inside St. Peter’s Basilica and yes another mass at 12:30PM.After this mass, there was a Spanish mass with the priest leading and speaking while people would kneel down and pray around him in front of the alter…. This was powerful kneeling down and praying at various points of the church.

What else?

 

Got a rosary from the gift shop….

Went through the market tasting cheese, salami, spreads, and olive oil….

Tasted some white wines at a cute wine shop with a nice Italian lady….

Visited only a few more churches

Listened to a young kid play a brilliant version of Bella Ciao on the saxophone

made some fish and some ravioli with ricotta and basil…..

It was really such a beautiful day….that just getting that weather and seeing Pope Francis was a blessing. The Italians are not very extroverted with tourists rather it is about making money, getting to the point, getting things done, and next.

Rome is the New York City of Italy with people from 150 countries or more…Listening to Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, Russian-all kinds of langauges to accommodate so many visitors.

Most people thought I was Spanish speaking so this trip I was from Spain😊 So I am a European not an American.

 

Oh and there were some pubs and bars celebrating St. Patricks day and runners had some cute green outfits that was the extent of the Irish experience.

4 days followed in Rome before heading to Naples by train

Piazzo di Priscilla

 

Hello Rome! 

How did I manage to stay in a an area with my name in it?

Another beautiful 4^th floor terrace overlooking the city

Italians so expressive with their Gratzi, Preggo, Buon Giorno, Buena Sera, the unlimited selections of gelato and pizza on every corner, beautiful patisseries, butchers with fresh meat, fresh pasta, farmers markets, and fresh flowers...Every country in Europe has it's own culture and identity, but at the end of the day- it is just an average day in Europe. 

 

Giulio says that he is proud to be a Roman and this had a lot of meaning about 2,000 years ago. He says Italians are passionate not just about their country, but about their own city. It has bold meaning to be a Roman. 

Highlights with Giulio: 

The gelato Walnut and dark chocolate, the motorbike ride to Liberty square with the midnight sky and the chandelier in the middle of the street. It feels like your are surrounded by history every corner. Rome is surrounded by fountains being over 300 in the city... 

Being on bike is always the best experience and it is quite an upgrade from India with the Italin bikes being incredibly comfortable and luxurious. I love my Ola e-bikes and Royal Enfields in India, but Europe takes bikes to a whole new level.   

Being in Giulio's kitchen is one for a real Italian with fresh eggs, olive oil, and different cheeses. He knows there is a grocery store around the corner, but he buys everything from the local spots in the neighborhood just like most Italian locals. "Buona Sera Giovanni, 2 libre de Prosciutoo di parma. Grazie!" 

These are the interactions that make Italians-Italians. They greet one another like they have not seen the person in a year...and Giulio just saw Giovanni yesterday lol

The sense of community, unity, and love is beautiful, but that can be a double edge sword for tourists. When you have such a strong local community and bond-what about the outsiders that are coming in from other Italian cities, states, countries....To be continued in many posts ahead!:) 

Ciao For Now Readers X PRIS

Intro To Italia March 2024

Arrived by train…around 8am…on a Monday…morning time with kids going to school, adults going to work, and older women gossiping and talking about their plans for the day. Young kids speaking speaking Italian….using their Italian hand gestures, and being teenagers making jokes while looking super fashionable.

The women are also so expressive…Ciao bella, belissimo, pronto, gratzi-Italian is expressive, loving, beautiful….

At first impression, I observe that these interactions people have such strong adoration for one another and a very strong sense of community. When people greet one another, it is really beautiful to witness such sincerity, warmth, and authentic interactions.

Off the train, up the street, a left and a right and I arrived pretty easily to my host’s house. An older residential building that looked like it should have a doorman, but those do not really exist in Italy. The only way to describe this neighborhood would be “Upper East side or Upper west side of Manhattan.” Cute,bougie, upscale,fashion, money, Mercedes, and Priscilla.

 

It just so happened that his home was off of Via de Priscilla, which is pronounced (PRISHIELLA)….a five minute walk away from the “Priscilla Catacombs.” And near to the “Elvis winebar.”

I think it was confirmed that I was staying in the right area for me and it was the start of some beautiful Spring weather coming my way….everyday.. Blessed

Goodbye Amore and Ciao Italia!

 

MARCH 14, 2024

She departs India and leaves her love behind…going up in the plane, she puts her sunglasses on as her eyes are filled with tears and Kesi is playing through her ears… Why was it always so emotional leaving his person, this man? How could a feeling this strong that takes over your senses and leaves your stomach feeling empty not be love?
Traveling Solo for over ten years, there are always men that you meet…that leave a mark…it is like a slight scratch or touch on the soul…You might know them for a month, a week, a day or just meet them on a flight…You wonder why there is not more time with this person…why you were introduced to this person in transit…Why were you introduced to a person who lives in a different country and the odds are against you…..it is all the “timing.” Meeting someone who feels like a great match, a great spark, a great connection and then it turns into a Whatsapp chat or a just a “Nice meeting you. Take care.”

There are many times where these men just pass me by in life…I try not to live with regrets, what ifs, or maybes when it comes to traveling. I just enjoy the moments that I am given, but are these meant to be more than moments?

Should I be investing my time in the right men that come my way rather than just letting them come and go into my life..

How do you know someone is right for you or just right in that travel moment of time?

Is that person going to become a part of your reality and everyday life? Or will they just fade away into the clouds of the sky….a memory up in the clouds and the bird continues to fly solo…

                                SIEMPRE SOLA.....