From Lemons to Limoncello: How I Rewrote My Travel Script in Italy
- Jennelle Mendes
- Jul 28, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 4, 2023
Ciao, fellow wanderers! Last year, I embarked on an epic solo trip to Italy, and let me tell you, it was a roller coaster of a lifetime! Though it didn't exactly mirror Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love," (one of my favorite reads, btw) my voyage to the Amalfi Coast gifted me with profound realizations about myself and life. So, grab your Aperol spritz, and let's dive right in.
Chapter 1: Adventure Awaits
Fresh out of a relationship, I felt an insatiable craving for adventure. Tired of feeling held back by people who didn't have time, financial capabilities, or share my curiosity to explore, I decided it was time to chart my own way. Armed with a leap of faith and an oversized carry-on, I set off on my solo Italian journey.
Picture this: 30-minute train rides from the serene town of Ciampino into the heartbeat of bustling Rome. It was a surreal experience, like diving into a whirlpool of vibrant energy. But before immersing myself in the Roman streets, I chose to stay in the calm oasis of Ciampino. Those moments of tranquility on the train allowed me to center myself, preparing me for the whirlwind of solo adventures that awaited.
Chapter 2: Dolce Vita: Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone in Local Cafes
Dining alone can be daunting, but it turned out to be one of the most magical aspects of my journey. As I sat at cozy trattorias, I found myself in captivating conversations with fascinating people. Two Aussie friends on sabbatical, a couple with a yearly ritual at a restaurant I picked at random (that is apparently famously packed with priests and nuns) – they all left an indelible mark on my heart. The connections I made reminded me of the beauty of human interaction, even in the most unexpected places.
During one of these solo dining experiences, I found myself at a local cafe, craving a boost of energy from a shot of espresso. I sat outside timidly glancing at the sight of a cute Italian boy behind the bar. Little did I know that this moment would become a turning point in my solo Italian adventure.
I've never really been the type to approach guys first. It just wasn't my style. But that day, something changed. Was it the extra boost of caffeine from my shot of espresso or the exhilarating energy of being in a foreign country? I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I felt a sudden surge of boldness.
In that moment, I decided to throw caution to the wind. I sipped my espresso, walked up to the counter, and in broken Italian, I asked him for directions. He smiled warmly and began giving me directions to the museum I already knew was just up the street.
As we reached the end of the directions, I found myself at a loss for words. I mustered a smile and turned to walk away disappointed. I blew it. Later that day, after my tour of the Sistine Chapel, I couldn't resist the urge to walk past the cafe again. And just my luck, there he was, behind the counter. I gathered the courage to enter the cafe once more. This time, I grabbed a bottle of water, pretending that it was the only reason for my return. But I had another motive – I wanted to get to know this charming Italian boy. Emboldened, I asked him for his Instagram handle, with a flirty smirk.
In that moment, I felt an empowering rush. I had shattered the confines of my comfort zone and embraced the thrill of the unknown. This newfound boldness was exhilarating. With a triumphant smile, I left the cafe, not only with a bottle of water but also with a date for a few days later.
As we talked about life in our countries and laughed at each other's broken Italian and English, I felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. It wasn't just about the Italian boy; it was about me – taking a leap and embracing the spontaneity of life. In the heart of Rome, I had tasted the true meaning of "dolce vita" – the sweet life.
Chapter 3: Breaking Free: Discovering the Power Within
After a few days in Rome, a profound realization struck me like a bolt of lightning – nobody had been holding me back but myself. It was my own mindset that rooted me to the belief that I couldn't approach people first or that I needed someone by my side to navigate the challenges of solo travel.
As I strolled through the cobblestone streets, I embraced the liberating truth that I am enough. I didn't need someone else to share my journey because I was complete on my own. Each moment I experienced, every memory I made, and every lesson I learned were mine to cherish. Truth was, experiencing those moments of uncertainty, translating train tickets, and savoring slices of Italian pizza alone were more empowering than I ever imagined.
Chapter 4: Tomorrow is a New Day
For over a decade, the Amalfi Coast had been a dream etched deep within my heart. So, with a determined spirit, I set my sights on reaching this picturesque paradise. But alas, the universe had other plans. Moments before arriving in Salerno, my carefully arranged boat tour was canceled, and all ferries stood grounded due to "poor weather conditions" despite the 80 degree temperatures and clear skies . With no way to get to Almafi, I sucked up the urge to cry and enjoyed a beautiful night in-town, having a beautiful meal on a cobbled stoned street, eating octopus and drinking an Aperol spritz. This meal, a mere product of unfortunate circumstances, ended up being my favorite during my time in Italy. How could I be upset with that? Like my mom always says “Tomorrow is a new day”. I wouldn’t worry about my plans for Amalfi until I reached by Airbnb later that night. But alas, even the vintage Fiat ride I booked that night got nixed.
Chapter 5: Embracing the Journey
Frustration threatened to overwhelm me as I faced setback after setback. Yet, as the sun set over Salerno, I realized that life's detours often lead to unexpected joys. I embraced the idea that maybe, just maybe, the universe had something even more extraordinary in store for me.
That being said, after missing the first bus to Amalfi by mere seconds, things still felt grim. This meant i'd only have an hour to visit the town before having to catch my train to Salerno.
In a chance encounter during the hour long wait for the bus, I met two backpackers from Canada who reminded me that embracing the journey itself is part of the adventure. With newfound determination, I rescheduled my train, booked a hotel, and decided to explore the Amalfi Coast on my own terms.
Chapter 6: When Lemons Turn to Limoncello
As the sun kissed the horizon, I set foot on the Amalfi Coast. The enchanting blend of gelato, cobbled streets, and charming locals spoke to my soul. Savoring every moment, I realized that the experience was more than just checking off a bucket list item. It was about fully immersing myself in the beauty of life and savoring every blissful second.
Italy taught me to relish life's whims, to cherish every twist, be unapologetically bold, and to embrace the unpredictability of the journey. The Amalfi Coast may have been my dream, but the journey itself held the key to self-discovery and resilience. So, my darlings, I raise a toast to chasing dreams, daring to wander solo, and finding the sweetness in life's lemons.
Jennelle
xx
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