Hello! As I enter into Month Two of this trip I’m resolving to post more often! We shall see if it occurs! I’ve found it more difficult to locate cafes with wifi- where I can linger over a coffee for a couple hours and write- in Italy than in France. From my limited time here it seems to me that most Italians drink their coffee (teeny tiny, wonderfully rich and dark espressos) standing up at the bar; it’s just a quick gulp, some light conversation with the barista and then they’re off to continue their days! Something about the whole ritual makes me more timid than normal- I get all nervous about being in the way and I end up just meekly inquiring about my cappuccinos before quietly hovering nearby.

Anywho, this will all be changing soon because I’ve decided to shake things up and leave Italy! While in Rome (a gorgeous capital where you can practically feel the collective power and influence of several millennium oozing up through the cobblestones) I realized that though Italy completely lives up to all the hype, the country just isn’t quite right for me currently. Or perhaps attempting to settle into any one country for an extended period of time just isn’t quite right for me currently! The more I relax into the backpacking lifestyle the more I love it. I love being able to strap everything that I have and need onto my back and setting off for an unknown place. I love hopping between new destinations and feeling like there are endless possibilities and opportunities waiting to be uncovered. I savor the moments of pure potential energy that solely occur en route to a new place (as opposed to the kinetic energy of actually jumping in and exploring- which is also enjoyable! And where discovery and growth happens). The buses, trains, and planes provide you with this beautiful liminal space between Point A and Point B wherein anything is possible. Who will you meet when you arrive? What will you eat? What will you see/hear/smell/touch? Who will you become? What facet of your personality will be unearthed?

And while Italy exceeds every review- it is indeed beautiful, friendly, and incredibly delicious- the country is a bit too indulgent for me currently. My willpower cannot withstand all the gelato (thank you Kate for the recommendations!), and carbonara, cacio e pepe, prosciutto, pizza, and pastries! And I don’t regret a single incredible meal here (I mean when in Rome! literally.), but alas my feeble budget just cannot sustain my lifestyle here. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s just too delicious here. And too expensive!

I was also surprised to realize when I came here that I don’t actually want to learn Italian. (I know this is probably incredibly taboo to say while you’re still in the country.) But I have my few phrases down that get me through…and I just haven’t felt inspired to dedicate swaths of time to learning the language! I’ve been too happy using my energy walking, reading, writing, using tarot cards, and meeting people in the hostels. So I’ve let myself off the hook!

Additionally, my decision to leave Italy stemmed from a lovely moment of self-liberation I had where I finally internalized that I have the freedom to go anywhere I want, and that I don’t have to abide by any predetermined guidelines or timetables- even the ones I set internally. So though I planned on spending two months in Italy, on Sunday I’ll be flying to Marseille for a pit-stop in France (with a hand-drawn map of all the best places to go from my friend from my hostel!) before continuing on to Portugal! I’m returning to Italy towards the end of April to meet up with Mom and Dad in Florence, but beyond that who knows where to next?? Croatia’s still part of the plan. Romania maybe? Scotland? I feel like for the past four weeks I’ve been developing new muscles for exploration that now want to be flexed, and I’m happy not knowing where I’ll be going!

I’m planning on writing a bit more soon (it’s quite fun) probably either describing some of the places I’ve been- Rome was really something else, and I’m currently in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast- or talking more extensively about hostel life!