Italy feels like a dance with life.
This was the first impression that dawned on me when I got here.
I came to Italy by car with my cousins and I got to see quite a fair share of this country, having entered from the northern part, the Padova region, to be more precise. And drove down all the way to the Naples area, to Salerno city where my cousins live.
I loved seeing the modern highways; loved seeing the rich fields on which olive trees grow and the hills covered by the green emerald-like grass. The large plantations of grapes caught my attention but didn’t come as a surprise as we all know how much Italian people love wine, isn’t it?
Tomatoes, lemon, orange trees and of course the well-known & delicious Italian cheese are the symbol of this country.
I must say, Italian people love to eat! And they love their coffee, too!
Something they call ‘Colazione’ (meaning breakfast) made of a croissant and coffee is what they’ll have first thing in the morning. Nothing moves until they have their colazione. It’s quite funny but a pleasure, nevertheless, to discover what makes Italian people, well, Italian.
And coffee is without doubt one of these things as they have it all the time. Every moment is a good moment to have a coffee, be it morning, noon or evening time. They love their coffee, that much is clear.
Next comes food. Pizza is the queen that runs the show. All sorts, all sizes, all flavors and ingredients – anytime, anywhere. Pizza, pasta and seafood are definitely Italian trademarks. And it’s all on good reason for Italian people really know how to cook. Once you have a taste of the delicious Italian food you’ll never forget it – I can assure you of this.
When approaching Naples, I also had the chance to pass by Mount Vesuvius, which is most famous for the 79 AD eruption that destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
From what my cousins have told me, the city of Pompeii is much like a big museum and it can be visited.
I also had the joy of going with my cousins to the Amalfi coast and discovering this charming city called Maiori.
What a beauty! Small but insanely attractive through its vibrant energy and unique landscapes. It seems as if the city came to life by carving the stone, just as Michelangelo did with his gorgeous marble statues. And in front of the city only the blue kingdom of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Maiori is a must-see for sure, at least once in this lifetime. The city of Salerno also must be added to the list if you`re into narrow & old street with active energy and lovely people. Lots of shops, coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques and in the middle of the main square the place where in December the city hall put up the big Christmas tree. I loved especially the old town part of the city!
And the people… As with all Latin people, Italians too are warm, open, friendly, chatty, and vibrant! I’ve experienced it myself and I can totally confirm it: While having my daily walk, the locals would greet me with no care at all that I was a stranger and someone whom they saw for the first time.
They couldn’t care less and just smiled and greeted me cheerfully. Quite a way to be welcomed, right?
For my next visit in Italy I plan to visit Rome since it`s only around 3 hours by car from Salerno. Also, Toscany even though it’s a bit further but no worries.
I’m sure it will be worth it! I’m definitely happy to have visited Italy. Before I forget, if you come here, make sure you go to Regia di Caserta.
The Palace of Caserta is a former royal residence constructed by the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies as their main residence. What a one of a kind beauty is there! I still have it fresh on my mind!
One doesn’t get to see something like that every day and it`s one of the reasons why Im all the more happy and grateful for having seen it. Beautiful is Italy and beautiful is this world.
I, for one, can’t have enough of visiting & discovering it, one country and city at a time. And each time I’m in a new place, I’m reminded of the power that God has and how blessed we are to have received the gift of life and experience it here on Earth.
As always, thank you, God. Blessings & speak to you next time,
Cristina xoxo
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