When I booked my 15-day adventure I was beyond excited and determined to live in the moment, meet new people, and try new things and I did.
I didn't expect that my adventure would stir me to live my life in an entirely different way.
I was surprised to find these things true:
lly cappuccino machines, are the standard, not Keurig in most hotel rooms. Artisanal coffee stations complete with ceramic cups, saucers and real teaspoons made it easy to embrace the day and get that morning jolt before heading out.
Italians drink coffee day and night and so can I.
When tossed with EVOO, oregano and baked, I can eat potatoes everyday and still loose weight.
The determination and boldness of pick pockets in Greece was not a deterrent.
Paring down my life is easier than I thought it would be, I fit two weeks of outfits and accessories into a carryon and I had everything I needed.
The moments of joy and laughter with family and new found friends. I was astonished at how easy it was to connect with other people.
"I do like eggplant and eating five servings of vegetables is doable especially if you forgo fast food."
I am capable of walking 5 miles per day and then some.
I have a better sense of direction when I'm forced to.
When I look back at all the things I did and didn't do, there were a few things I could have, should have and wished I would have:
Eaten more dessert, Gelato, pizza, and pasta because the level of food quality is such that I could.
Taken advantage of duty free shopping and brought home an allotment of wine. Italy is home to over 2000 grape varietals compared to the 400 here in California.
Allowed more time to explore the boot, visit Positano, the Amalfi coast or Cinque Terre, and enjoy the picturesque seaside.
Packed a bigger bag, just because you can fit two weeks worth of clothes in a carry-on doesn't mean you should, especially if you plan on shopping.
Bought the leather belt to match the sandals and bag I did buy.
Talk to the man making Gelato at Caffe Vaticano at 8:00 in the morning.
Brave enough to ditch the car and navigate public transportation.
Written down the ingredients and the instructions for Portokalopita a mouth-watering orange cake made with phyllo dough.
I didn't expect that my adventure would stir me to want to live life differently. "Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow" ...it absolutely does.
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