A love letter to Italy

Dear Italy,

You felt like something I had known long before I ever arrived. From the moment I got there, everything about you felt like home—your history, your energy, your people. It was truly an honor to be in your presence.

I’ll never forget how overwhelmed I felt on my first day, standing in the train station, too scared to ask questions because of the language barrier, and jumping on a train just hoping for the best. I felt completely out of place. But you taught me something in that moment—you taught me how to trust myself. By the end of my time with you, I moved through your cities with confidence.

I started my journey in Cinque Terre, a place that felt almost unreal. I stayed in Riomaggiore, where every view looked like a postcard. It was filled with colorful buildings, endless water, and a kind of beauty that can only be understood if you were there. I spent a full day traveling between each of the five villages, exploring them one by one, each with their own charm. I still, to this day, miss the food. I miss the fresh pastas, the pizza, the fish—I miss it all so much.

Then there was Rome—so full of history it almost felt overwhelming in the best way. Walking through the streets felt like stepping through time. I stood inside the Colosseum, listening, learning, and just trying to take it all in, knowing I was witnessing something so much bigger than myself. I walked everywhere—partly because I believe you enjoy places more when you walk, but also because I was terrified of getting pickpocketed, which never happened to me by the way. I walked over 10k steps a day on this entire trip, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Lastly, you showed me Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Wow—is all I have to say. This was the perfect ending to my Italy trip. I made friends and memories here that I will have for a lifetime. Riding through the very small streets on a moped with my new Italian friend was a dream I could live in every day.

Italy, you didn’t just give me memories—you gave me growth, confidence, and a version of myself I didn’t know was there. You showed me that I’m capable of more than I think, and that sometimes the most beautiful experiences come from stepping into the unknown.

xoxo

Alora