It is difficult to know where to begin, as it is has been over 10 weeks since I left Melbourne and naturally there are so many memories and experiences to share.
After initially arriving in Italy I spent two months at Castello in Bisticci, in the mountains of Firenze, Tuscany, where I rented a beautiful villa, art studio and private garden with captivating balcony views over the Tuscan countryside.
The 14th century Castello was situated at the top of a steep hill (400 metre gradient & 1.5 km distance). Each day I traversed this distance to visit the nearest town, to buy my groceries, read the paper, sip lattes and chat to the locals - I aptly named this walk Rapunzels’ drive.
During my time at the villa I slept, had long baths, read outdoors in the garden, dappled with some creative ideas, cycled through olive groves and over Cyprus covered mountains, visited local markets, wrote letters and emails, day-dreamed, cooked beautiful and simple meals, sipped Moscato d’Asti, visited the galleries & theatres in Firenze and planned my solo weekend adventures. These weekend adventures normally commenced with preparing an overnight bag (sometimes including my bike) and concluded at a train station somewhere in Tuscany. The Santa Maria Novelle Train Station in Firenze is always energetic and the bustle of travelers moving through the city feeds my adventurous spirit.
As a result I’ve managed to explore many beautiful towns full of character, charm and photographic vistas. Amongst the memorable places are: Bagno Vignoni and Montalcunico Termes - where there are ancient thermal spas set in the crest of valleys and relaxing health spas. At Bagno Vignoni I had a hot stone massage, bathed in natural thermal spas, sat under a waterfall in the moonlight; Prato - where I attended a contemporary dance production called “Farfella” (Italian for love-stuck butterflies) and visited the contemporary art galleries including Pecci; Attended the open air antique markets in Lucca (home of Puccini) and Arezzo (where ‘Life is beautiful’ was filmed) - at the markets Florentine antique treasures and remnants from castles and churches are displayed in piazzas against the backdrop of renaissance churches and ornate buildings; Sun baked on the white sand beaches of Livorno, along with 5,000 bronzed Italians; Celebrated Easter in Assisi - on Good Friday I joined a religious and solemn procession through town accompanied by a Cardinal, friars, nuns, the solemn recitation of prayers and drums. These processions are traditional in Italy and I found the experience magical and moving. I also loved seeing the frescoes by Giotto and Cambue in the Basilica of San Francesco; I recently returned to Assisi to cycle around Umbria and attend a spectacular medieval festival. The celebrations dominated the town with visually extravagant displays including fire throwers, parades, dancing and acrobats. It finished at 4am. I felt like I was at the Venice Carnival; last week I visited one of the most enchanting and inspiring coastal landscapes I’ve ever seen at Cinque Terre, Liguria - fantastic hiking and kayaking! … many beautiful memories.
A couple of weeks ago a serendipitous and fortuitous chance encounter lead to a job proposal in Firenze and I’ve just recently moved to the historical centre of Firenze. Today I started working as a shop assistant at Casini an exclusive ladies and mens’ boutique in front of the Palazzo Pittti and near the Ponte Vecchio. The location is surreal, the clientele international and affluent and the clothes and accessories exquisite and the staff international, sweet and fun.
I’m slowly settling into Florentine life and finding my niches. I’ve joined the Firenze Rowing Club so will be kayaking on the Fiume River soon and have visited some art academies to enquire about art courses. This weekend I may join a cycling group on a long distance ride, but these Italian cyclists are so attuned to these Tuscan mountains, that riding with them is a little overwhelming, even if the view is wonderful.
Life in Italy is beautiful - fashion, theatre, food “cibo”, spirited and insightful conversations, Renaissance art and architecture, handsome Italians, colorful sunsets over Ponte Vecchio - plenty of opportunities to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
Living abroad in a foreign speaking country on my own has given me the anonymity and space to breathe, unwind and enjoy all these treasures. I don’t know where the next adventure will lead me, but I just keep smiling and trying to live each moment, with open eyes and heart.
As my dream in Italy continues…
