Buon
giorno! Join me on an exploration of Italy, as seen
through the eyes of a first-time international traveler.
I'm Elizabeth, and I want to share
with you what it was like to travel solo for a month,
with little preparation or agenda.
Since the trip was completed in November
of 1999, some things have changed (like the monetary unit,
then the Lira, now the Euro), but I believe enough remains
to make this account relevant to anyone contemplating a similar
visit.
The first thing I want to state emphatically
is, if you've been thinking about going, GO.
I waited until my early thirties for an opportunity to fulfill
my wanderlust, hoping to find a kindred spirit to travel with
me. It didn't happen, and I didn't go.
When my relationship of seven years
ended abruptly, the pain was excruciating. Consumed by hurt,
I had a thought which saved me: It would be stupid
to die with money in the bank. I asked myself what
I most wanted to do, and my heart answered: Italy.
I got on the internet, and I bought
a non-refundable ticket to Rome. In 21 days I would
be on a plane.
Understand, I was a person who just
didn't do things like this. I was a person who looked three
dozen times before even considering leaping. Someone who had
to have plans and lists and three suitcases for a three day
trip to visit mom in the same state.
But with little time to make it all
happen, I got down to work...
Next:
Whirlwind Preparations
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