Italy: Awe-Inspiring and Beautiful, a special place in my heart!

Travel remains the most important part of mine and Darrell's life. Despite our continued separation on different sides of the World, unable to leave our respective countries, because of the continued travel restrictions, we still have a passion for foreign climes that is unmatched. Up until recently I always looked forward to taking an annual holiday or two, visiting family in Croatia or meeting Darrell in Asia, while we both spent time with our nearest and dearest in different countries. This period is doubly isolating for both Darrell and I, because we are literally parted by circumstances beyond our control and at the first opportunity, we will be flying again, in order to pick up where we left off!

Today I want to write about one of our favourite countries, a place we have visited four times and somewhere that holds a special place in my heart - Italy was my first love and will always be a country I return to when I can. The memories I have from time spent in this stunningly beautiful part of the Word, is at the forefront of my mind today, as I look through hundreds of photographs while on lockdown in the UK.

Our first taste of Italy, in 2001 was a spontaneous break in Sorrento. During this period Darrell and I were running our own business, so getting away was difficult. We were lucky enough to get cover for a week and jetted off to Naples in the month of March.

From the moment I arrived in Sorrento, I was captured by its elegance, falling in love with this magical region of Italy. Our typically Italian hotel sat at the top of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, like so many others. The scenery was monumental and at times overwhelming. On one side jagged, rugged rock formations, waves lapping the spectacular shore line and on the other, lemon and orange groves, olive trees and sunkist mountains. I remember, sat on a wooden bench, just outside the hotel, looking across the ocean towards the Isle of Capri. The hot sun dancing off the waves, lighting a channel towards the horizon. I had never felt so relaxed in my life.

During our time in Sorrento, Rome and Venice, the biggest draw for me was the culture and history that make up the country of Italy. A short train ride from Sorrento, sat the most famous volcano in the World, and at its base the ancient city of Pompeii. Trying to climb this famous mount was an expedition too far for me, managing to get half-way up, before turning around heading towards the bottom once again. Pompeii was an altogether easier task; walking through Roman streets, surrounded by two thousand year old buildings - Bakeries, brothels, civic and grand houses, narrow cobbled streets bearing the scars of the numerous chariots that would have driven along their length. I was in ore of the graffiti that decorated outside walls, documenting an election taking place at the time of the eruption, bodies of victims perfectly preserved in plaster and frescos adorning the inside rooms of noble stately chambers. This was an amazing place, that I have visited twice over the years, and somewhere I would dearly love to go again.

Rome was equally tantalizing and breathtaking. The resplendent colosseum, formidable in nature, its historical relevance and imposing character unsurpassed. The forum, southern European architecture, The Pantheon, with its concrete Roman dome and preturnatural interior, richly embellished, situated discretely in the classical centre of the city. Each destination a reminder of our human roots and the beginning of a journey that would take Darrell and I the Vatican, situated in the heart of Rome itself. 

The stupendous St Peters Basilica was awe-inspiring, bringing religion to life in the spiritual home of the Catholic Church. As someone who isn't particularly religious, even I was taken aback by the sheer size of the structure. As I walked into the Basilica with Darrell, I was overcome with emotion, feeling quite teary at one stage. The candles' illuminating the entrance to this sublime house of God, the faint smell of incense wafting through the echoey concourse and a statue of St Peter, where tourists and pilgrims alike had rubbed away the bronze on his foot, promoting good luck to everyone who passed by, was a reminder of the importance of this composition. Feeling speechless, enraptured, carried away in the moment, I was helped outside by an engaging Priest, who wished me well on my holiday. Looking back towards the facade of the basilica I remember thinking how disciples of the past must have felt as they entered the inner sanctum, a monument to man's achievement, refinement and artistic talents.

Italian food, cooked beautifully is small family run ristoranti on the Piazza Tasso, views over the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain and washing strung between houses in narrow Roman backstreets. Urban life, so different to home, was vibrant and spirited, the sound of motor scooters in the morning zipping past our hotel bedroom, local market traders selling freshly caught fish and artists painting in local squares outside tiny churches hidden down dark dimly lit vicoli; all part of an atmosphere that still lingers on my senses, just like it was yesterday. Recollections that make Italy the most alluring, charming and prepossessing destination I have ever been to.

---

---

---