As the days pass and the departure date grows nearer, the anticipation for the approaching experience builds to a frenzied level of excitement. My days are now always filled with thoughts of scenes and possibilities that will soon become a reality once in Italy. Whenever I have a looming trip planned, my elation and giddiness is reawakened by my inner child, much like that feeling leading up to Santa’s arrival at Christmas. I may even become a bit incorrigible leading up to it, as it’s all I will talk about or revert back to during conversations with poor friends and family!
One of the many reasons I am most excited to get back to Italy is that, while I’ve visited the country many, many times, I have yet to have explored the depth that I have planned for this trip. I plan to visit all the regions during my travels. This is an important goal for me to reach as I have such a love for the country and truly want to experience all corners of it. Due to some other international trips, and then the pandemic, its been a long five years since I have last been in beautiful Italia. The ache and desire to return is tenfold and I intend for the reunion to be done right. While I could easily talk at length about certain plans for each of my planned locations I plan to visit I wanted to first feature five different destinations to share some examples of what I am looking forward to most.
Reader, also please note, this is in no particular order:
- Matera is a city I am completely enamoured with already. Firstly, it’s in a part of Italy I’ve not yet visited (Basilicata) and the city itself is one of the worlds longest continually inhabited. The city is perched atop a high rocky peak, cascading down the outcrop with ancient cave dwellings in the Sassi area sprinkled towards one end where some of these rock formations have been converted into museums, restaurants, and even luxury holiday apartments. Matera was recently featured on the big screen in the latest James Bond film, “No Time To Die” during its opening high-speed chase sequence. This rustic city is absolutely steeped in history; and I have a feeling it will be where I take an incredible amount of photos due to its unique nature.
- The island of Sicily. Okay I am cheating a bit, but this entire region has been on my bucket list for so long. It is the largest island in the Mediterranean, and has so much influence from colonising countries throughout history such as Portugal, Greece and North Africa. In fact, Sicily is home to the most examples of ancient Greek architecture outside of Greece. I’ve forever heard that the more south you go in Italy, the more authentic and rich the history becomes. It will be incredible to experience this myself, while visiting some incredible sites like The Turkish Steps, active volcano Mount Etna and the 18th-century baroque grandeur of Noto.
- Sanremo is in the northwest of the country, within the region of Liguria. The town is less well-known to international folk, but synonymous for Italians for the annual music festival of its namesake. I’m hoping to attend the festival myself, but also enjoy the beauty of the beachfront promenade, The Ariston Theatre, and also a rather surprising Russian Orthodox church. Its location is fabulous also due to its proximity to beautiful towns like Dolceacqua, and even Monaco and the Côte d’Azur of southern France are only about 50km away!
- Milan perhaps best known for being a fashion capital or centre of business in Italy, has not been a big draw for me personally, but there are still some experiences within the city for which I just cannot control my excitement. As a major foodie and Italianophile, I’ve sampled many a regional delight however one of my favourite dishes is the saffron painted, Risotto Milanese. It’ll be great to again see it’s beautifully bright golden colour and try it in its birthplace. Also, one of DaVinci’s most famous works is in Milan; Il Cenacolo or as wider known with its English name, The Last Supper. To see that work of art will be a life-changing moment for myself. Another of the most classic images of the city is the immaculate Gothic-styled cathedral in the city centre (Il Duomo), it’s adjacent to a beautiful shopping space called Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The elegant 19th century shopping centre is ornately designed with golden iron and tall glass vaulted ceilings, housing designer shops and cafes throughout. It will absolutely be my first stop.
- Lastly, Bologna is a city I have surprisingly been near to many times but never yet visited. La Rossa has grown in interest for me over the years due to its beautiful red stone, vibrant food scene, its two towers and for its convenient location for day-trips to other beautiful towns within Emilia-Romagna. What many people may not realize is that most famous Italian dishes known internationally all come from Bologna and its surrounding towns. Some examples are Ragu alla Bolognese, Tortellini, Lasagne, Mortadella, Balsamic Vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and so many more.
I could easily list many more places I’m excited for and I may actually include some more in a future post. Do any of you have some recommendations for me? Italy, I am so, so ready for you, but still a few months yet until departure…
Ciao for now!
D.
Something About David 