The Italian Summer

By Monica Vargaluta

It all started five years ago when I was wondering where in Europe I could go spend my holiday with not a lot of money but from where I can learn a lot, culturally speaking. Therefore it came down to either Greece or Italy. I have not had the chance to visit Greece yet but back then I decided Italy was closer to home and being 16 years old back then it was the only place I could go without an adult considering that my aunt was already established there.

I remember it like it was yesterday. The hot wind, the salty water and the golden sandy beaches… the first memories that always take me back to those days when I had no worries. It was perfect! However, my holiday was supposed to last for three months and I had planned it all to be in Italy. Lying on the beach all day for three months did not sound very appealing and therefore I decided to get to know more about the culture, the people, their food, customs and traditions. One walk through the old streets of Rome and I was compelled. The city was amazing! Its atmosphere, the happiness people exposed and the great food you could buy everywhere convinced me to visit it again.

Second year I visited Calabria. The blue waters and colourful boats the sailors have make you wish you could move there. Ever since that 2009 trip Italy has been my yearly destination. It’s not a holiday anymore, it’s like going to a faraway home that you know awaits for you no matter what. Where you know you find something new every day and discover secret places every moment.

My latest escape in Italy was last year when I visited the Amalfi Coast. Therefore I have traveled for 10 days from Rome to Lido then Pompeii, Sorrento (the land of Limoncello) and Capri Island.

I would always recommend Italy if you want to see what is like to have fun, learn about another culture and find yourself!

That’s what Italy is to me. The place where I know no matter when I go I can still find that 16 year old girl sunbathing and eating a gelato.