italy

italy was so much more than i had imagined. i still can't believe we were actually there. i keep looking at our photos to convince myself that it wasn't a dream.

that's the thing about traveling...it always feels surreal. there's a part of me that really does feel like i was meant to roam the world...be a nomad...a roving gypsy. so far, i've discovered a whole new side to myself. i so enjoy being immersed in other cultures, ever the observing tourist. who knew i would find other places and people so interesting? that it would spark a newfound fascination with world history? that i would have so much fun getting lost and being misunderstood? when eman first proposed international travel, i was deeply hesitant as well as excited. hesitant because i would be in unfamiliar territory, and excited coz it just sounded exotic! but my fears have thus proven to be unwarranted, and even in the midst of chaos in italy's bustling termini train station [notorious for its' thieves and pickpocketers] my fears waned and were replaced with wonder. i feel the most alive when i'm traveling abroad. the mystery, the discovery and the surprise of unity i feel with other human beings whose lives are so different from my own. all of it...the whole journey...just brings me to life. maybe it's just the adventure of it...the newness...i don't know. but i feel awake in a way i don't feel when i'm going about my daily business in the states. i hope my inner nomad is never sated.

on to italy.

we visited rome, sorrento, and capri. rome is amazing in the fullest sense of the word for the way in which it's been able to seamlessly juxtapose the ancient with the contemporary. sorrento and capri are awe-inspiring for the simple ways in which it hugs the sea and carves out breathtaking coastlines. they are all memorable for their inhabitants...their warm, generous and friendly italians! honestly, this trip was what it was because of the people we met while we were there. we didn't feel so much like tourists as we did guests of the country! if you've never visited italy...you really must! i dare say we enjoyed it more than paris! here's a link to our photos on flickr.