Travel Diaries: Notes from Italy

Italy is a place where time seems to slow down. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Rome, every corner tells a story. But more than the sights, it was the feeling of Italy that stayed with me.

Il Dolce Far Niente

The Italians have a phrase: il dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. It is not laziness; it is an appreciation of the moment. It is sitting in a piazza with a gelato, watching the world go by, without checking your phone or feeling guilty that you aren't "productive."

I remember sitting in a small cafe in Florence. The smell of rain was in the air, mixed with freshly ground espresso. I watched an old couple walking hand in hand, stopping to greet a shopkeeper. No one was rushing.

A Feast for the Senses

And then, there was the food. Simple ingredients, prepared with love. A plate of cacio e pepe that tasted like heaven. A glass of Chianti that held the warmth of the Tuscan sun.

This trip reminded me that life is meant to be savored, not just survived. We rush through our meals and our days, forgetting to taste them. Italy taught me to slow down and sit at the table a little longer.

So, I brought a little bit of Italy home with me. Not just souvenirs, but a slower pace. A permission to enjoy the sweetness of doing nothing.