Italy - a summary of delights
This past autumn, Luigi and I explored his homeland and the birthplace of my ancestors in a six week bucket list trip that took as all over Italy. As I wandered the cobblestone streets of the glorious country my father called home before his migration to Canada, I felt a profound sense of connection to the land, the people, and the rhythms of life. There’s something magical about traveling through a country as rich in history and culture as Italy. It’s a stark contrast to the newness of Australia, where I call home. In this post, I want to share the highlights of my Italian journey and how it continues to inspire me creatively and personally today.
Discovering Abruzzo
I was told that Luigi’s home town would be boring, that it was in one of the worst parts of Italy, the region of Abruzzo. This couldn’t be more wrong. One of the most transformative parts of my travels was exploring Abruzzo — a region that felt like stepping into another time. Unlike the tourist-saturated regions of Italy, Abruzzo is serene and untouched. It retains an authenticity that tourism has yet to spoil. The villages here are off the beaten track — perched high on hills, offering sweeping views of valleys, orchards and vineyards. I stayed in a remote village where life felt beautifully simple: mornings began with the scent of fresh espresso, and evenings ended with the sound of crackling fire under a sky full of stars.
Abruzzo reminded me of the power of slowing down. Here, I felt deeply connected to nature and to myself. The noise of the world, the pressure to do more ceased. My brain quieted down in Abruzzo and I could hear myself think clearly and clearly for the first time in a long time. As if the land spoke to me, I envisioned myself settling down in a cottage and growing herbs, making candles, designing clay pots. It’s a dream I still dream now that I’m back in Australia. Perhaps one day I’ll get there.
The Charm of Marsica: Collarmele
Marsica is in the heart of Abruzzo. It offers an entirely different kind of magic than anywhere else in Italy. Collarmele is Luigi’s home and it is one of the most ancient and authentic parts of Italy. It sits in the Marsican region of Abruzzo, and is filled with lore. Unconquerable by the Romans, and completely off the beaten track, it has a rugged beauty that left me utterly captivated. Nestled in the mountains, the village is a serene escape, far from the bustle of modern life. As I walked through the streets, I felt the weight of the centuries that have shaped this place. The mountains themselves seemed to whisper their stories, and every corner revealed a view that took my breath away. I could not help but feel awe-struck, standing there among towering windmills and ancient fields of herbs, as though nature had enveloped me in its quiet majesty. This land, with its wild beauty and peaceful rhythm, stole my heart in a way I never expected, and I now carry its spirit within me, deep in my soul.
Bringing Italy Home
Italy taught me that inspiration is everywhere, deeply rooted in nature. Whether it’s the texture of an ancient stone wall, the vibrant hues of a sunset, or the artistry of a perfectly crafted plate of pasta, these moments remind me of what it means to live fully and intentionally.
As I continue my creative journey, I’ll carry the lessons of Italy with me: the importance of connection, the beauty of simplicity, and the joy of creating something meaningful and lasting. I hope these reflections inspire you to seek out your own moments of timeless beauty, wherever you may find them.