“You don’t remember the days, you remember the moments.”
– Cesare Pavese, Diary (1935-1950)

A few thoughts as I look back on my new chapter here in Florence, Italy! ♥

It’s hard to believe that a year (and what a year for all of us!) has passed since I landed in Florence after over a year of planning and, despite the pandemic, set off on this new chapter in October 2020.

I know it may be difficult for many of you to believe or comprehend but I honestly had no idea of how long I would be staying here! My original intention was a long term visit…to “test the waters”…which has pretty more or less turned into “living” here…for now.

Despite the challenge of quarantine, the rainbow of “zones” (red, orange, yellow, white), and a hot summer, as I scroll through my thousands of photos, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude at how many wonderful people I have met and/or connected with and what I have been able to do! And I also realize that it’s the first time I’ve been in Italy for all four seasons…wow!

So, what have I learned?
My philosophy had always been to embrace where I am as a guest; to be very flexible, open to new/different experiences and not bring expectations or be influenced by the opinions of others.

I was reminded of my own travel tips and there were no big surprises. Remember: I grew up in an Italian-American family and I’ve been traveling here frequently for years. Also, I have stayed in close contact with my friends/travel partners here in Italy. (I do feel that I’ve been culturally immersing for years!)

Ultimately though, I can only speak from my own experience!

So, here goes… (and not in any particular order!)…

Living vs. visiting.
Although I “knew” this from previous experience, visiting a place is nothing like living in a place! Just because you love visiting a place does NOT mean you will love living there! And, even though I love and am pretty familiar with Italy, I had a lot to learn…and I still do!

Getting by day to day.
“Immersion” has taken on a whole new meaning and dimension! I had LOTS to learn about the reality of living here and I was willing to ask a lot of questions, observe, feel awkward (often!) and make plenty of faux pas. And, undoubtedly I have gained a new perspective and respect for what living here on a day to day basis requires! (I like to say that every day is a good day, some are just “more good” than others!)

⇒ Looking back on those first months…(Please wait for the slideshow!)

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Day to day.
Every day is different (not to mention the whole pandemic thing) and offers an opportunity to learn something new (and I have!). Looking back, between being quarantined, then the weekly roller coaster of red zone, orange zone, yellow zones, and spikes (for months), day to day has been the only way to “be”!
Now that I’m vaccinated and the curve has flattened, I can and will resume planning my own excursions and explorations but always aware that the circumstances could change.

“Little victories”.
Adapting/acclimating is a process; finding my way around, getting a little lost (sometimes a lot!), learning how things are done, stepping up and just trying! Little victories come from being willing to mess up (and maintaining a sense of humor)!

I’m here, I don’t have to hurry!
When visiting and on a limited amount of time – whether it’s days, weeks, even months – there was always this sense of urgency to “see and do”. Now that I’m here (and actually wasn’t able to do much for some time due to COVID restrictions), I can relax and just enjoy and appreciate what I can do!

Salute and buon appetito! Here’s to life in Italia!

About my Italian.
I studied Italian before I came and felt I should have been more conversant but I had to let go (of what I didn’t do) and now I just try. I screw up, I ask for help, it’s okay. Everyone has been patient and helpful (and they love to practice their English)!  Although I look (and am Italian) the minute I open my mouth they know I’m anglais but we always manage to communicate. I’m becoming braver and I’m committed to improving!

Always look for the positive.
I am very flexible and have learned NOT to be upset over sh*t that isn’t really important in the scheme of things. Acknowledge and respect that everyone is doing their absolute best under the circumstances (and the circumstances here have been extenuating to say the least!).

Wear a smile!
Even with a mask, a friendly smile and greeting –“buongiorno”, “grazie” – work wonders! I never take anything or anyone for granted. Being kind and gracious never go out of style.

Behind the scenes.
Beyond the glitzy glam photos on social media, there are real people working very, very hard at services we depend upon- cleaning, fixing, driving, delivering, repairing, assisting/supporting, cooking, growing, serving… They deserve a “grazie” of gratitude.
It’s important to understand that the memory of how uncertain and difficult life was here for over 16 months is far from forgotten…

Another “shutdown” is unthinkable.
This country and its people have really been through hell – you just can’t “get it” until you’re here and can begin to understand and appreciate what the pandemic/COVID did to Italy.
It has been much harder and yet they persist and are so resilient. They pulled together, the government ultimately got organized and with a resolute determination, Italy just achieved their goal of 80% of the population over 12 being vaccinated (as of October 11th). Strict mandates and protocols around vaccinations/Green Pass are in place. Italy is being extremely vigilant, diligent and proactive. It’s working.

Life will never be the same (here or anywhere).
There is no “going back to normal”, it’s a new normal. If you’ve been here before, don’t expect it to be the same. The pandemic has changed everything and everyone. We can stay stuck and wallow in “what was” or adapt to what is and move on. What I see and feel is the strength and determination to move on. It’s inspiring.

⇒ Pursuing my love of museums – always there is the exquisite art – it never changes or disappoints! (Please wait for slideshow!)

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One door closes…
Although I had to “pivot” insofar as my travel business was concerned (as did so many others), it actually resulted in a new focus for my Boots on the Ground in the Boot!
Meeting, getting to know and writing about more locals and sharing their stories and talents has been so rewarding! “Learning with Locals” has been a wonderful and gratifying way to learn more and, in my small way, support their business.
In addition, my focus has turned to planning/designing custom experiences and itineraries for individuals, friends, families, etc.

⇒ Immersing, loving spending time with and sharing about local friends! (Please wait for slideshow!)

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True colors!
I have been so incredibly gratified and touched by the support and encouragement that I have received both before and during the actual decision and move and since – and both from longtime and new friends here and at home. A huge virtual hug to those who cheered me on (and continue to do so!) through the doubts, hurdles and bumps along the way! (And you know who you are!)

Pazienza and piano piano…
Pazienza (patience)…I’ve been so impressed with how much patience I have seen under such difficult circumstances.
“Piano piano” (slowly, slowly…) I heard it growing up* and I hear it all the time now…slowly slowly…slowly things will improve, slowly we will recover, slowly we will rebuild…

(*Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano. He who goes slowly goes safe and far.)

Exercising a muscle -the courage muscle!
I liken courage to a muscle that, like any muscle, requires consistent exercise to stay strong…to do its job! We strengthen and grow or we atrophy and shrink. That’s it. Fortunately, the “courage muscle” is very resilient and responsive to even the smallest effort! Si, “just do it!”!

No regrets!
To move on, you usually have to leave something behind – not easy and I’ve had my “moments” – doubt, hiccups, detours, frustration – but I can truthfully say I have absolutely no regrets. Every time I hear the bells, take a walk, see the view of the skyline, turn a corner and the Duomo comes into view or look at the photos of all I have been able to see and do (despite the damn pandemic), I have to pinch myself and wipe the silly grin off my face.

⇒ Just a few (of hundreds) photos of spectacular Firenze…(Please wait for slideshow!)

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“Fall out the door and be surrounded by beauty…”
That was what I longed for and wanted for a very long time…coming to Florence fulfilled that wish and I do find it everywhere I roam here in bella Italia…

⇒ Just a few PostcardZ from Victoria…

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What’s next?
Well, a big decision to sell my sweet Fiat 500 and to stay through spring 2022…and probably beyond. There are too many places to go, people to meet, experiences to embrace…I’m just getting started!

♥And, yes, Italy is still my “dolce vita”, my passion, my place… and right now it’s definitely where I want to be!

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And I’m looking forward to seeing many of you in 2022? Yes, it’s very safe here. Yes, it’s a good time to plan. (As a matter of fact 2022 promises to be a boom year!)

When you’re ready, we’re ready!
We make the plans, you make the memories!

⇒ Shall we get started? Contact Victoria today!

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More About:
My Story – Starting a New Chapter
Italy Trip & Tour Design
Friends of Victoria
I LOVE Museums!
I LOVE Learning with Locals
A Dozen Common Travel Planning Mistakes

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