In 2007, my wife, Dee, and I embarked on a thrilling adventure, taking a sixteen-day journey to the beautiful country of Italy. We left Denver early in the morning, filled with excitement and anticipation, and after what felt like an eternity, we arrived in Milan, Italy, the following day. The long hours of flying and the time zone change, which cost us seven hours as we traveled east, made the experience all the more disorienting. I struggled to catch some sleep on the plane, as the hum of the engines and the flickering lights of the cabin kept me restless. By the time we touched down on Italian soil, we were utterly exhausted, the weariness settling into our bones. Despite our fatigue, the thrill of being in a new country coursed through us, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
In the sixteen days we visited the typical tourist sites, immersing ourselves in the rich history and stunning architecture. However, in addition to the popular tourist traps, the tour company was small enough to tailor the trip to fit requests from the attendants, providing a personalized experience that is often missing in larger groups. If someone wanted to visit their home root city or town, he could easily adjust the trip to accommodate these requests, ensuring that each traveler had the opportunity to connect with their Italian heritage or explore unique locations that held personal significance. This flexibility gave us the chance to visit some off-the-beaten-path destinations, which not only allowed us to see lesser-known but equally captivating sights, but also provided us with a comprehensive perspective on typical life in Italy. Interacting with locals, enjoying authentic cuisine, and experiencing age-old traditions were truly the highlights of our journey, making this the best part of the trip. In contrast, during our visit in 1999, we had previously seen all the typical tourist sites, where we marveled at the iconic landmarks, but the experience felt more generic and less connected to the vibrant culture of the country.
Since I am a writer, I had to take the opportunity to write about this trip. It can be found here. SIXTEEN DAYS IN ITALY
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