What?!?!?!?!?! I am stunned and enraptured by this and by you. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard this story til now. It’s a bangerrrrrr. I feel confident Liz would be moved to know her words lit up this curious piece within you. 💕💕
Wow what an amazing experience this must have been to spend a summer in Italy! The feeling you described on the bike is exactly how I feel whenever I am on a long bike ride.
So inspiring Lauren! I studied abroad in Paris when I was 19 and can remember feeling the exact same way, so alive and fully present. I haven't traveled solo since but this piece is making me reconsider that. Also love hearing about your rebellious trespassing side, brava!
Absolutely magical. I love the Elizabeth Gilbert nod to "discover the jewels." I did something similar with my husband after we got married in 2022. Packed up our belongings, put everything we owned in storage, and headed to experience Italy for 3 months. What a trip filled with high-highs + low-lows. An adventure, indeed!
Oh my goodness, doing that for a honeymoon experience sounds amazing! Of course, as you mentioned, I'm sure there were challenges alongside the magic - there always are. Thanks so much for reading Kayli. ✨
Lauren, you've mentioned this trip across different issues and reading this today was more scrumptious than all the gelati!!! I can hear Love My Way and all of the piano pieces playing as I cycled along with you while reading. Thank you for such a personal essay and sharing this story. Can we have a sidebar for how chic Annella is? Forever style inspiration. Also, have you seen any of the other Luca Guadagnino films that make up his "love trilogy"? A Bigger Splash is a really great summer movie and will add another Italian destination to your list for sure. Besos!
Thank you Aoife, you are so sweet. Oh my goodness, yes! Love My Way on the radio and Annella style foreverrrr - I am here for it. I adore all three films from the love trilogy, but I think I'm due for another watch of A Bigger Splash, it's been quite a while. Sending smiles your way! xx
I have so many things to say about this and simultaneously I am at a loss for the right words! I am so proud of you for taking this huge step and Liz Gilbert-ing yourself all the way to Italy. Have you been back since? It seems like it is still so strongly in your heart.
While reading it, I could feel all of your transformation and appreciation spewing out, AND your braveness went even further by trespassing all the way up to the front door of the house. I love it!!! I am always a fan of what I call "not-trespassing" which involves me just stalking a place innocently from the sidewalk, and usually too afraid to take it any further. I always want to do it here in France, but I am scared to risk my precious visa. So, bravo!!! ❤️
Awww, thank you so much. Italy is always strongly pulling at my heart, but I haven't been back since 2018. I am due for a visit!
Hahah, the art of the "not-trespassing" is also something I am familiar with. If I had a European visa, I also wouldn't risk it - those are too valuable! Thanks so much for reading Kelsey. ✨
What?!?!?!?!?! I am stunned and enraptured by this and by you. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard this story til now. It’s a bangerrrrrr. I feel confident Liz would be moved to know her words lit up this curious piece within you. 💕💕
Hahaha, I had to keep a few secrets up my sleeve for you. Thanks Kaitlyn!
Wow what an amazing experience this must have been to spend a summer in Italy! The feeling you described on the bike is exactly how I feel whenever I am on a long bike ride.
Aww, I love that! Thanks Sonya.
So inspiring Lauren! I studied abroad in Paris when I was 19 and can remember feeling the exact same way, so alive and fully present. I haven't traveled solo since but this piece is making me reconsider that. Also love hearing about your rebellious trespassing side, brava!
Thanks Alexa! Oh my goodness, study abroad in Paris sounds superb. I’m sure you have many stories from that experience.
Absolutely magical. I love the Elizabeth Gilbert nod to "discover the jewels." I did something similar with my husband after we got married in 2022. Packed up our belongings, put everything we owned in storage, and headed to experience Italy for 3 months. What a trip filled with high-highs + low-lows. An adventure, indeed!
Oh my goodness, doing that for a honeymoon experience sounds amazing! Of course, as you mentioned, I'm sure there were challenges alongside the magic - there always are. Thanks so much for reading Kayli. ✨
Loved this. Hadn't watched the movie yet. It's been on my list for months now and just got bumped up to the top - tonight's the night!
Ahhh, that's exciting! I hope you enjoy it. Thanks so much for reading lovely ✨
You are such an incredible writer! I felt like I was there in the balmy Italian heat.
That's very kind, thank you Allie!
What a lovely story!!!!!!!
Thank you Ali! xx
Lauren, you've mentioned this trip across different issues and reading this today was more scrumptious than all the gelati!!! I can hear Love My Way and all of the piano pieces playing as I cycled along with you while reading. Thank you for such a personal essay and sharing this story. Can we have a sidebar for how chic Annella is? Forever style inspiration. Also, have you seen any of the other Luca Guadagnino films that make up his "love trilogy"? A Bigger Splash is a really great summer movie and will add another Italian destination to your list for sure. Besos!
Thank you Aoife, you are so sweet. Oh my goodness, yes! Love My Way on the radio and Annella style foreverrrr - I am here for it. I adore all three films from the love trilogy, but I think I'm due for another watch of A Bigger Splash, it's been quite a while. Sending smiles your way! xx
I think we’re at the point of summer where I feel slightly mad from the heat so A Bigger Splash captures that steamy chaos. Big smiles to you, too!
I have so many things to say about this and simultaneously I am at a loss for the right words! I am so proud of you for taking this huge step and Liz Gilbert-ing yourself all the way to Italy. Have you been back since? It seems like it is still so strongly in your heart.
While reading it, I could feel all of your transformation and appreciation spewing out, AND your braveness went even further by trespassing all the way up to the front door of the house. I love it!!! I am always a fan of what I call "not-trespassing" which involves me just stalking a place innocently from the sidewalk, and usually too afraid to take it any further. I always want to do it here in France, but I am scared to risk my precious visa. So, bravo!!! ❤️
Awww, thank you so much. Italy is always strongly pulling at my heart, but I haven't been back since 2018. I am due for a visit!
Hahah, the art of the "not-trespassing" is also something I am familiar with. If I had a European visa, I also wouldn't risk it - those are too valuable! Thanks so much for reading Kelsey. ✨
Six years is way too long! I hope you can visit soon!! ❤️
I am so sorry for having to take you away from discovering yourself, but so grateful for the fact that you did. Thank you and Love you AMG.
Don't ever be sorry, I was happy to come home when I did. Love you.
Ahhah you are braver than I! Thanks so much for reading Miranda 🩷
Ahhh thank you so much Gabriella! It was fun to relive those moments through writing.