Ellemental: Amalfi Coast Amore

Buon giorno or Good day starts every interaction with the sales help at a store in Italy. Not “Quanto costa?” or “How much?” right then.
Forming relationships is the forte of Italians who value insieme, our ethic of togetherness. Italians are not snobs. We are lovers, not haters, and delight in getting to know you.

Traveling to Cetara, a town on the Amalfi Coast, was an experience. The terrain reminded me to slow down, or as Italians say, do things piano piano.
The streets were hilly and had cobblestone. They were so steep they had steps. So of course you should go slowly and take your time.

Since the streets were hilly, the tour host told us to wear comfortable walking shoes. She vetted that my Adidas were OK. On the plane I wore the black Tokyo pair with three white stripes. I took in the suitcase the white Tokyo pair with three black stripes.

The writing workshop I was attending in Cetara was delightful. Far from home, the attendees could let our imagination roam.
Finding a sense of identity in a foreign country was the theme. Choosing to dress modern for the seven-day excursion. Thinking the Italians would ask, “Who’s that girl?” as I browsed the mercato.

We take a part of ourselves wherever we go. Our differentness should be a joy for others to behold. Regardless of how we look, each of us should walk down the street with our head held high.

Italy called for a languid beat. Instead of rushing around in America, I lingered over a plate of pasta here at a ristorante outdoors. Breathing in the open air was restful.

My aim in life is to share stories and teach others to be well. Perhaps in this article you can come along for the ride and be transported to the Amalfi Coast too. Find joy in reading about my experience.

The point is that even if a person can’t afford to travel out of the country, they can take flight closer to home. Instead of remaining jaded about the city or town you live in and take for granted, try seeing it with fresh eyes.

Not able to book a flight elsewhere, you can appease your travel bug by tootling around where you live. That’s why I champion living in a neighborhood where you can walk everywhere, as walking has health benefits too.

Bella Italia is an evergreen country. Getting out in nature benefits our mental health. Even simply taking a path in a local park can boost our mood.

Consider this article a postcard with a sunny view sent with Amalfi Coast amore. I advocate that you go to new places and do new things. Even if it’s just strolling over to the local coffee shop on a Friday afternoon after being in the house all week.

It’s a small world after all. We have more in common than not. Part of collective healing is opening our hearts and minds to the people we meet in our travels. Everyone living on earth is beautiful. Seeing their beauty is a gift God has given us to delight in.

Going to Cetara, I found the courage to embrace my differentness. All along I’ve thought what makes you and I different is a gift we give each other.

What I brought back was the memories recorded in a journal. A gallery of photos. An unshakeable faith that love will rule out over hate.

Sorridi. Smile. Today’s the day to enjoy life from wherever you are.