Another guest post I wrote for a fellow travel blogger Katerina, who writes all about Italy. Our similarity in passion for writing and outlook in life has made us connect on a certain level- a new friend I’d found.
In this guest post, I bare my soul, of how Alberto and I met for the first time since Miami, and fell in love all over again. Italy is somewhere special for both of us, as our longing hearts had reacquainted in this amazing country of romance and passion.
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I remember my first time in Italy – it was like walking through a wonderland that I’d always dreamt of. It was illusional, magical and just pure enchantment. Falling in love with Italy was easy; falling in love in Italy was even easier.
It had been 6 months since we last met. Being apart in two different countries was the hardest thing we had to go through, disparity and not knowing what the future held was torturous. But we finally made it. Flying halfway round the world, we chose Rome to be our meeting place.
Our days in Rome were spent sitting along the Spanish steps stealing a kiss or two, sharing a gelato at the Piazza Navona, and swirling in full circles in front of the Basilica di San Pietro at the Vatican City. My favourite of all – Making a wish and flipping a coin into the Fontana di Trevi. What did I wish for? It’s my little secret. Read more…
As soon as we’d finished exploring Rome, we hopped on the train and took off to the Amalfi Coast. Our heaving hearts couldn’t get enough of the passion Italy had given us. Perched on the rocky cliffs of the coastline, Positano was breathtakingly stunning.
Pushing past twirling vines, we would stumble upon quiet little taverns that opened up to an unobstructed view of the entire coast. Amazing!
Evenings were spent on these little cafés, where we chatted endlessly about everything under the sun. So soothing and calming were the sound of the waves, lapping against the rocky beach below us. In the small hotel we stayed at (Hotel Il Gabbiano), we would stand at the balcony holding each other so tight, as the sun set right before us. Read more…
Read the entire post here on Katerina Fiore´s blog.
I’d never indulge in romance as much as Italy had allowed me to. My first encounter in Italy had left unforgettable pages in my memories. Thank God, we’d returned to Italy several times after to weave even more beautiful memories, together. Now, we’re happily engaged and I secretly think that Italy played a part in it.
What a beautiful story, Nellie. I met my husband while traveling, too. I know how it feels to be able to share your dreams and passions with the person you love. Everyone always talks about solo traveling, and while I miss those carefree days of freedom, I wouldn't give up one second of the journeys I've made with John by my side. I wish you both many more happy years of traveling and making memories together.
BTW, are you going to do a destination wedding?
hey Carrie thanks for leaving me a note! Yes, I loved solo travel too, but nothing beats having him to share every single moment, high or low, while travelling. A destination wedding? lol. We have plans to wed in Granada nxt year, and might just hold a little party this summer in Miami where we met, but nothing's concrete yet. You guys got hitched in Mexico, didnt you? How was it?
Sorry for my late response, Nellie. You're right. We got married in Mexico on the 10th of December. The planning was a little tricky, because four countries were involved. We did all our planning from Taiwan, but we had to organize everything in our own countries. As far as the actual day, though, it was perfect. We couldn't have asked for a better day. Everything was just as we wanted it. After comparing the cost of a regular wedding with a destination wedding, we were awfully glad we decided to get hitched abroad. It was simple and sweet. At the same time, we were able to share our joy of traveling with our family and closest friends, and everyone got a great vacation.
I'll be following along closely with your own wedding plans. The Knot is a great place to start if you're looking for ideas.
hi Nellie, thanks for the post! it really reminded me of my last trip to Italy. I met and fell in love with an Italian, a Neapolitan to be more specific and like u, travelled half the globe from singapore to see him. I bought a ticket from Lufthansa (and surprisingly cheap at 1000SGD) and he fetched me from roma. I saved on the accommodation as well (for obvious reasons), but the most beautiful thing was able to tour the amalfi, capri with him, and experienced their culture by joining in their celebrations (they are really family-oriented). It was like falling in love all over again, and even chilling out in the living room doing nothing was a heaven to me. =)
Unfortunately, our long distance relationship took a toil on us, so i really admire u to be able to travel with the one u love. Sometimes i secretly hope that i can see him again, but who knows, maybe one day we will.
So sorry for the long post, but your post was an inspiration for me to write this out!! Hope it doesn't bore u, and good luck in your travels!
hey Shermeen, really glad to hear your story, thanks for sharing. I can understand how you feel – those must be amazing memories. Italy is a magical place, no matter how touristy it is, it still harbours that air of romance. Stay in touch!