#What to do in cinque terre

[schmedterlingfreud]

(Ristorante Luca -- Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy)

(Gelateria Alberto -- Corniglia, Cinque Terre, Italy)

[thereoncewasagirlnamedjane]

CONSTELLATIONS OF VITAL PHENOMENA.

PAIRING — bucky barnes x f!reader

CONTENTS — one-shot; fluff; angst; greek mythology elements (i took so many liberties with this so pls don’t come at me with your notes ☝🏻🤓 okay?); first-person narration/told from Eros’s pov; kind of a valentine’s day special but also not really? idk.

SUMMARY — For the first time ever, Eros’s arrow strikes the wrong target. And now, the god of love is faced with the task of unravelling the newly formed bond between Bucky Barnes and a woman the Fates have decided is not his soulmate—and yet.

WORD COUNT — ~3.7k

✩ masterlist ✩ library blog

I like to check up on you all every now and then. It’s how I learn, and there is still much to know about you mortals, even after all this time. 

And there’s just something extremely unsatisfying about leaving a story unread, isn’t there? Especially if it is a tale I helped set in motion. 

Cinque Terre is a lovely chaos of patterns and vivid colours, and under the azure sky with a cup of gelato in hand, I adjust my hat and pretend to be preoccupied with the sight of the sparkling sea, smiling to myself as I observe a pair of lovers standing nearby. 

The cheeky little things are supposed to be wrapping up a work trip, but before they leave this little slice of Mediterranean paradise, they pretend for a moment that they’re on a romantic getaway. 

They hold each other by the waist as they breathe in air rich with the mingling aromas of freshly baked focaccia and the briny sea, and anyone who looks upon them will know they are in love. 

I even check on the stories I know are doomed. Fret not, my human friend. Stories end, my dear, but love never does. It lingers, do you know that? 

Maybe you decide to keep it, perhaps you feel stronger that way, looking back on a tale cut short and choosing to carry it with you. 

Maybe you end up letting it go, maybe—though beautiful while it lasted—it’s holding you back from an even brighter future. It remains regardless. It settles back into the earth, floats into the sky, clings to the stars—sparkles almost like fairy dust in the sunlight. 

Shall I tell you about the first time I ever had to bring about an ending? 

It all began with that oblivious couple standing right over there, still holding each other as the beating heart of the Italian Riviera works its subtle magic on them. 

You and Bucky turn to each other and share a smile, sharing a tender kiss under the creamy orange light of the rapidly setting sun. 

It all began with a mistake, you see, because I never miss. 

It was a harsh lesson to learn, that even us gods aren’t infallible, but sometimes, mistakes are good. 

That’s what I like very much about you mortals. 

“I love you, Bucky.” 

The words were released upon a single shaky breath, as though you’d been holding them back for aeons. You stared up at him with watery eyes, looking both relieved of some immense burden and terrified at the same time. 

“I always have,” you admitted almost sheepishly, hopefully. 

And Bucky swore it was like he’d been shot through the heart, but instead of doubling over in pain, he couldn’t resist the smile that tugged at his lips. His shoulders lifted as he breathed in, like he was inhaling fresh air for the very first time. 

His cheeks were tinged pink in the chilly late winter air, but he didn’t even so much as shiver. In fact, he was warm right down to the tips of his fingers. 

Bucky had absolutely no choice but to say it back, because of course he did, and you smiled at him brighter than the sun. He decided right then and there that he would gladly blind himself in your light. 

His heart stuttered when you rushed forward to wrap your arms around him, and it didn’t take very long at all for his lips to find their way to yours. 

But unfortunately, heartache always began with apparent joy. 

Because something shifted in the atmosphere. A hush seemed to fall over New York as the first nearly frozen raindrop splashed onto the sidewalk. Another followed, then another, and then another, until the silence was soon filled with the staccato beat of impending rain. 

You and Bucky didn’t seem to care, however, still holding each other in a tight embrace, exchanging warm breaths and whispering love against touching lips. 

I, on the other hand, cast a wary glance up at the darkening heavens. A sense of urgency unfurled within me as the once-clear sky morphed into a brooding tapestry of greys and blacks, transforming the city streets into a mosaic of shimmering puddles. 

At first glance, it might have seemed like an ordinary downpour to anyone but the most discerning eye, but to me? 

I knew immediately that Zeus was angry. The sky momentarily brightened with a flash of lightning, a clap of thunder boomed loud enough to make even Barnes flinch. 

It could only mean one thing: I had just made a mistake of cosmic proportions. 

The nock of my arrow was still inexplicably sticking out of your chest (well, don’t worry, no one else could see it… wouldn’t that be morbid?), even though that arrow was most certainly not meant for you. 

But as Bucky cradled your face in his hands, touching his nose to yours, making you laugh despite being drenched in freezing rain, I found a stillness. A momentary peace. 

Because how could a love like that, so palpable to anyone with a heart and a soul, possibly be a mistake? 

“No, Eros,” Clotho murmured with finality when I arrived back in Olympus in a frenzy, not even looking up from her distaff and spindle. Her two sisters, Lachesis and Atropos, cackled amongst each other, completely unashamed that the subject of their mockery—spoiler alert, it was me—was still well within earshot. 

“You didn’t even take a moment to consider it!” I complained, but of course they wouldn’t. 

They already believed me to be an immature and naive god in comparison, and this proposal of mine—and the fact that my arrow was currently burrowed into the heart of the wrong person—only proved them right in their eyes. 

“Measures such as the one you’re suggesting—” Atropos, the eldest of the Fates, cut in. Her youngest sister was now once again far too busy with her life’s work, weaving the countless threads of life and death to pay any more attention to my concerns. “—must only be taken in the most dire of circumstances.” 

“The balance of the cosmos has already been upset, what circumstances could possibly be more dire?” I demanded.  

One side of the Earth was under a torrential rainstorm, and the other side was being ravaged by wildfires. Conflicts were breaking out in areas of longtime peace, and humanity was beginning to lose faith in itself. 

I wanted to scoff, to roll my eyes so hard they might as well have fallen right out of my skull, even as Atropos waved her abhorred shears so manically in my face. 

In reality, I knew their refusal was because the Fates were considered above us all as enforcers of the universe’s will. Who would dare be arrogant enough to question their judgment? Not even Zeus himself. 

“You already know all this, Eros,” Lachesis, the middle sister, whacked me on the head with one end of her measuring rod, making me flinch before she batted away Atropos’s menacing hand. “You are embarking on a fool’s errand. Once the Moirai have decided, you cannot change our minds.” 

“I see the business of love has made you soft, boy,” Atropos sneered, putting down her scissors and looping a thread of life around one of her bony witch-like fingers. She toyed and tugged at it carelessly, despite the small noise of dissent from a concentrating Clotho, as though it wasn’t the literal lifeline of an actual living, breathing creature. 

“And I see the business of death has inevitably made you more ghoul than goddess,” I snapped back, beyond indignant, momentarily forgetting that my mission was to convince the sisters, not anger them. Atropos did snarl at me in response, but she ultimately did not refute my statement. 

Because Hades, despite being the ruler of the dead, remained one of a kind. Despite the fact that he rarely ever saw the sun, surrounded by all that death and anguish, he remained ethereal and compassionate.

You humans sometimes think the devil of him, but you have been very misinformed. Most of his wrath is exclusively reserved for those who try to cheat death, and that’s where the difference lies. 

James Barnes never actively tries to cheat death, he just somehow does.

Many times, the underworld scrambled to prepare for his arrival. Finally! they'd exclaim, the Furies rubbing their hands together in barely contained glee, satisfied that even the infamous Winter Soldier couldn’t outrun his destiny for that much longer. 

And so many times, Hades seemed almost unbothered, maybe even content despite the chorus of disappointment that sounded around him, as the human known as Barnes once again prevailed. 

Once again, he lived—despite all the odds.  

I firmly believe that’s why the Fates loathed him so, and refused to even entertain my request; this mere mortal was always managing to twist up their carefully laid plans, taking their interpretation of nature’s law and throwing it back into their faces, proving them wrong time and time again. 

It seemed, however, that was precisely the way it was supposed to be. The sisters would watch as the stars realigned themselves, the state of the cosmos resetting, and they would just sigh and�� start over. 

I’d never seen anything quite like it in all my years, and even though the Fates still treat me like a child, by your standards I have been around too many to count. 

But that’s why it was all the more frustrating to me that they wouldn’t simply… do it all again. They had already been wrong about his destiny so many times, what was one more? 

“You were given three fine choices, Eros,” Clotho clicked her tongue in displeasure at my reluctance, her brows furrowing when her threads began to knot together. She put down her spindle, trying to unravel them but to no avail. She could not weave any further. “Fix your foolish mistake. And make haste before your trepidation upsets the cosmos, and Zeus, any further.” 

Fine choices. As if that was at all adequate when it came to matters of the heart. Still, I turned away to leave them, to follow their orders as woven, silently fuming and resentful. 

If they were willing and able to rewrite one’s life and death with but a flick of their wrists because it was “meant to be”, then why not love? 

It loomed just as large, if you asked me, if not larger than all else. And just as life and death were inevitabilities for all creatures, divine or mortal, so am I. 

So is love. 

Despite his almost celebrity status back on Mount Olympus, up close and personal James Barnes seemed… quite ordinary. Just like every other mortal, he had two eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Nothing extraordinary there. 

I suppose the crop of short brown hair and the days old stubble growing along a sharp jaw did something for him, and those insanely blue eyes certainly weren’t terrible to look at— 

“So… she doesn’t actually love me, is what you’re saying?” Barnes glanced up at me, brows drawn together in displeasure and confusion, still digesting what I’d just told him. 

The woman he loved—a tenacious and adorably stubborn colleague turned confidante turned into something so much more—was accidentally made to fall in love. 

Unfortunately for him, while his love for you was true, you were never prophesied to love him back. 

“Well…” I faltered, suddenly realizing how harsh it all sounded, especially with you sitting right next to him in the dim light of his Brooklyn apartment. 

Listen, despite how I was treated back in Olympus, I’d been doing this a very long time. I’d learned, for the most part, that despite the resilience of you mortals, the lot of you still prefer to be spoken to with the utmost delicacy and consideration. 

It was why I decided to tell you both before pulling the arrow out of your chest and taking back the love you’d so passionately professed to him just days earlier. 

I thought it would have been kinder this way. 

But as I considered the look of undisguised anguish on both your faces, I came to the inevitable conclusion that I still had much to learn. 

“That is not true,” you protested, grasping at Bucky’s hand and tugging at his arm so he’d look at you. Your eyes were full of pleading, and he didn’t pull away although his fingers remained slack next to yours. “I loved you way before he came around! I just never had the courage to say anything.” 

Despite the very devastating nature of the situation, I couldn’t help asking. “Are you two not at all surprised by my existence?” 

“I’m a hundred and seven years old,” Bucky grumbled, as if that figure was somehow impressive. “I’ve seen more than my fair share of stranger things.”

“And you’re not the first god we’ve ever met,” you offered carefully. 

Preposterous, I wanted to scoff. As if Thor could ever compare. Instead, I swallowed my biting retort and returned to the subject at hand, “You may be right. My arrows, as powerful as they are, cannot create something that isn’t already there.” 

Love cannot be manifested; it cannot be borne out of absolutely nothing. It is borne out of two hearts beating as one, something of a higher power that I cannot adequately explain even as the god of love. 

“Then—” you began hopefully, but I put up a reluctant hand to silence you. 

“It does not change the fact that you… well, I’m sorry, but you are not James’s soulmate.” It was written in your destinies to remain apart, and there was nothing I could do to change it. 

To this day, that felt very wrong to say. I wholeheartedly believed my arrow was precisely where it was supposed to be, but the Fates didn’t respect me let alone trust me. How could I, a brash and comparatively inexperienced young god, possibly know better than nature itself? 

No one was going to rewrite fate just on my word alone. 

And Clotho was right; she had offered three fine choices. I had an absolute spread of not one, not two, but three potential soulmates for Bucky to choose from. 

The first, I must admit, they got off to a rocky start. But between you and me, the most fun love stories do. The barbs exchanged between Samuel Wilson and James Barnes were always sharp, but the underlying tones of affection were always there. Sam is everything Bucky deserves in a future, a symbol of hope in more ways than one. 

The second could be an achingly beautiful story. Love finds its way back to two people who thought it had abandoned them; sorrow gives way to light, and that light illuminates something that’s lain dormant for years. The colour red, something Natasha Romanoff had always associated with misery and guilt, can then mean something new. 

And for the third and most obvious, love was already so intricately woven into their destinies, it was impossible to separate them. Remember when I said love lingers? Even now, after so many years apart, and even during those years apart, Steve and James love fiercely. It was simply not in their nature to do otherwise, and the strike of my arrow would ultimately not change very much. 

I could pick any one of them and it would not matter. All of them made perfect sense. In every single case, I knew he would end up happy. 

And yet. How terrible was it that said happiness was destined to come at a cost? 

“What will happen if you remove it?” Bucky asked, finally closing his fingers around yours. You moved to lean your head on his shoulder, closing your eyes to hide the shimmer of tears. 

“Removing it could mean any number of things,” I told him honestly, and it wasn’t exactly anything that had ever happened before. I had no past experience to draw from. “But I do know what it wouldn’t mean. It wouldn’t mean she never loved you at all.” 

It didn’t seem to reassure either of you, wasn’t the balm against the ache I hoped it would be.

I did not want to do it, especially not when I saw you steel yourself against the pain, but the balance of the universe was at stake. You might not have called yourself an Avenger, but you were every bit one of Earth’s mightiest heroes as you prepared to shatter your own dreams to save a world that would never know of your sacrifice. 

“It’s okay,” you whispered, seemingly unaware that your tears had made it past your lashes and began trailing down your cheeks. You turned and grasped the sides of his face, looking him right in the eye. “Even if I’m not your soulmate, even if we don’t end up together, I will be so happy for you.” 

Because Barnes would continue to love and receive it in return. In that case, what was there to really lament, other than your own heartache?

“I… sweetheart, please.” His forehead fell against yours. “I don’t want anyone else.” 

“It’s okay, Buck, because I love you,” you tried to smile, to be strong, but it twisted and mangled into something less sweet and more crushing. “I don’t care what happens after this, I will always love you. Okay?” 

“Please…” He pleaded again, voice so small yet thick with emotion I had to look away. “I love you too. So damn much. I can’t—” 

“Okay?” You stressed once more, thumbs gently caressing the apples of his cheeks. “Tell me you understand.” 

He shook his head. “I just found you. I can’t lose you now.” 

“You will never lose me.” You pressed a kiss to his forehead, and Barnes didn’t seem to care he had an audience as he wept into your shoulder. 

I did what I had to do, despite how much I hated it. I reached forward and grasped the nock of that blasted arrow, and pulled it free. It disintegrated in my hands, dissipating like the light of an extinguishing star. 

The two of you held each other tight, and I could not bear to watch any further as I left you to finish your goodbyes. I returned to Olympus utterly dejected, my own grief as plain as day. 

After days of moping, Aphrodite halfheartedly tried to reassure me that things would work out; all I had to do was try again with a new arrow meant for the right person this time. 

“Hurry up already,” she said when she’d finally had enough, shaking her head with a dismissive wave of her hand. “The cosmos needs rebalancing, like, yesterday.” 

But she did not understand. I grieved for all true love lost, no matter how short-lived or star-crossed. 

And when I’d finally finished licking my wounds, I was about to embark for Earth once more, prepared to set Clotho’s prophecy and nature’s will in motion, my quiver secured over my shoulder. 

Until I was summoned. The Fates were calling for me, and it was the youngest of the Moirai who greeted me when I arrived. Her expression was grim and her shoulders squared in what I believed was preparation for another round of criticism. 

Lachesis and Atropos were lounging in their own chaises, refusing to make eye contact and mumbling angrily under their breaths. Clotho beckoned me closer to her loom, her strings now neat and free from their tangles, and I peered down at the thread of fate I had supposedly severed just days earlier. 

“I don’t understand,” I told her, staring incredulously at what I recognized to be your thread of life. It was now tightly woven together with Barnes’s. 

I put down my quiver, and almost immediately, the storm clouds over the planet cleared, the rumbling at the centre of the earth stopped, and the tension in the heavens finally began to abate. 

Clotho sighed, suspicions confirmed, the words coming out reluctantly through a tightly clenched jaw. “You were right.” 

It took a moment to sink in. 

The event that upset the universe wasn’t that my arrow had struck you by supposed mistake, or that you had declared a love for James Barnes that was never supposed to be returned. 

It was that we were about to chose the wrong soulmate after all, despite how perfect they’d all appeared on paper—er, thread. 

I laughed, I rejoiced, I celebrated. Even Atropos ended up cracking a smile in the end. 

“Well, what do you know?” She said, joining me as we watched Clotho weave the rest of your story.

Despite the lack of an arrow, love—as always—remained. 

Earth is stained in pretty hues of pink and red today. Normally, I find the whole display a little much. 

Love is meant to be lived every single day—boldly, shamelessly, proudly—not left to be openly expressed just once a year. 

But rest assured, some of you do it right. 

“Mi scusi, quanto costa?” I hear a voice, turning my head to see you and Bucky staring right at me. I break into a wide smile, disguised as a stranger and putting on my best accent—neither of you recognize me. 

“Per la bellissima coppia? Ottanta euro,” I tell him, even though it’s well past the evening rush. Bucky grins as he hands over the notes, taking your hand and tugging you along until you’re both stepping safely into the gondola. 

“Bucky,” you scold gently, voice lowered to a whisper, but you’re smiling just as wide as he is. “We’re going to miss the extraction point—!” 

But then you’re falling into his arms as he pulls you closer by the waist, laughing when he leans down for a kiss, lips missing your cheek and landing on your nose instead. 

“Just for a little longer, sweetheart,” he implores, blue eyes earnest and impossible to resist. “Just you and me.” 

You relent, utterly helpless, and whisper, “Say something else in Italian.” 

“Ah, si?” He laughs, a sound as rare as the man himself. “Sai che ti amo?” 

You hum appreciatively, leaning against his shoulder, “I don’t think I’ll need a translator for that one.” 

I turn away as I row down the canal to give you some semblance of privacy, singing a love song towards the moon you no doubt aren’t even listening to. You’re too busy continuing to defy all expectations as you fall deeper in love to even notice, and I tilt my head up towards the sky. 

How satisfying, no? I want to laugh. The stars wink back at me mischievously, as if telling me not to push my luck. 

You share a sweet kiss under the stars, and I take a moment to bask in the rightness of it all. I must admit, I can’t help but feel a little smug. 

Because sometimes, mistakes are good. Sometimes, mistakes are the best beginning. And sometimes, perfectly, they turn out not to be mistakes at all. 

After all, didn’t I already tell you? 

My dears, I never miss. 

fin.

NOTES — it has been A MINUTE since i wrote for bucky and i lowkey hate how this turned out but you know what, i need to stop obsessing! even if i was very unserious about the greek mythology stuff lmao. anyway, happy valentine’s day my lovelies! i hope you are feeling loved today, because i love you 🥰💕

also, the title of this fic was inspired from a book that has nothing to do with anything lol… but go read said book by anthony marra and prepare to cry your eyes out. you’re welcome.

© 2025 by thereoncewasagirlnamedjane. do not repost, translate, or copy to third party sites. no part of this work may be fed into any AI software or websites. minors are asked not to interact with my blog; you are responsible for your own media consumption. followers with zero engagement, serial likers and blank/ageless blogs will be blocked.

[onlyonetifosi]

chapter 14

<- previous series masterlist my main masterlist next ->

The wait is over im so sorry bc of how late this comes up i've been so bad lately with struggles in both mentally and with my cronical kidney disease. BUT HERE'S THE PIERRE FT ANNOYING/RUDE GF Hope you like it <3 <3

The sun hung high over the picturesque landscape of Cinque Terre, Italy, as the Leclerc family, along with their friends, basked in the warmth of another summer day. Yn and her twin brother, Charles, giggled as they ran along the pebbled beach, their laughter mingling with the sound of crashing waves.

"Race you to the rocks!" Charles challenged, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Yn grinned, her competitive spirit ignited. "You're on!"

"Charles, slow down!" Yn called out, chuckling as she tried to keep up with his energetic pace.

Their younger brother, Arthur, trailed behind them, his laughter ringing out as he tried to keep up. Lorenzo, the eldest of the siblings, watched fondly from a distance, content in the company of their parents and friends

Charles grinned, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Where are Mom and Dad?"

"They said they'd meet us by the gelato stand," Yn replied, scanning the area

As the afternoon sun began to dip towards the horizon, the Leclercs and their companions gathered around a rustic wooden table at a local trattoria, sharing stories and laughter over plates of freshly caught seafood and glasses of chilled limoncello

"Charles, Pierre just arrived!" Lorenzo called out, waving to a familiar figure approaching with a girl by his side

Pierre, Charles's best friend from karting, grinned as he spotted them. "Hey, everyone!"

Yn's heart skipped a beat when she saw Céline, Pierre's girlfriend, trailing behind him. She tried to hide her discomfort, knowing that Céline had never been particularly kind to her

“Bonjour, Pierre!" Charles greeted, clapping his friend on the back. "Comment ça va?"

"Bonjour, ça va?" Pierre asked, flashing her a friendly smile. 

Yn forced a smile in return, replying, "Ça va bien, merci" (I'm doing well, thank you)

"Bonjour, Yn," Céline greeted, her tone dripping with insincerity "Having fun with your little boyfriend?"

Yn felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment as Céline's words drew chuckles from some of the others. She glanced at Joris, who squeezed her hand reassuringly

"Oui, we are" Joris replied, his voice steady despite the hate in Céline's words, and comforts his girlfriend by placing his arm around Yn’s shoulders and placing his head on her neck.

Yn's smile faltered, but she remained silent, not wanting to cause a scene. She glanced at Charles, hoping he would intervene, but he was engrossed in conversation with Riccardo and Marta

The group chatted amicably for a while, but Yn couldn't shake the feeling of Cèline's disapproval looming over her. She tried to ignore it, focusing instead on the laughter and chatter of her family and friends

As the sun dipped below the horizon, tension hung thick in the air. Yn found herself retreating, seeking solace in the quiet of the villa.

"Yn, what's wrong?" Joris asked, concern etched in his features as he followed her.

"It's nothing" Yn murmured, unable to meet his gaze.

"Hey, don't listen to Céline" Joris said softly, lifting her chin to meet his eyes. "You're amazing, okay? Don't let her get to you"

As the day wore on, tensions simmered beneath the surface, coming to a head during a late afternoon stroll along the coastline. Yn walked a few paces behind the others, lost in her thoughts, when she overheard snippets of conversation between Pierre and Cèline.

"Elle est tellement ennuyeuse" Cèline whispered, her voice dripping with disdain "Pourquoi doit-elle toujours être là?"

Yn's heart sank as she realized they were talking about her. She quickened her pace, desperate to escape their cruel words, but Pierre's voice stopped her in her tracks

"Cèline, enough" Pierre said firmly, his gaze flickering to Yn. "You're being rude and you have no right to speak to Yn like that"

Cèline scoffed, rolling her eyes and looking away.

One evening, as they gathered for dinner on the terrace overlooking the sea, Cèline's snide remarks reached a breaking point.

"Yn, why do you always dress like that? You look ridiculous," Cèline remarked, her tone dripping with disdain

Yn's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as the others exchanged uncomfortable glances. She bit her lip, struggling to maintain her composure

Charles, sensing his sister's distress, followed her outside, concern etched on his features. "Qu'est-ce qui ne va pas, Yn? (What's wrong, Yn)" he asked, his voice gentle.

Yn swallowed the lump in her throat, her resolve crumbling as she confessed, "Cèline... she's been making me feel unwelcome, Charles. I don't know what I've done to deserve it."

Charles's brows furrowed in indignation. "Ne t'en fais pas, ma petite fleur. Je vais parler à Pierre. Personne ne devrait te faire sentir ainsi (Don't worry. I'll talk to Pierre. No one should make you feel this way)"

With determination in his stride, Charles sought out Pierre, his expression grave as he relayed Yn's distress. Pierre's initial disbelief gave way to realization, his features contorting with regret as he realized the extent of Cèline's behavior.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Yn's patience wore thin. "Cèline, pourquoi es-tu si méchante envers moi?" (Cèline, why are you so mean to me?)

Cèline scoffed, her eyes narrowing with disdain. "Oh, comme si ça t'importait vraiment." (As if you really care.)

Pierre's expression darkened as he stepped forward, his voice firm. "Cèline, enough. Tu as dépassé les bornes" (You've crossed the line) "I can't believe you'd behave like this, Cèline. I thought I knew you better"

Yn's heart raced as she watched Cèline storm off in a huff, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She felt a wave of gratitude wash over her as Pierre turned to her with a reassuring smile.

Later that evening, Pierre approached Yn, his expression apologetic. "Je suis désolé, Yn. Cèline's behavior was unacceptable. I've spoken with her parents, and they're ashamed of her actions. They've decided to cut our vacation short and return to France early to address her behavior"

"Merci, Pierre," Yn whispered, her voice choked with emotion. (Thank you, Pierre)

Pierre squeezed her hand gently, his eyes shining with empathy. "De rien, Yn. Tu mérites d'être traitée avec respect." (You're welcome, Yn. You deserve to be treated with respect)

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[la-grosse-patate]

OC Interview

I was tagged by @g0dspeeed, @cassietrn, @simplegenius042 & @noodlecupcakes thank you lovelies! <3 I tag @whatwouldvalerydo, @yokobai, @inafieldofdaisies

Isabel (Far Cry New Dawn)

Name: "Just Isabel is fine."

Nickname: "Twins call me Rabbit, but Roger calls me Tiger. I'm so confused, what even am I?"

Gender: "Female."

Star Sign: "Pisces."

Moral Alignment/Personality: ."Neutral Good. With a side of crazy."

Height: "5’1."

Sexual Orientation: "Straight."

Nationality/Ethnicity: "Romanian."

Fave Fruit: "Bold of you to assume I only have one. I grew up with my mom's fruit salad. I'm hungry now, thanks."

Fave Season: "I love the late spring-early summer period. It's not too hot, and most of my favorite flowers are in bloom."

Fave Flower: "Oh shoot, I can't just pick one. Damask roses, peonies and jasmine."

Fave Scent: "I miss vanilla. And my mom's almond scented body lotion."

Coffee, tea, or HC: "With these freaking highwaymen roaming around, even clean water is hard to find. Besides, Romanians only drink tea when they're sick, so..."

Average Hours of Sleep: "It depends, really. Between four and six hours."

Dog or Cat Person: "Gosh, what is up with these questions? I can't just pick one. I grew up in a farm. It doesn't matter if it barks, meows, quacks or bleats. I pet it. Hell, have you seen my boy Horatio?"

Dream Trip: "What I wouldn't do to be able to visit Cinque Terre and just forget about the world for a week. Not like it's possible, but a girl can only dream, right?"

Favorite Fictional Character/Real Person: "I used to be obsessed with Kurama from Yu Yu Hakusho. Oh man I miss watching anime."

Number of Blankets They Sleep With: "Most times I only have my jacket to cover myself with."

RANDOM FACT: "I'm very flexible. And I'm not talking about my schedule."

[walkswithmycamera]

📍San Michele di Pagani beach, Rapallo 🇮🇹 where a half litre (500mls) of wine from the beach bar, costs 6 EUR, or 4 EUR for 250mls.

Friday 27 September 2024.

Tomorrow, we're taking the train to Riomaggiore where we begin to do what we came to Italy for - to visit the Cinque Terre villages.

We've had to hold off until the very last day for this part of our trip, due to poor weather forecasts.

On Sunday we head back to Genoa for 2 nights as we make our way back closer to the airport (NCE) and the flight back to Liverpool with easyJet.

[mistyemily]

Any advice for somewhere some should go if they go to Italy

Well there's a lot of places in Italy

Sea + summer parties with people that scream a lot: Rimini,  Riccione, Gallipoli

Beautiful sea: Capri (very expensive), isola d'elba, cinque terre, liguria in general (but you have to know the right places), puglia in general (cheap but filled with tourists from all over italy), sicily

Mountains for skiing: all of Valle d'aosta is beautiful, Trentino Alto Adige

Expensive mountains: madonna di campiglio

Culture and monuments: everywhere. Rome, Venice, Firenze, Bologna, a ton of small cities scattered all over italy

Fashion & tik tok celebrities: Milan, Rome

Amazing food: everywhere but Naples + all of Sicily are my favourites

It really depends on what you wanna do :)

[a-shakespearean-in-paris]

What did you do in Europe?

Uh oh you opened up the floodgates friend. See, I suffer from "post europe syndrome," wherein I will talk about it every chance I get. I'm sure my European followers are scratching their heads right now in confusion that the crazy lady is so happy she got to go over, but as a kid who religiously watched Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown on the travel channel it was a dream come true. It was the most transformative experience of my life, for more reasons than the obvious that I got to live my dream.

In short, everything I wanted to and much, much more.

I do want to preface it by saying I went with a travel group because it was my first time traveling alone and I wanted the safety net of a group/tour director to haul us from one place to the next. It's also a great way to meet people because a lot of people actually go alone. I feel comfortable going by myself now, but at that time I was lured by the safety net of a group, and it also admittedly kept my parent's mind at ease.

I did their big European tour and I was away for over a month. In Barcelona I saw a flamenco show, went to the local market, and wandered through Park Guell. From day one I wanted to party hard because to be frank I was a goody two shoes in college and was obsessed with being "the good daughter," who didn't party and get involved in anything questionable so I knew I wanted to explore and party overseas. Yep, did just that in Barcelona, a city whose night life goes hard. It was magical. Cramped, sweaty, but something I'll never forget. I did everything I could dream of in Paris, my second time there--the opera house, the louvre, getting rained on in Montmartre. The Moulin Rouge. Having my own solo day by going to the Orsay and the Richelieu library. Walking the city by myself. London: everything I wanted and more. Saw three shows, including my favorite, Phantom of the Opera. Met the phantom. Went to the Globe, saw Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh's first house, the whole journey feeling a bit illegal because I was in a rich residential neighborhood. Worth it. Rossetti Exhibit at the Tate--meeting one of my oldest moots Jen. Perfection.

Amsterdam, Went to the Anne Frank house. Got drunk on a river cruise. Laughing my butt off as me and a few friends wandered the city. French fries. Prague, I went to the opera, partied again at an eighties club and had one of the best nights of my life dancing with no fear or inhibitions. Munich, meeting another internet friend zuendwinkel... drinking beer and going to a local biergarten/festival. Switzerland: climbed a mountain, wandered through nature, did ziplining. Wine tasted in Venice. Saw Birth of Venus in Florence, and had a day at the Cinque Terre. Rome. Oh Rome. My first city international when I was sixteen. Meet some interesting Italian men in Trastevere. Went to an Irish bar and had another amazing night. topped it with a four AM trip to the Trevi Fountain.

And then in Greece, in Athens I fell in love with the city. The food, touching our ancientness in a way I had never felt before. Sitting at a rooftop bar and feeling like you can touch the Parthenon. Then sailing in Paros, jumping into the Mediterranean sea. Being looked at like I was a revelation, like I was more than myself. In meeting so many amazing people I not only got to enjoy their company but I also saw myself in a completely different way. Writing feels different now for so many reasons, because I am different. And lust, I have learned, isn't like fire. It's earthen. When I want I am ancient as Athens.

I love my story. I love who I met. Thank you for asking.

[persephoneflouwers]

Angie, I need your help. I'm planning on going to Italy next year and I need recommendations. I do want to visit Venice and Rome, but I also wanna know what other places you'd recommend to see? And do you think September is a good time to go? I wanna avoid extreme weather and summer vacation (the less kids the better).

Hi, angel! I think it depends a lot on your budget and on how many days you’re willing to be here. September is a very good month to travel. It’s still hot, but less crowded.

My suggestion is to start from Rome, because Rome… obviously. Stay there a 3-4 days and then chose if you want to move North or South.

North: From Rome to Florence. Pick train, bus or car (train is the easier option). Florence and all Tuscany is absolutely amazing. Plan a tour of the medieval towns, if you have time! It’s so pretty and peculiar. If you have not time, plan this trip from another time, it’s so worthy!

From Florence, I would go up to the Cinque Terre (Vernazza, Monterosso al mare, Riomaggiore maybe). So so so beautiful.

In Genova, you’ll be tacking the train (if you’ll have a car, the better) to Milan and plan the trip the other side of the peninsula. I think it’s easier from Milan to go to Venice, eventually.

South: from Rome to the Amalfi coast, Naples… my personal favourites, it’s home: Tropea and Scilla <3 it’s still very sunny in the south, so you will have an amazing summer vibe.

I think Sicily deserves a trip of his own. So does Puglia and some places in the North.

Obviously, when you pick the trip, come back because we need to discuss food and history 😌

[johnconstantinejld]

Gotham Tales-Riddler

Gotham Tales-Riddler

Riddle Me This…

Welcome to Italy, Batman. I could have chosen anywhere, of course, such as Spain or Austria, but there is a specific reason I came here.

Finally found me, eh? Of course, I expected nothing less, Batman. No, no, I deliberately went easy this time. Where would you a mass of riddles? Not at a comic convention, please. In Arkham they consider me petty and hold me in low esteem, but even those basement dwellers are lower than me. 

No, I came here to Italy. I attended the Book Fair in Bologna (third largest in the world), to find about books on riddles. And I quite liked it. 

You see, I didn’t want to leave a riddle for you. But I had to. You’re the only one equal to my intelligence.

Oh sure, they all say that IQ is nothing, and all Arkham sees me as petty, overconfident, harmless and hold me in low esteem. You know what Joker calls me? A gimmick! Me? Coming from a clown!

Of course, he’s the comedian, the clown and the comedian, so what do I know?

Tell me, how’s old Hatter? Would you mind giving him a decorated Complete Works of Carroll? It’s important he reads of all Alice, not just one chapter. I doubt he will, though. Cinque Terre…it’s funny, but I’m still getting used to the places here closing whenever they want. Like this place I go to get the whiting I’m eating before you. Giovanni suddenly apologised and said he was just closing but would only serve me. He wouldn’t open the rest of the day. A wedding, he explained, and he had to be up early, but it caught me by surprise. There’s a riddle. 

Then they offered me a position, far better paying and more secure than the job at the office in Gotham, writing out riddles. Advanced and even more advanced, they said. Maybe I should dedicate the next book to you.

Now maybe I will be recognised.

Time is changing me. This is a place to take the impatience out of a man. I can sit here and read philosophy and ponder those great riddles. Look at that glass of white, Batman. It might be poison or rotten. Those are the greater questions that permeate our lives. It is those little risks that we have the dignity of taking. Those little questions.

Not even listening, is he, Ms Gordon?

Now here’s a riddle. What does Batman have to do with protecting Barbara Gordon whilst she holidays here? Richard not around? I am not at the level of referring to him as ‘Dick’. We are not that personal, please. Perhaps you have your own riddle, Ms Gordon? After all, whilst that Oracle figure can see everything that exists, I can see that is unseen and non-existent-and this, you will find, is far more powerful. It was a beautiful computer setup, but for once I had…clarity. And I looked back out.

Who did I see operating Oracle’s computers, hmm? 

I’ll keep it to myself, so it pleases. One genius to another. A solved riddle is no fun. All I am is a gimmick. My connections in the upper echelons of society (I suavely entered it with far too much ease) have proven a little tiresome. ‘Where’ old Eddie?’ They’ll ask. ‘Look in Central City, Metropolis, Smallville.’ The media is asking the same thing. Well, let the ignoramuses wait. I tire of them.

I tire of it all. 

I left you a riddle. I had to. Could have walked away, but I left you a riddle. I mean, I know the answers to your riddles, but what’s the point if the answer is something everyone knows? I don’t want anything else to do with what is happening. All I did was rob and leave a clue. What did Scarecrow do? Scare people and get rich on the betting. Now everyone gets off killing. Even Hatter damn well kills! Did the world leave me behind? Did the writers go mad? What’s wrong with morals about criminals being brought to justice and just criminals because they’re evil. No Freudian excuses, no redeeming factors, just wrong. Is the world too twisted for that? The idea is you turn up, do your crime of the week and get put away. Scarecrow comes up, frightens the guards into giving away the precious gem, and he unveils where he was. Perhaps he was hanging in the museum the whole time, disguised as a creepy doll? Ooh, write that down. But then, you are trauma and tragedy, so it doesn’t stop you, does it?

Please, a copy of my latest and greatest book of riddles, fresh from acclaim at the Bologna International Book Fair. Do not worry, Miss Gordon, I am not the suicidal type, despite sitting on the great riddle answer all this time: What’s under the cowl?

I just feel alone. Even when I was a private detective, I felt alone. Now what do I do other than sail, puzzle over inscriptions, help archaeologists, make new books. Imagine the great riddle. Poison in a sealed and corked bottle of wine. The customer bought it himself. There were no incidents of poisonings, no ransoms, no motives at the store and the vineyard had no reason to sabotage their crop. Why would Giovanni poison a regular customer?

Come, I know a know a great gelato place here.

There’s lots of reasons to live here. Actually, I’m on holiday. Despite my record, I live further along the coast. I take my risks here: The plate of goulash I have in Vienna might be tough or rotten and the beer warm. Those are risks.

But how much is a good quiet life worth? That’s a riddle for you.

Salute. Ciao.

[alessia-photography]

Notes on a Summer (2023) in Portovenere

Every year we return to this house on Via Olivo in Portovenere. We sit on the terrace, look out over the bay & the boats. Time stops. "Time that is moved by little fidget wheels / Is not my time" wrote the Australian poet Kenneth Slessor. Listen to the water, be water my friend.

It's good to be back.

We have been coming here for two weeks in August for over a decade now. Porto Venere, a one-way-in-and-one-way-out-village on the Ligurian coast, in the Gulf of La Spezia, also known as the Gulf of Poets.

This place 44°3'19"N, 9°50'15"W has become like a super fast charger for my family. It's more than that reliable cocktail of sun & sea, fresh mussels & lemon, multi-coloured houses, pebble beaches, deep-fried anchovies and pesto. It's the time to stop. To sleep. To swim in the sea. To discuss the future. My father paints, my mother reads. We cook, we laugh, we eat out on our terrace on Via Olivo; sometimes we eat out in town. We heal.

This notebook has been coming here since 2016, filled with local illustrations, our gentle exploration of this part of the world, our routines & rituals, what we eat, what we read, what we do, how we feel. It only has a few blank pages left, so this year is its last year here.

The ancient Portus Veneris is believed to date back to at least the middle of the 1st century BC. It has been said that the name refers to a temple to the goddess Venus which was sited on the promontory where the church of San Pietro now stands.

In Roman times the city was essentially a fishing community.

Via Cappellini, a narrow multi-coloured thoroughfare sometimes packed with the Cinque Terre tourists, sometimes not.

An antique vintage book market in the main square, the scent of basil, water in my ears, sleeping in the sun all afternoon then a bit of CNN news while my father cooks guanciale, adding chunks of bread which cook in the porky oil, fried jewels in the salad we eat on the terrace under an almost full Harvest moon. Waxing (very) gibbous.

The Monday morning market in Portovenere - buying peaches & green beans, a pair of flip flops & a roast chicken from rude Riccardo.

The pebble beach in front of the American bar.

The rocks, and their mermaids.

Biting into a deep-fried anchovy in Via Cappelini. It's hot and steamy, my lips are salty, the air smells faintly of shit & lemons, sweet & sharp. We are in Portovenere and I'm so happy. This basil mojito is heaven.

There is lots to do in Portovenere. Look it up in an Eyewitness Guide. I have done everything there is "to do" in Portovenere and I really don't go to Portovenere to do stuff. I go for my August Super Fast Charge which gets me to Boxing day when I fly to Venice for a fortnight with my family for our other Super Fast Charge of the year.

Essential Summer Super Fast Charge ingredients: sun, sea, salt, basil, anchovies, lemons, books, a camera & notebook, family love.

[italyluxury]

Planning a Family-Friendly Vacation to Italy: Tips and Tricks

When life gives you lemons, add limoncello and enjoy an Italy vacation!

As one of the top tourist destinations, Italy offers a perfect blend of ancient history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. With countless attractions for people of all ages to enjoy, it's no wonder that a vacation to Italy is on many families' bucket lists.

If you are currently planning a vacation to Italy with your family, here's what to think about.

How to pick among Italy holiday packages

The very first thing to do is to choose the right holiday package. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to pick one that suits your family's needs and preferences. You need to consider if:

You want an exclusive guided tour or a self-guided itinerary,

The provider offers custom-designed packages for families,

The package includes kid-friendly activities and hotels,

The itinerary covers all the destinations you want to visit,

The accommodation and transportation are comfortable for your family,

They provide local guides/drivers to make the experience hassle-free,

The locals/guides are multilingual, and

Their fleet of cars isnew and well-maintained.

Take your time to research and compare options before making a choice.

Best places to visit in Italy with family

Once you have chosen your perfect Italy holiday package, it's time to plan your itinerary and decide which places you want to visit. Some of the top family-friendly destinations in Italy include:

Rome

Florence

Veneto

Sicily

Cinque Terre

Tuscany

Milan

The Amalfi Coast

Make sure to include a mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, and fun activities that your kids will enjoy. One tip is to involve your children in the planning process, as it will make them more excited and engaged during the trip.

If your family wants an exclusive vacation to Italy, Italy Luxury Tours is the perfect travel partner. Their team of experts can help you design a tailor-made and exclusive holiday package that suits your family's interests and preferences. Contact them at (855) 539 0045 or visit their website to learn more about their services.

[easypeasyflytravel]

10 Things To Do In Italy

10 Things You Can Do In Italy

Italy is a treasure trove of history, culture, art, and culinary delights. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the stunning coastlines of Amalfi, there's something for everyone in this beautiful country. Here are 10 amazing things you can do in Italy to make the most of your visit.

1. Explore Ancient Rome

Rome is a city that exudes history and grandeur. Visit the iconic Colosseum, where gladiators once battled, and the Roman Forum, the center of ancient Roman public life. Don't forget to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck!

2. Take a Gondola Ride in Venice

Venice is a city unlike any other, with its winding canals and romantic bridges. Experience the city from the water with a gondola ride through the Grand Canal. Marvel at the architecture of St. Mark's Basilica and the Rialto Bridge while you're there.

3. Discover the Art in Florence

Florence is a haven for art lovers. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo's iconic "David" at the Accademia Gallery. Stroll through the historic streets and take in the beauty of Florence's Renaissance architecture.

4. Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

No trip to Italy is complete without seeing the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take the classic photo "holding up" the tower and explore the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli, where you'll find the Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery.

5. Experience the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Drive along the coastal road for stunning views of the cliffs and sea. Stop at charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, each offering unique beauty and charm.

6. Tour the Ruins of Pompeii

Pompeii, the ancient Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offers a unique glimpse into the past. Walk through the well-preserved ruins and imagine life in ancient times. Don't miss the plaster casts of the victims and the Villa of the Mysteries.

7. Indulge in Italian Cuisine

Italy is famous for its cuisine, so be sure to indulge in local dishes. Enjoy traditional pasta dishes in Rome, fresh seafood along the coast, and authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples. Don't forget to sample gelato in every flavor imaginable!

8. Take in the Beauty of Lake Como

Lake Como, nestled in the Italian Alps, is a place of stunning natural beauty. Take a boat tour to see the luxurious villas that line the shores, and visit the picturesque town of Bellagio. It's the perfect place to relax and soak in the scenery.

9. Explore the Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is a series of five colorful villages perched on the cliffs of the Ligurian Sea. Hike the trails that connect the villages or take a boat tour to see them from the water. Each village has its own unique charm and beauty.

10. Visit the Vatican City

Although technically its own independent city-state, the Vatican is a must-visit when in Rome. Explore St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world, and admire the stunning artwork in the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's famous ceiling frescoes.

Italy offers a wealth of experiences, from ancient history and stunning art to beautiful landscapes and mouth-watering cuisine. No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something to love in this captivating country. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable Italian adventure!

[umichenginabroad]

Madrid Week 9/10: Viva Italia (Part 2… part 2!)

Hola a todxs! Niko here, back again from where we left off in the last post discussing my Spring break in Italy. Let’s jump right in.

Hitting all Cinque of the Terres

Cinque Terre is a region of towns on the Northeast coast of Italy. You’ve probably seen a picture of it at some point. Colorful buildings, seemingly tumbling down the mountain and falling into the bright blue of the Mediterranean sea. There are five towns, each of them are incredibly picturesque, and each of them have a similar yet distinct energy. 

I first arrived to Monterosso al Mare. The day was a bit rainy/foggy (as opposed to the typical warm, sunny, summery energy you can glean from online pictures), which actually ended up adding to the vibe. Especially early in the morning when many tourists hadn’t arrived, I felt extremely at peace. I hadn’t been to the ocean for a really long time, and the salty air, rhythmic crashing of the ocean, and wind slipping across my face transported me to a somewhat movie-like trance where I could forget about time and just explore.

Around 2 and a half hours later, Shea, my host in Florence, met me in the next town over called Vernazza, and we explored it together. The same vibe carried through, and the sun even peeked through the clouds for us, creating glittery pockets of light over the ocean. Corniglia is nestled in the mountains as opposed to the sea, and we got delicious pesto there (pesto is famous in Cinque Terre). Manarola is the most picturesque of the towns (at least in my opinion -- the image of Manarola had been engrained in my mind of what Cinque Terre was like, and it was surreal to see it in real life), and we got some delicious fried fish and local wine in Riomaggiore.

The one downside of Cinque Terre: the tourists. Especially right when a train stopped, the amount of tourists seemed to overwhelm the skinny streets of the miniscule towns, taking away from the peaceful sea-village energy that was likely once very prevalent before Cinque Terre was popularized. It was an interesting thought, especially knowing that we were contributing to this tourist-caused shift in energy. How do we balance sharing the beauty of places like this with the world with the consequences that ultimately come with their discovery?

1 hour in Verona

Verona was a quick stop. I went there because I got a cheap flight out of the Verona airport to Madrid, much cheaper than any nearby city. I had basically an hour between when my train arrived and when I wanted to be at the airport, so I walked around with a huge duffle bag on my shoulder to see some of the sights (very tiring). They have a mini colosseum, the house that inspired Romeo and Juliet, and some pretty picturesque castle-on-a-hill views. Honestly, I wouldn’t feel the need to go back, but I’m glad I got to see it.

Reflections

All in all, spring break was incredible. Combined with my trip visiting Gaia earlier in the semester, I think that (barring the South of Italy, which is a whole world in itself and would probably require another week) I can say that I’ve experienced Italy and its culture. So many of the things that I saw were objects that only existed as images in my mind for such a long time, and last week, they materialized in front of my eyes. Not only did I have the opportunity to see them, but I had the opportunity to experience them, which I think I did mindfully — with some nuance, of course.

A day or two ago my friend sent me a Tik Tok while I was telling her about my trip that I wish I had seen beforehand. The main point of the video: most of us live our lives like it’s a to-do list. By the end of it, we should have a sense of community, engage in some great hobbies, land a fulfilling career, see the world and its wonders. A list of items to be checked off, so that we can say “yup, I’ve done that, I saw that”. This short video claimed that many of us live life like it’s a mission to be accomplished — forgetting to enjoy it as it happens. I think I agree. As cliche as it sounds, sometimes, we focus too much on the destination and forget to appreciate the journey. The journey is where life happens.

For those of you who know me, you know that I’m all about mindfulness, living in the present, staying grounded… inner peace woo woo type stuff. Also, if you know me, you probably know that I’m all about collecting new experiences. If it’s new, I want to try it — practice all the new hobbies that interest me, see all the sights (especially if they appear on some top 20 sights to see in XX list [this is how I made a lot of my itineraries this break]), experience the diverse cultures around the world. But if we’ve ever discussed this second point, you may have also heard me use that specific language: “collect” new experiences. Almost like they’re infinity stones to add to my glove, or items to be checked off of a list.

The Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the David, Cinque Terre, and more — these were the images that I held in my mind. This past week, I saw them, and I marveled at them. I really do think that I was present in these moments. I took the time to revel in their beauty, I remembered to pause and tune into how they made me feel, instead of snapping a photo and moving on to the next sight. The David was a strong example. I hope I never forget the chills that ran down my spine when I saw the statue at the end of the museum hall, shocked by the immensity, perfection, and humanity exuded by this sculpted piece of marble.

Over spring break, I enjoyed the journey. But simultaneously, I put a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself throughout the week to see all of these things, to collect these experiences. An example: I built myself the narrative that if I didn’t see all 5 of the towns in Cinque Terre, I would have to go back at some point and see them, because something about visiting this place without capitalizing upon the opportunity to take mental snapshots of every view I’ve seen on Google Images didn’t sit right with me. As a result, I think that I rushed through them a bit so I could visit each one in the time I had, which didn’t allow me to fully bask in the energy of any one of them.

Writing this reflection, I’ve landed on this important conclusion: I have to make a conscious effort to live for myself, not for my ego.

The little voice in the back of my head that told me I had to see every village was my ego speaking: “Now you can say you’ve seen it, you’ve collected this awesome experience, you can tell others all about it and keep the memory for yourself and most importantly now you don’t have to return, you can move on to experiencing the rest of the world, because you gotta see it all!”.

The world is an amazing place. There are too many things worth experiencing, and not enough time to experience them. There are going to be beautiful things I'll never see, complex feelings I'll never comprehend, incredible people I will never meet, and that’s something that I will come to terms with.

It’s okay to have this hunger for experiencing the world. In fact, I think it’s one of my strengths. But as I continue to live, I need to remind myself to focus on the the actual process of living, remembering to be gentle with myself, giving myself space to appreciate the fleeting moments and feelings before they're gone.

I've gotten deep all of the sudden, must be the mindfulness club influence or something :). I’ll finish this section with a quote from the movie Good Will Hunting, a favorite movie of mine. It’s not 100% related, but it's pretty topical, talks about the Sistine Chapel and the meaning of life, and I think it's beautifully written. It speaks for itself.

___________

“Sean (the therapist) : [sitting on a bench in front of a pond in park]  Thought about what you said to me the other day, about my painting. Stayed up half the night thinking about it. Something occurred to me... fell into a deep peaceful sleep, and haven't thought about you since. Do you know what occurred to me?

Will (the patient) : No.

Sean : You're just a kid, you don't have the faintest idea what you're talkin' about.

Will : Why thank you.

Sean : It's all right. You've never been out of Boston.

Will : Nope.

Sean : So if I asked you about art, you'd probably give me the skinny on every art book ever written. Michelangelo, you know a lot about him. Life's work, political aspirations, him and the pope, sexual orientations, the whole works, right? But I'll bet you can't tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel. You've never actually stood there and looked up at that beautiful ceiling; seen that. If I ask you about women, you'd probably give me a syllabus about your personal favorites. You may have even been laid a few times. But you can't tell me what it feels like to wake up next to a woman and feel truly happy. You're a tough kid. And I'd ask you about war, you'd probably throw Shakespeare at me, right, "once more unto the breach dear friends." But you've never been near one. You've never held your best friend's head in your lap, watch him gasp his last breath looking to you for help. I'd ask you about love, you'd probably quote me a sonnet. But you've never looked at a woman and been totally vulnerable. Known someone that could level you with her eyes, feeling like God put an angel on earth just for you. Who could rescue you from the depths of hell. And you wouldn't know what it's like to be her angel, to have that love for her, be there forever, through anything, through cancer. And you wouldn't know about sleeping sitting up in the hospital room for two months, holding her hand, because the doctors could see in your eyes, that the terms "visiting hours" don't apply to you. You don't know about real loss, 'cause it only occurs when you've loved something more than you love yourself. And I doubt you've ever dared to love anybody that much. And look at you... I don't see an intelligent, confident man... I see a cocky, scared shitless kid. But you're a genius Will. No one denies that. No one could possibly understand the depths of you. But you presume to know everything about me because you saw a painting of mine, and you ripped my fucking life apart. You're an orphan right?

[Will nods] 

Sean : You think I know the first thing about how hard your life has been, how you feel, who you are, because I read Oliver Twist? Does that encapsulate you? Personally... I don't give a shit about all that, because you know what, I can't learn anything from you, I can't read in some fuckin' book. Unless you want to talk about you, who you are. Then I'm fascinated. I'm in. But you don't want to do that do you sport? You're terrified of what you might say. Your move, chief.”

the movie clip from the quote

———————

Overall, Spring Break was incredible. As promised, I've made a list. This one is finalized for now, as I won't be going back to Italy anytime soon.

All of Italy Google Maps List (Milan, Asti, Turine, Rome, Bologna, Cinque Terre, Florence)

However, getting back to Madrid on Monday, I felt a big sense of relief. It felt a bit like I was returning home. I was getting tired of eating only carbs for every meal (and not being able to cook). I was so glad to be able to communicate in the country’s native language again — I feel much more comfortable occupying the space of “international student” rather than “tourist”, and I think speaking the language is a big component of that.

I also missed the energy of Spain and Madrid, a feeling I’ll use to remember to really appreciate the time I have left here. It’s going by fast. It’s April now, and before I know it, two months will fly by and it’ll be time for me to go home. Guess we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you all next week!

Ciao,

Niko Economos

Aerospace Engineering

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Madrid, Spain

economos@umich.edu 

[walkswithmycamera]

Italian Escapade: revised aka Plan 'B'

If you follow my account on X (formerly known as Twitter), you may recall I mentioned we were doing some juggling of our itinerary...

Plan 'B' image source: Unsplash

The accommodations are booked!

NOTE: links to information in the blog post are in blue.

The Arrival 🇫🇷

NCE Airport, one night due to a late arrival and in readiness for the Flixbus journey to Genoa 🇮🇹 the next morning. It takes approximately 3 hours, depending upon your chosen departure time.

Next Stop: Genoa

Flixbus terminates close to the Piazza Principe train station in the centre of the city and from here, we make our way across (probably by Metro) to Piazza de Ferrari with its fabulous fountain.

Arriving in Genoa a little after 13:00hrs, means we should arrive at our next accommodation in perfect time to check-in to our private room with an internal bathroom at Marathon Beds and Beer Hostel.

We've never stopped in hostel accommodation even though we have been travelling together since the early 1990s.

It took me 2 days before I showed it to my husband - but we both agree it seems to have a good vibe and it's in the perfect position for the short time we have in the city.

We made our reservation through Booking.com but it's also listed on Hostel World too.

As I'm writing my 'Trip Plan' I just came across this Free guided tour on Get Your Guide.

It lasts approximately 2hrs and, I believe the process of free tours is the participants are expected to leave the guide a Tip at the end.

It sounds interesting but we will do some more reading on it, before coming to a decision.

<---0--->

We will depart Genoa around lunchtime the following day for our next destination (this is the Plan 'B').

The hostel is a few minutes walk from Brignole train station, which is very handy as our next stop is a direct route by rail.

Day 3: Rapallo (5 nights) 🇮🇹

Finally, we arrive at the destination where we will explore Cinque Terre (5 Lands), famous for their multicoloured buildings which line the rugged Ligurian coastline and are scattered over a fairly short distance from each other along a popular hiking trail.

We changed our plans completely for this part of our trip as we had originally booked to stay in La Spezia for the Cinque Terre.

We began to realise we were overstretching ourselves to make the journey directly back to the Cote d'Azur, before taking our flight back home.

It would have impacted the overall enjoyment hence, ruling out La Spezia.

So, we decided to treat ourselves to an accommodation in a most scenic spot 👇

We completed our reservation using Hotels.com as part of the OneKeyCash rewards scheme.

Here's what TripAdvisor says about the Hotel Italia e Lido:

<---0--->

What is the Cinque Terre?

A series of storied coastal towns on the untamed Italian Riviera coastline is known as Cinque Terre.

The five towns that comprise the Cinque Terre: Rimaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia not accessible by boat, Vernazza and Monterosso were first fortified settlements during the Middle Ages. Each was shielded from Saracen raiders by a castle that overlooked the sea. You can expect to see vibrant colourful houses and vineyards clinging to steep terraces in each of the five towns; fishing boats moor in the harbours; and trattorias serve up seafood specialties and pesto, the region's signature sauce. The Sentiero Azzurro hiking trail connects the villages and provides panoramic views of the sea or; you can opt to visit most of them by boat.

What Else?

Well, we're not entirely all planned out day by day, we like to make things up as we go along. 'Travel' for us - is not all about schedules and ticking boxes of 'must see' places.

But, we do know we want to pay a visit to Portofino - mainly caused by a TV period drama series a year or so ago "Hotel Portofino."

We hope to reach Portofino by one of the local ferry routes, but a lot will depend upon the seasonal weather, which will dictate the sailing operational times. If not, there's always a bus!

Back to GENOA:

Oh yes, we haven't quite said 'arriverderci' to Genoa just yet.

We've bagged ourselves a rather nice 2 bedroomed apartment, via Booking.com even though we were really looking at budget accommodation for this part of the trip - but our hearts were stolen by places we wanted to live in - permanently!

And this my friends, is why we've steered quite clear of Italy for many years - we absolutely know, it's going grab a tight hold and not let go. We're assuming there will be lots of revisits in between our other trips.

So perhaps we will get to experience that 2 hour guided tour after all... We will be located in the Centro Storico area of Genoa, which means heaps of wonderful building architecture to feast our eyes upon!

<---0--->

Final Days:

We finish up back in Nice, on the Promenade des Anglais where we will have a couple of days to explore an area that will be a 'first' for us both.

It provides us with the opportunity to wander along the promenade, or travel on the trams into the Nice Ville and Vieux Nice as well.

Nice is the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast and the second-largest city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region after Marseille. It's situated at the base of the French Alps, on the French Riviera, the southeast coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea.

It's also around 13kms distance from Monaco, which I have visited, but many years ago when I was in my early 20s.

If we like, it's an easy enough destination for us to reach from our favourite UK airport - so we can always hop on a two and a half hour flight whenever the fancy takes us.

That's all folks and thank you for reading.

The next updates will arrive during and after our travels.

[faymcwrath]

Guide to Cinque Terre, Italy - what to do, how to hike it, and unique photo ops! Discover the hidden gems of Cinque Terre with our ultimate guide. From breathtaking hikes to picture-perfect photo opportunities, this is your go-to resource for exploring Italy's enchanting coastal paradise.

[lamodemens]

Cinque Terre, Italy

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