Unpacking Italy & Sicily - Part Seven
Shop Till You Drop!
Buongiorno,
To begin today’s adventure, I have to give credit to Antonio, our incredible Travel Director, for the few words of Italian I brought home with me. Each day—often several times a day—he taught us basic Italian greetings and when to use them. For example, Buongiorno means “hello” or “good morning” and is the proper greeting anytime before noon.
I should mention that I did attempt to learn some Italian before the trip—Duolingo and I had a brief relationship—but in the end, I let it go and decided to simply go with the flow. As it turned out, that was just fine. Many Italians speak English, and with Antonio’s guidance, I was able to return simple courtesies by saying please, thank you, and hello in Italian.
I’d also like to make note that I’m not sharing these memories in the order we traveled — I’m guided by what stirs my heart rather than the itinerary. Some stories ask to be told right away; others wait until the moment is just right.
On the agenda was a visit to Cinque Terre—a string of centuries-old seaside villages that appear to cling impossibly to the rugged cliffs plunging into the Ligurian Sea. We boarded a train bound for Monterosso, the westernmost and most populated of the five villages, nestled in the heart of a small natural gulf. Unlike its counterparts, Monterosso boasts a proper beach—perfect for dipping our toes into the sea, or being surprised by a wave.
We were lucky enough to discover a few treasured pieces of sea glass to add to our growing collections. I also stumbled upon several beautiful wish stones—smooth beach stones marked with white lines—each one quietly waiting to carry a wish out to sea.
Some time ago, a tradition began among a group of dear girlfriends: we collect what we've come to call wish stones—beach stones marked with white lines. We make a wish, then toss them into the ocean, letting go with hope and intention.
As I gathered these stones along the Italian coast, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing they’d make the perfect souvenir. And I’m smiling again as I write this, realizing the secret might just be out—since I know a few of you are reading along.
So yes, you’ll soon be receiving one of these treasured stones in the mail, straight from an Italian beach. My hope? That we’ll choose a day and time to come together across Canada—from the West Coast, through the Prairies to Quebec—and each make a wish as we toss our stones into a nearby body of water. Connected by intention. Connected by water. And, forever connected by friendship.
Honestly, this was one of my favorite moments of the trip. I could feel my mom with me, the original lover of a good shopping day—I’m certainly my mother’s daughter.
And, I could practically hear my husband’s voice echoing in my head: “Shop till you drop.” And shop, I did.
Stefanie and I each bought a beautiful scarf from a charming mother-daughter boutique. She found them first and picked the very color I wanted—a running joke between us, as I tend to love everything she buys (which only proves she has great taste!). So yes, I bought the same scarf... just in another color.
I also found a delicate crocheted top, a lovely tote bag, and perhaps my most cherished purchase: a piece of handcrafted terracotta pottery from Fabbrica D’Arte Monterosso. The design, featuring a cluster of tiny houses, reflects the iconic, colorful architecture of Cinque Terre. It’s a perfect, tangible reminder of this magical place—something to bring a little piece of Italy home with me.
Although this wasn’t the end of our day—each one held layers of experiences—this is where I’ll pause my story for now.
As I prepare June’s theme for my virtual retreat center, I find myself reflecting on a powerful idea shared by Kelly Rae Roberts. She writes:
"What if the third part of our lives is about giving back and returning to ourselves? About taking stock of what we loved as young people—what made us feel electric and alive—letting those things matter again, letting ourselves experience them again.
What if it’s about returning to the essence of who we are beneath the roles, the titles, the responsibilities? The girl who went to the park and people-watched and daydreamed. The one who had stretches of days without any agenda. The one who wrote letters and sent them in the mail."
I feel I’ve been on that very journey these past few years—a return to myself. And this experience in Italy has been exactly that: a coming home, a remembering, a quiet reclaiming of joy.
June’s theme will carry this spirit forward—with a touch of travel, of course.
What did you love to do?
What did you love to do before the world told you who to be?
*** The Kitchen Table gathering date has been changed to Friday, June 27 *** Stay tuned for details. I’m leaning towards a theme that will have us conversing over travel experiences and bringing a magical memory alive through our creativity!
Arrivederci!
means "until we see each other again," conveying a sense of optimism about future reunions.
Kathy I love following along with your many travel stories. You are such a good writer ... I feel like I'm right there with you.
In answer to your question ... I was reminded on a recent trip traveling with my older brother when he'd say "let's not waste a day" ... And on that particular trip we didn't, as we planned and researched the places we'd like to see, then each day we had our destinations decided on. We accomplished and saw so much more than I imagined we would. This reminded me that this is something that changed in me as I got older & my world revolved more around ordinary things.
I'm looking forward to hearing more about your travels my friend. 💕💕