For over twenty years, I wanted to go to Italy. I always tried to finagle myself through a business meeting or something, but it never materialized. So, part of my vision for 2025 was to travel and be more expansive and guess what… I WENT TO ITALY AND IT WAS FABULOUS. With all that being said, there is an additional pride as I was able to achieve a major “to do” item on my bucket list and I made it happen. Go Me!

The story started January 1st when I received an email about a retreat in Tuscany. Before I could even think about it, I was called by my friend Kris asking me if I wanted to go and the answer was an immediate “yes.” Thus, after much preparation and ensuring that I could travel lite with one carry-on suitcase, I set out on my journey….

We decided to take Turkish Air via Istanbul to Rome. Not the most logical path, but we were able to get a great price and fly business class (btw a great airline). We landed in Rome, took the train to Florence and then a car to a villa in Tuscany. Sounds horrible huh – (NOT)? We were about to embark on a spiritual retreat with 18‘ish other women. Kris and I were assigned to the back wing of the villa where we found our rooms named Musetta (Kris)and mine was Giorgetta. We took on their persona the entire trip to really integrate into our temporary Tuscan culture. The grounds were beautiful, and we looked forward to a weeklong experience including our own private chef. I decided I needed to drop my eating restrictions and just enjoy the food of Italy. And that is an understatement as I ate literally everything, I could get my hands on. Not a proud moment but the idea of not trying the pasta and other local favorites seemed to me would have been a bad choice. I now am paying the piper, but I think it was worth it. I decided to wear baggy clothes and hunker back down when I came home. Denial and avoidance can be a strong tool – ha-ha.

As one would expect, we had an interesting cast of characters that attended this spiritual retreat. Having been immersed in the spiritual world, I knew a few people and was super comfortable exploring my inner self and of course, Italy. There were also a bunch of first timers such as a group of women who had been friends since they were kids, I fondly called them the triplets. There were a few ladies that had trauma in their life and needed some of the sessions to gain clarity. There was even one person who did not realize it was a spiritual retreat – which cracked me up. Let’s just say, we all had our reasons for attending but mine was just to be in the flow of Tuscany.

Every morning started with a meditation overlooking the most beautiful scenery and breeze. It became a suspended moment and I really felt present without a care in the world. Very few times in my life – have I reached the state of total peace – just happy to be where I was. There were sessions where we learned more about spirituality and tapping into source. We also worked on our inner child (mine was fine – for once I felt I was in good shape), and we did many drum circles which verified that I have no sense of rhythm and had a poor memory to remember a very basic song that only had four lines. Maybe it was the jet lag, who knows. We also had a cooking lesson with the chef, and he basically read the audience well. Most of us were given menial tasks like quarter tomatoes or cut the ends off the green beans. This chef really got me and I appreciated him taking on the heavy load …. We had a few more ambitious students who ended up carrying us by making the pasta, slicing the chicken and whatever else was served. The meal was excellent as we dined outside. I knew I was a slacker when it came to preparing the meal, and I ate with complete satisfaction. I owned my laziness.

We also had fun excursions touring Pisa (so excited to tell everyone – Risa went to Pisa). I know I am channeling Bernie’s humor (my dad). What amazed me the most about Pisa was that the Leaning Tower is next to a cathedral. I was always under the impression it stood alone. Can you imagine if you had to live next to a building that throws off all the symmetry – the wonder of the world is how they co-existed without a major fist fight. If that was my neighbor, I would take a sledgehammer to the tower – anyways I digress. We also visited a cute smaller town called Lucca which was charming with unique shops, amazing gelato, and this chickpea bread/polenta that was to die for and I am still thinking about it now.

Then there was Florence which was magnificent. The history, architecture and statues took my breath away. We had the best tour guide who showed true Italian passion when explaining the essence of Florence. She brought us to tears as she described the creation of the statue, David as if she was channeling Michelangelo. It was a site to see (I mean why was everyone naked – it seemed like a real party back then). The one embarrassing admittance of mine is that I had no idea that David was part of the duo David and Goliath – sort of put everything into perspective for me. Although if David asked me, I would have suggested he put on a loin cloth before he taking on that giant. I am a safety girl, and we need to protect our bits. 🙂

I think my favorite destination was Cinque Terre, a string of five ancient fishing villages known as the Italian Riviera – need I say more? We drove up the mountains (another theme of the trip was severe car sickness – not me but someone always was on the verge of puking). We went out on boats into the glistening blue water, listening to ABBA, Village People and other unexpected music – which did enhance the vibe. Many of the ladies dove into the water, someone in their underwear (you know who you were) and two of the guides in very skimpy briefs. I sat on the boat and enjoyed from afar. The thought of trying to dry off and go to dinner in wet clothes did not appeal to me. All in all, it was so much fun, and I loved every minute. Did I mention too there were a lot of sexy unfulfilled wishes with Italian men going on too. I enjoyed being an observer of all the antics of these middle-aged women. 

After the retreat was over, Kris and I went back to Rome to tour around and see some of the sites. Everything just flowed and we had a great time just having few expectations. Having this laid-back approach, allowed us to have many great interactions with people during our travels. We met a CEO who invented some very cool innovations to help people with heart problems and rheumatoid arthritis. We also had a great conversation with two feisty and modern best friends from Qatar. I was not sure what intrigued me more – their independent spirit or their 3 large a piece luggage choice for only a week in Italy. Their suitcases were huge as they rolled around on the train. To be young and wanting every clothing option possible. As Kris and I looked at each other wearing the same basic outfits in a different configuration. My sleep shorts were ready to walk away from me on that trip (but I did pack efficiently – which meant repeat wearing of things)

Rome was fantastic as we shopped, saw sites and discovered the most amazing hot chocolate ever (which deserved a second cup the following day). The food was fresh and delicious and walking the streets were completely satisfying. We laughed and were open to possibilities. The weather was great, and the company was better. I could not have imagined a more perfect vacation. When we flew back to Istanbul, we had a layover, so Kris came up with a great idea for us to visit the airport spa. I enjoyed the best massage I ever had for two hours (called the head to toe). Although there were a few places rubbed that I was not used to – I just went with it. We were then off on our 11-hour flight back (we figured we went 6 hours out of the way), but I did not care as I reflected on my love – Italy. 

Now being back at home and thinking about the trip, I am so content, a little jet lagged and feeling completely fulfilled. I have been to many beautiful places in my life and am super grateful. But Italy is my special place holding a meaningful space in my heart. I do not know if it was the vibe, food or the people that affected me or the fact that I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream? I think it may be the most important factor is that I ended up visiting Italy when I was completely ready and present to take in all the beauty and splendor in my soul. Magnifico!!