Carpe Diem Society

Italy is a place where a lot of the arts and poetry I admire resides. I’ve desperately wanted to visit soon but didn’t imagine it would be this soon. If I’m being honest, I wasn’t fully prepared. My emotions weren’t ready, but I had to remind myself of how much I longed to the cities of Renaissance and art.

It was spontaneous. A spontaneous joy near the end of the year where all the worries of the time spent would start pouring in. For this trip, as most trips, I promised myself to let go of everything and live in the moment.

Arriving in Rome

There is this particular bustle to the city you quickly get used to —at least in the heart of it— the sound of the rushing cars, roaring motorbikes, the crying seagulls that I thought was the sound of a crying infant, and the loudest of them—the ambulance.

We resided next to Piazza Barberini, remotely near the Colosseum. The weather wasn’t too cold, early November. The sun was warm during the day but the temperature would drop quickly at night – I wished I could read on the terrace of our airbnb for a longer time, I was delighted to know that we had one. Unfortunately, couldn’t use it much.

It got freezing really fast within two days of being there.

The Colosseum was something insane to experience. To be in a place where horrid things happened, lives were taken, excitement and restlessness, but amazement, nonetheless, were the emotions that came through as I explored the ancient structure.

There was this pungent odour coming from the soil—from somewhere walking up to a nearby cathedral. Rome and Florence smell of nothing but cheap cigarettes or fruity juule everywhere you walk, lest the parks.

The autumn breeze helped a lot—I wouldn’t imagine how awful the smell would be in the summer heat.

I tried the Italian gelatin ice cream for the first time. I didn’t have the best experience with the Turkish one, but I was told that the original Italian gelatin was much better. And it was.

We stumbled upon a Baroque church as we were heading towards Piazza di San Marco after a brunch. The structure and art inside was a magnificent sight to see. I got lost —in the literal word— as I continued to admire every corner when, unbeknownst to me, my family had left. This occurrence wouldn’t be the first and only time during the trip, I’m afraid. I’m that annoying companion who goes wandering and lost during trips.

Got to see the vast city landscape climbing Piazza di San Marco. It wasn’t nearly less crowded at the famous Spanish Steps. At this point, I felt reluctant to take pictures but got to take one later at night when we passed it as we were walking to dine at Il Vero Alfredo. We had a delightful afternoon tea right next to the Steps and headed back to our airbnb before we went out again for dinner.

Train to Florence

we enjoyed some of Romes’ nature heading to Florence. I had a space of time to fix myself a travel-slash-november playlist and doodle something on my little travel sketchbook. I didn’t get to finish my sketchs since I spent most of the time curating the perfect songs arrangement, suitable to set the mood for the remaining of the trip.

Florence

I’m not sure how I pictured Florence before arriving, but I didn’t expect it to look so much like Rome. Days after we left, trying to recall the trip was disorienting. I was seeing Rome and Florence as the same location and the events mixed like a bad, clumpy milkshake. Though, journaling about it helped a little – but that could also be the effect of being on the spectrum.

The smell wasn’t much different. Took pictures around and with the significant Ancient Tuscan Carousel and carried on treading through all the different stores, all the way to the river cutting through the city. It looked magical and vast and greenish-blue under the bright sky.

Had a Pride and Prejudice moment trotting Palazzo Pitti. For like an hour, I decided to take time for myself away from my family, sitting up a hill and sketching the scenery before me—something I desperately wanted to do throughout the trip, especially when I visited museums. But that was the last time I sketched; which I will explain about when I talk about the art and culture of Italy below.

Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio were two of my favourite museums I visited in Italy, by far. I was stoked to see busts and statues I have long been studying and a couple of finished and unfinished paintings by Michael Angelo. Witnessing Medusa, Bacchus, Judith Beheading Holofernes, David, Virgin Mary.

When it comes to Florence, we can’t leave out the famous wine window. The Affogato, the gelatin meets espresso, was a taste I’ll never forget for as long as I live. Craving it all over again as we speak. Food and coffee were not part of the reasons I eagerly wanted to visit Italy, but now it became one.

The way I’m still regretting not going to Cinema Odeon Florence early enough to visit one of the most beautiful libraries in Italy. The combination of a library and a cinema sounds too good to be true. Unfortunately, when I arrived the library had closed and only the cinema was still open. A staff member joked about me not knowing a sliver of Italian to watch a whole movie with no subtitles and to be honest? I was convinced.

It remains crazy to me how I had this place saved in my bucket list just a month before we decided to go to Italy. Even though I couldn’t experience it, I’m adding it here for my readers.

The bucket list haven’t been fulfilled because the next morning, we headed early morning to the gorgeous Lake Garda—where we had a more relaxed time reading, admiring the lake, and of course, coffee. We also accidentally visited a local Christmas market, leaving the lake to Sirmione Castle.

Garda Lake, for me, is a must re-visit spot. It’s perfect for relaxation, exploring, and trying out the different cafes and bakeries. The quiteness of the place is addicting, unlike the bustle of Rome or Florence. I imagine myself visiting again to perhaps write a novel and have brunch by the lake or for whatever creative endevour that requires some solitude.

Sirmione Castle

It started pouring rain while we were exploring the castle, adding to the grim yet fascinating and historic atmosphere. The pause between Lake Garda and Milan, in an ancient castle, though it was a short visit, was refreshing. Another gelatin taste testing right next to the castle before we headed to our last destination.

Milan

I have vague memories of Milan from when we visited it when I was really young. Here, we spent most of the time shopping since it was our last stop before we headed back home. I still insisted that we should relax at a park before we carry on the hunt for gifts and souvenirs. Luckily, the street across from Parco Sempione is lined with mid-range brand stores all the way to Milan’s Piazza Del Doumo.

What a coincidence it was to have a Pop Mart right next to our hotel. I’ve been meaning to get them online, but since it was right next to me, I had to go in and get a couple right before we got on the plane.

Italian Cousine and food in general

I generally enjoy Italian cousine wherever I am. As a picky eater, dining Italian is my go-to. I was never disappointed throughout the trip or sick of it. It tasted different and unique at each place. I have zero complaints.

The cafes were equally delish. I was mostly surprised by the coffee, I never tasted such good quality. As I mentioned, I would one hundred percent revisit for the coffee and food alone. There were all kinds of pastries and desserts to pick from. However, it would be a crime not to try The tiramisu.

Art and Culture

Here goes the tiniest critique—Italian museums were not study friendly since they barely had seats for people to sit. In London, there were seats in the middle of every room you entered. But, back then, I was too shy to bring a sketchbook and sit to sketch in my little sketchbook. I also didn’t want to make anyone who accompanied me wait the whole time. It is enough that I keep dragging them to museums they have no interest in.

Nevertheless, Italy breathes art and culture. Italy is a literature and art enthusiast’s heaven on earth. Sure, Paris City is one, but not as close as Florence and Rome City—Well, according to me..

In Florence and Rome, specifically, there’s art in every corner—the building’s structure preserves the city’s history; busts and statues are planted in every street corner and park, you could be wandering about and stumble upon a masterpiece; the museums and magnificent cathedrals are literally scattered throughout the city.

The people of Italy

I did a quick research on Italian culture and traditions before I even planned for the trip, just in case I accidentally offended it. I was surprised to find out that I didn’t really need to do that since Italian citizens are extremely welcoming and kind to tourists wherever they’re from – even to hijabis and middle-easterns like myself.

Sure, they’re not as bright and outrageously kind and smiley as, say, an American. You can’t expect them to talk about the weather out of nowhere —which I personally prefer— instead, behind their relaxed expressions, they cracked jokes and threw in some sarcasm. When they notice your confusion for any reason, they’d be there to ask if you need help and explain everything clearly.

It was a positive experience, in general. Italians are sweet people for the most part.

My overall experience

I would love to go back to Italy as soon as possible. Discovering and exploring museums is one of my favourite things to do when I visit any foreign country. Italian museums were breathtaking, and I was fascinated by each one of them. I still have so much left to see; museums, local stores, libraries, cafes, and parks. Especially in Rome and Florence.

Lake Grada is one of the most fascinating lakes I’ve seen. So vast, so gorgeous. I can’t stress enough how much I enjoyed the scenic views while casually having dessert and coffee at the cafes or shopping at the stores near the lake. The picturesque scene was always peaking through wherever I went.