More of everything … please!
Never underestimate the power of dreaming. In 2008, I was a country girl from South Dakota with two daughters, dogs, and horses. I had a bakery business and life was going along as it does — day by day. I had no idea my life was about to change.
Then, out of nowhere, came this opportunity to travel to Italy. WHAT? I have to get a passport, be on a plane for more than two hours, and in Italy they do not speak English!
After the shock and doubts of traveling to Italy passed, I began to think of “Italian” things: glasses of wine, rolling hills of Tuscany, views of canals in Venice, and it seemed that every song on the radio suddenly — and strangely, I admit — reminded me of Dean Martin crooning “That’s Amore.”
The days passed and the dreams became more and more real. When looking through the travel books, I developed a romantic view of Italy; my head was spinning with wonder, confusion, and, best of all, excitement. Thoughts of Rome, Florence, Venice, and any seaside with a view filled my head. I wanted to dip my toes into the water. After all I am from South Dakota I needed to be by the sea, a totally new experience for me.
Needless to say, my first trip to Italy was difficult, a bit confusing and fairly frustrating. But I was hooked — on travel, on change, and finding a balance in my life. I had always worked hard, and it seemed that it was the right thing to do in my American life. After my first trip to Italy, a small seed had been planted in my head and I was forever a different person. I immediately began to think of my next trip to Italy.
Looking back now, I feel my life changed after that first trip to Italy, for many reasons. But perhaps the best change I underwent, was that I got to see a different way of life, take in gorgeous landscapes, and experience a culture that prior to visiting Italy, I had only seen in magazines. Also, for the first time in my life, I was unable to speak; partly due to the indescribable beauty, but also, of course, not knowing the language (as I would soon discover, that was a small detail). If you know me, this is hard to believe. I learned to stop talking and just listen. And what I realized was, that even though I did not understand what I was hearing, the Italian language is filled with a melodic sweetness that literally beckons one to simply stop and listen. I was consumed with desire to learn to speak their language (and wanted to know what it was these Italians where talking about with such passion). The more I listened, the more my dream of speaking this language became a passion.
My thoughts go back to a beach in southern Italy; feeling the warm waves wash wistfully over my feet, and the getting an overwhelming sensation that I was being cleansed with a new way of life that would change me forever. I remember thinking to myself, “How could I not have not known this type of feeling existed?” And I happily recall the bus ride along the curvy roads of the Amalfi Coast, looking straight down the steep mountain-sides with no railing, cars coming straight at us with the bus driver nonchalantly remarking, “Do worry, I do this all day everyday.” Funny thing is I believed him and did not worry. Besides, what option did I have? I simply relaxed and looked out the window. In a life changing moment, sometimes it is best to not worry about being in control just look out the window, or you may miss a view of a lifetime. And around each corner was a view of a lifetime.
It could go on and on with the many stories of my Italian adventures, and that is why I feel the need to write this blog. I have created my life here in Italy, from starting a bed and breakfast to starting a travel service company. I want to share the stories that have made me laugh, made me cry (out loud in a crowd), uncovering treasures of the simple life, and discovering the beauty that, at anytime at any age, you can make a difference for yourself and others.
This is my place — my home — and each day I experience something new, whether it is learning new words, observing a new place, or embracing another uniquely Italian experience. Realizing it is truly about the adventure, exposing yourself in a way that you embrace change and unearth the true spirit of adventure.
From the things I have learn, which are too numerous to mention all at once, I plan to share my Italian stories. My goal is to help you understand that if you truly believe, if you have ever dreamed of it, traveling to Italy is possible, and easy! I can help make those dreams come true. Dream it. Plan it. Do it.
Susie Macklem
Independent Professional Travel/Hospitality Consultant in Italy
Living the Dream with Tuscany Easy Travel
