Some holidays are about ticking places off a list. This one hasn’t been.It’s been about finding a feeling.
When we first arrived in Italy, we came with open minds and a long list of places we wanted to explore. We hoped that somewhere along the way we’d discover where our future might lead. We certainly found beautiful places.The sparkling Adriatic coastline, the whitewashed streets of Ostuni, the fairytale trulli of Alberobello, the mountain villages of Abruzzo and the peaceful waters of Lake Bomba all left their mark on us.
Each destination had its own story to tell. But the biggest discovery wasn’t a place.It was understanding what we’re truly looking for.We realised we aren’t searching for the busiest tourist town or the perfect photograph. We’re searching for somewhere that feels lived in. Somewhere with church bells marking the hours, neighbours chatting in the street, cafés where people linger over coffee, and little routines that soon begin to feel familiar. A place that feels like home. That’s the gift this journey has given us. We’ve stopped wondering if we’d like life in Italy and started imagining how it might look. We’ve narrowed our search, learned what matters most to us, and returned home with far more than souvenirs.
We’ve come back with direction. There is still time to enjoy every remaining day of this holiday before Monday arrives. There are more walks to take, more photographs to capture and more moments to savour. Then we’ll head back to Scotland, where Tammy and Nova will no doubt be waiting with wagging tails, Ollie and Dug will expect plenty of fuss, and Jack, Jill, Vera and Victor will soon fill the caravan with their familiar chorus once again. Home will be wonderful. But so will the dream that comes home with us. The saving begins again, not because we have to, but because now we know exactly what we’re saving for.
Today’s soundtrack: church bells echoing through ancient streets, the gentle rhythm of everyday Italian life, and the quiet confidence that sometimes the greatest journeys don’t end when you fly home—they’re only just beginning. 🇮🇹❤️
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