“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has courage to lose sight of the shore” ~ Andre Gide
I’ve heard it said that travel is the ruin of all happiness. In my experience, this bears some truth. When I first took that overseas flight to Italy, I could never have imagined the cultural wonders and exotic beauty that I encountered in this ancient foreign land. The entire two-week experience literally blew my mind. After I returned, it was only four months before I was back in Italy for another few weeks of exploration…this time solo. My self could not get over it, and my excitement and thirst to know more inspired me to return, again and again.
That has been 15 years ago and I haven’t slowed down much. A financial sacrifice is always inevitable, but I’ve never regretted it. At times, I’ve lived on the ragged edge just to squeeze the funds to make that trip again.
It is also true that happiness lies not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes to see the everyday mundane. Between my times of travel and being home in the familiar, I have found there is a valid place for both mindsets.
My wish for all of you is that you make travel a priority for 2016. It doesn’t need to be clear “over the pond,” but maybe a shorter distance away. Experience a life and culture that differs from yours. Keep an open mind and notice the childlike wonder begin to captivate you. It will stretch you and reward you simultaneously. The memories you make will last a lifetime that no one can take away.
Felice Anno Nuovo Amici Miei…. Happy New Year my friends!
Thank you for being a part of my life as I have traveled over those old cobbled streets and ancient fortresses. Your support, comments, and encouragement mean the world to me, and whether you know it or not, you all play a large part in this entire Italian experience. My hat is off to each one of you…..and my heart.
Salute!
Timeless Italy Travels 
Ah vino roso, mi piacci
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Awwww…this was the sweetest post ever….hoping we get to meet next time you come!
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I sure hope so Diana…I’ll let you know when I do come. A meeting would be great!
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I will be back in Italy in February for 4 months…can’t wait. I hope all your travel dreams come true.
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Trip is set for end of August/September. Playing tour guide for my cousin and her husband who are sooooo excited about their first trip to Italy. We LOVE to share our passion. Also planning trips for 2017!! We love to anticipate. 🙂 We are hugely blessed and I am forever grateful for the opportunities we have been graced with.
Buon anno!!
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Bonnie, this sounds like to much fun! I love to see the excitement in someone who is experiencing Italy for the first time. It brings back all those first time memories. Buon Anno!
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Buon Capodanno, Susan! Travel bug has bitten me big time. I’m taking two small groups over this year, onw in May (Rome and Sulmona) and one in September (Sulmona and environs). I am practically packed already!
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Oh, sounds like a wonderful time in the makings…half the fun is the planning and the anticipation. Love your chosen areas, too. Keep in touch, i’d love to hear all about it!
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Thanks Susan for another wonderful post. I feel exactly the same way about traveling especially to Italy. I back up your travel in 2016 recommendation 100%.
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Thank you George!
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Buon anno, Susan. For you a ‘pond’, for us an ocean and a couple of continents! The travel bug is alive and well. Auguri, Cara Susan ❤
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Thank you Ken…I hope you have some travel plans of your own in the making for 2016. You do have a hop, skip and a jump from Australia:) Buon Anno!
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Buon anno, buon journo Susan. Enthralling to note the passion with which you describe your long date with Italy and the fifteen years of travel behind you. If we are all nano portions of the universal spirit on short transit visits to planet earth, then our entire lives are virtually vacations meant for travel and more travel till our time is up for that ultimate return to base. In that sense, you have really been living, fully serving life’s purpose of vacationing to the hilt. In the last year, I spent three wonderful months in South Africa, so I am in agreement with the view that one must see as much of the world and the many cultures as one can…ciao… Raj.
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Ciao Raj…thanks for stopping by. I feel blessed by all my opportunities to travel, and want to keep going for as long as I am able. South Africa must have been quite an experience, esp. for 3 months. Salute to more wonderful experiences for 2016. Buon Anno!
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Oh, I love it, Susan! I so wish that years ago when James and I were still working that we had started putting some money aside for travel. We’ve enjoyed our two trips to Europe so much. You’re pictures are lovely and you look deliriously happy in your photo at the end. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Love and hugs, Natalie 🙂 ❤
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Thank you Natalie! I’m glad you made the trip to Europe. You have those memories that will always be with you. Buon Anno dear Natalie:)
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I’m so glad we did too! Happy new year! 🎉
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Auguri e Buon Anno Susan! Well said. $ spent on lived experiences is so much better spent than on material stuff. I Hate to see people putting things off. I like this quote ‘più tardi sarà troppo tardi. La nostra vita è ora.’ A un 2016 piena di gioia, felicità e viaggi. Cristina
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Cristina, thanks for stopping by…we are of one mind, that is for sure. You are right, there will be a time when it is too late to travel. I’m thankful that i’ve been blessed to have had these opportunities. I’ve often thought that if I never had the chance to travel again, I would be content. But while life is coursing through me, I hope to carry on….Buon Anno Cristina!
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Happy travels Susan—
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Buon anno Susan e viaggi felici.. My fares are booked, This year for Vietnam then Japan.
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Francesca, your travel plans sound exciting! You are spreading your wings and I admire that. Happy travels!
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Susan, You make me want to pack my bags today. I plan to go to Europe in 2016. Perhaps our paths could cross! Happy New Year to you also, beautiful lady!
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Thank you so much Lori…I hope they do:)
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Salute Susan. Travel is my main focus for 2016. I wish you a year full of happy travels. I shall look forward to reading all about them. Buon Anno
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Thank you Lyn, and likewise!
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