My last night in Florence I met a fellow solo traveler and got to chatting. With it being my final night, I was discussing all of the things I’m going to miss about here- the culture, celebration of life, appreciation for fashion, etc.
She then shared a story with me- that earlier that day she was shopping and saw this beautiful dress, but ultimately had no idea where she would wear it. The owner responded…
Life!
She told her to throw it on with some sneakers and to go get some pizza. The Italian woman then went on to explain that us Americans are always looking for a special occasion to do or wear something- and it’s true. We can’t wear THAT dress, it’s too fancy. Or those pants? Nobody wears pants like that, so why would we- what will people think?
Then she said this-
“LIFE is a special occasion.”
And although this story is being told second-hand, I feel as though that anecdote perfectly sums up my European experience.
Years ago I stumbled across this quote- “why else are we here if not to live with unreasonable passion for things.” They live passionately here. You can see it in their eyes, in the way they speak, and act- in the way they dress. And I think they’re on to something…
Italy has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. I was initially surprised when I first learned this fact. I thought it couldn’t be true with the way they smoke cigarettes.. (I say this light heartedly). But they LIVE and they LOVE. They appreciate what and who’s in front of them. And this stays true for all of Europe. They all live and love in different ways, but nevertheless, it’s there. You can see it and feel it.
In four months, I have met more kind, diverse, and conversational people than I have in my entire life. They appreciate authenticity. And to leave a place such as this… it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It’s been an absolute fairytale.
But there’s something that bothers me…
In prepping to leave here, so many are telling me to take it all in because to this day, it’s still the best time they ever had in their life. And as true as that may be- and I wholeheartedly believe them and understand why that’s being said- that’s also kind of scary to hear as someone who is only 22 years of age… to have people telling you that this is good as it gets.
But why do we just accept that? We chase the corporate ladder and what the world believes to be success- why aren’t we chasing happiness instead? Why should I have to accept that as my life is only beginning, I already have lived the best years of my life, and I have to come to terms with it just being over?
It’s been refreshing to live in a place where my mind, thoughts, and style are appreciated. So although I have to leave, I hope it’s a see you later rather than a goodbye.
