I have arrived back in Italy and am so excited to explore more of this gorgeous country. From the amazing cuisine to the ancient history, this land has it all. My first impressions of Salerno Italy are feelings of arriving home.
The People
Oh so friendly. I don’t know but I think I am still recovering from the coldness of Bulgaria. From the moment I tried to navigate my way out of the airport, the Italians have been so helpful and kind. Even though I hardly speak a word of their language, I feel their warmth.
When I finally arrived in Salerno after a long travel day, the kindness that flowed from my beautiful Airbnb host was next to nothing. She is an elderly lady, speaks not a word of English, but we managed beautifully. She is so sweet and lovely. I fell instantly in love with this apartment and area of the city. My heart is fulleth.
The Buildings
I couldn’t stop to take much in on my horrendous bag drag through the city, but once I was back out scouting groceries and beverages, I was able to breath and absorb my surroundings. My goodness, walking through these ancient streets and being enveloped by gorgeous old buildings, doors and piazzas at every turn filled me with wonder.
I don’t know what it is or how to explain the feeling, but being wrapped inside history, makes me feel safe. Maybe knowing that these alleys, buildings, churches etc. have held steady through time, gives me a sense of place and security. But its more than that, it’s the utter beauty of age. The patina, the grime, the grit and life. The stories that these places hold.
The Food
Italian food, and I’m not talking about restaurant fare. I’m talking about wooden crates of peaches and pears cluttering the cobble stone street outside of a tiny store. Talking about the fresh cheeses swimming in brine in the deli cases. The loaves of the freshest bread, crusty exterior and bubbly chewy middle, that only costs €0.76 or about $1 CAD.
Its being surrounded by these most humble and perfect food items and imagining what I can make with them. To dine on my glorious tiny balcony overlooking and ancient church and watching linen blow in the gentle breeze at dusk. This is my Italy.
