The difference between fear and our comfort zone is choice. The choice to remain in fear or to make the active choice to embrace life.
Last year my first day in Italy was met with uncertainty,
fear for my own safety and the need, the rush to change to another hotel. I had a choice to fly home or get out my comfort zone, fix the problem and make the choice to be happy. A quick search for a new hotel, a cab ride away and by turning the negative into a positive ,solving my own hotel dilemma and After that initial blip, the rest of my adventure in Florence, Italy was incredibly wonderful. Fear did not keep me a prisoner, that was a choice.
This year I had the company of my partner
and traveling with a companion no matter who that may be increases the experiences and richness of the adventure. Once again it is good to be compatible as a travel partner.
Pozzuoli, Italy as the sun set was truly magical. The seaside port has fishing as an industry and most of the restaurants, large or small, serve the catch of the day. Yummy for those seafood lovers. The smell of the salty air and gazing across the water to see the Island of Capri. The the glistening ripples of the water and colored beams of sun like fingers reaching to the shore filled my heart to bursting. And of course the smells of pizza cooking with the fresh dough, tomatoes and spices makes us salivate.
I like to look at differences when traveling. Unique to a specific country, town and community. After a long international flight, first thing I noticed a little different was in the bathrooms. The lids for the toilette, sometimes there was no lid to sit and then again other places had a seat. Nothing serious just different. Ordering a coffee black we were served an Espresso. A couple of Espresso and yikes… certainly gets your heart beating.
Our first evening in search of a restaurant that served Gluten Free food we noticed we ate early and children were out late in the restaurants, with their parents enjoying good food. Hundreds of scooters ( two persons at least) were common and drove in-between the cars. Often speeding past cars and trucks. Gave my heart a leap as a few whizzed by talking on cell phones. Absolutely everyone I saw driving in cars were using their cell phone. Everyone! They seemed to be experts at driving and zipping in and out of traffic and using their GPS, emails, talk or texting abilities. Yes I wore a seat belt. Little shops open later in the day. Wine was incredibly inexpensive and tasty. Nightclubs in our area open late at night 11 pm. People ate in restaurants after 9 pm. We asked for directions and always a friendly smile and helpful. Police sirens were common at all hours which is consistent with a large city as Naples.
Of course this is my observation only. The interesting part is my partner would have had a different experience because we are all different with a different life lens that has created who we are today. Knowledge and experiences are part of that journey. Our differences are all part of global community.
Imagine living under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Without the knowledge of volcanoes like we have today and all the technology or warning systems, it must have been intimidating. Having only seen Mount Vesuvius in books or on TV I found it an awe inspiring presence looming over Naples. On our way to Pompei the sense of wonder increased. Visiting a city that been buried in ash and disappeared from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
A somber experience touring the lost city of Pompei. Narrow streets, restaurants and shops and a few with colored mosaics. One can only imagine the fear and terror those in Pompei experienced as their city was being drowned by burning toxic ash. The fear facing death.
I am reminded that everyone today has their own fears.
Maybe the fear is not being killed by a volcano but there are fears. Fear is what keeps us prisoner, not in the ash but in our minds. Keeping us from truly enjoying our life and the moments in our life that are beautiful. If we can find our own way to face our fears and get out of our comfort zone to face those fears well you can imagine the adventures we would have today and in the tomorrows. We have a choice. Seek our positive help, find your voice, create tools for happiness and never give up.
Looking forward to another Italian adventure and getting out my comfort zone.
