Like everyone else I had expectations in my head from the moment I arrived in country.
What I had not totally accounted for was the unexpected.
I got lost in a small country town for a couple of hours on a rather warm summer day.
Wandered up and down streets looking for someone, anyone to ask directions from.
But like almost everyone, I more than just survived. I wandered yes....but I saw a beautiful little off the beaten path town.
I got lost, but I walked streets I could never had imagined in my wildest dreams.
I got lost alright, but I also got an awesome travel story to relate to the family.
I learned to enjoy the unexpected. To not get upset when (,not if) an obstacle pops up before me.
I am in Italy to explore.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6289 posts
Lovely! Thank you, Paul.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3159 posts
Great attitude and result! When life gives you lemons...make limoncello!
Posted by
3122 posts
Thanks! I can echo these sentiments!
Posted by
Southeastern USA
996 posts
Great post!
I always get lost when I travel to a new place. I don't do it on purpose. It just seems to happen.
Having said that, I can confidently say that I've seen parts of many places that I would never have seen otherwise. And I can say that it's helped me become a better traveler. I always get lost. Fact of life, despite even my phone and GPS. But I wouldn't trade that off for anything else.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15146 posts
What’s the name of the town?
Maybe others here would like to get lost in the same town.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
667 posts
That sounds fun Paul! Thanks for sharing! (I’m from Fernandina, just across your border!)
Posted by
OP
Kingsland, Ga, USA
68 posts
The name of the town was Aviano in North East Italy just a couple of miles from the military Air Base of the same name. The town was quaint but when I ventured into the small train station, I would swear I was the first person in the building since WWII.
I walked up and down streets never seeing anyone but marveling at how cute the town was.
Since that day I will always take the path less traveled and have become an expert on getting lost.
I rarely use GPS and would rather find a smiling face to point me in the right direction.
When time is not an issue, I will always venture away from the crowds.
If you have never gotten lost in an Italian town you have not absorbed the soul of Italy.
Last trip a few months ago, I managed to get lost in Florence.... Found the best gelato ever.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6289 posts
We once happened upon a great meal in Madrid - wandering around the back streets, knowing our hotel was somewhere...
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
Couldn't agree more! Just like life, "expect the unexpected." I recall our first trip to Italy many years ago. We were in the charming city of Lucca wandering the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets. As I recall Lucca was a challenge to navigate due to it's layout, That said, there was a surprise around every corner. We purposely chose to walk rather than rent a bicycle. Magical!
Posted by
Portsmouth
5256 posts
I once took a wrong turning down a street in downtown Philadelphia, I wish I could say I had a similar experience but it went from clean, historical, well kempt district to delapidated, weed covered, graffitti ridden and menacing looking residents which resulted in locking the car doors and putting my foot down.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15146 posts
Here for your memory lane.