Month 10 | Vietri sul Mare, Italy
Where this month found me
Month ten had me caught in a bittersweet limbo. On one hand, there’s a soft sadness as the reality of leaving Europe has begun to sink in. But on the other, I’m excited to see friends and family back home when we return to Toronto for the summer.
We’re down to the final month (yes, we’re leaving after only 11 months) and the fact that this time abroad is almost over is beginning to feel very real.
The admin & logistics chapter
So, if you’ve been following along, last month we had our permesso di soggiorno (residency permit) appointment after nearly nine months of living here. Of course right as we’re wrapping that up, this month we’re working out all of the details for returning to Toronto for a six-month stretch — lining up jobs, finding a temporary home, booking flights, etc.
Side quests
A few days ago, we caught a flight to the Netherlands. Staying in Amsterdam and visiting some of my family that lives a couple hours away in a small town, we only had a little time to explore, but it was Tyson’s first time in the Netherlands so we made sure to grab some fries, walk the canals, and see a windmill — like the classic, old, wooden kind. Oh, and a whole lot of stroopwafles of course!
After Amsterdam, we flew to Milan, specifically to watch the Paralympic hockey final. Canada lost, but we honestly still had a great time. When Canada scored their first goal, the atmosphere was electric. Also, who was going to tell me that risotto alle milanese was that good??
I’m actually writing this mid-side-quest between destinations — next month I’ll share the details.
People & connection
After being away in Canada for most of February, Tys came back to Italy. After three weeks of being on my own, I was definitely ready for his return. I love my independence and all, but I missed having my best friend around… I know, I know, gross!
We got together with friends a few times before heading out on this trip, grabbing drinks, pizza and going on a mid-day hike nearby.
Our trip to the Netherlands was planned around visiting my Grandma who moved there from Ontario when she remarried about 15 years ago. We spent most of the afternoon and evening with her and her husband, having lunch and dinner, and enjoying a walk in the evening. It was really nice to see them. While we were in town we were also able to spend some time with a few of my cousins.
Exploring this place
Knowing we’re leaving soon, we’ve come up with a mini bucket-list for before we leave, and we’re starting to cross things off.
We hiked up to the cross that is visible above the town we’ve been living in with some of our friends. Perched at the top of Monte San Liberatore, the panoramic view of Salerno, and the beginning of the Amalfi Coast is gorgeous. It was overcast on the day we went but the views were still lovely.
We tried a pizza place that might just be our new local favourite, we enjoyed going for an ocean dip on a sunny day — much to the dismay of the locals — and we’ve been appreciating the simple differences from Canada that we have grown to love about Italy.
On my bookshelf
Book Club Pick: The Berry Pickers, Amanda Peters | 4.5
*Trigger warnings include: substance abuse, death, grief, racism, and more.
This book was layered and subtle. I didn’t even realize how much I loved it until it was over. A Mi’kmaq family from Nova Scotia, Canada is picking berries for work over the summer in Maine when their youngest daughter vanishes without a trace. There is heartbreak, trauma, secrets, familial love that remains unbreakable, and a resilience in not letting their joy be stolen despite it all.
Personal Read: Me vs Brain, Hayley Morris | 3.75
Funny, honest, and relatable. Hayley speaks candidly about her inner (sometimes anxiety-ridden) dialogue as a woman growing up and navigating the world. Everything from her first period, to dating, to moving through grief.
Small joys
I finally broke out of my reading slump, and I’m so happy I did. Since the beginning of March, I’ve read four books and I’m hoping to finish at least two more before the month is over.
Warmer weather = regular gelato runs are back! I look at it as an obligation — we’re only here for another month and I’m determined to eat enough to satisfy me for the foreseeable future… as though that’s even possible!
Exploring new places always brings me joy, and I’m just so thankful that we had this opportunity to live in Europe for the year where travelling around is so much easier.
The ratio of sunny to rainy days is leaning back towards sun and I’m absolutely loving it.
Lastly, If you’re ever in Italy and the local shop has homemade pasta available, grab some. Trust me. The ravioli we got last week was incredible.
The hard parts
Preparing to say goodbye to a place that you know is temporary, but that you also have a love for is unique. The connections we’ve formed with people, the routine we’ve built, and the views of the coastline that have become our normal — it’s going to be hard to leave them behind.
Looking ahead
Up next, we have a few more stops and some new countries on this adventure. We’re getting together with friends to watch the Italy vs Northern Ireland football match on the day we get back to Vietri. We’re planning to explore more of the area we’ve been living in, starting with Naples… because how do we live less than an hour away for a year without properly visiting at least once?
And my next update will be posted from Canada!
Read more from my time living on the Amalfi Coast:
Dive into month ten of living in Southern Italy. Tys returned for his trip back to Canada, the warm weather and sunny days are back, we’re currently in the middle of a two week trip, and we’re getting ready to move home with our visa almost up.