I have been using a new mantra this year:
Be a Traveler NOT a tourist
Learn something new, Find a new adventure
Experience the local life
In 2008, after many years of trying to do or see everything in the 2 or 3 weeks a year my 24/7 job allowed, I finally took a sabbatical.
I had been dreaming of moving to Italy for part of the year for a long time. All my vacations to Italy were wonderful. My business trips were "interesting" but allowed me to see new parts of Italy.
But would I enjoy living there? I am an Italian American but would real Italians accept me? How do you manage in a town where you do not know anyone and do not speak the language fluently?
But it was now or never and I closed my business, obtained a dog sitter and took off for Sorrento for 3 months. I know I would not have enjoyed or on some days survived this adventure without my weeks at Sorrento Lingue. For all of you who already travel solo, I won't comment on solo travel, but long term travel opened a new door to my travel adventures.
During my months in Italy "living as an Italian, not a tourist" I searched for ways to enrich my days.
I spent hours exploring the towns along the sea. Walking with a view of the sea was an endless pleasure. But I still looked for a way to fit in, to participate, not just another member of the expats organizations.
