My PhotoStories: Old World Charm . . .

As most of the tourists have left  and the sun slowly begins to set . . .  

. . . . another glorious day ends in a small fishing village in Italy.

In 2005, I stayed in a small town called Vernazza in the Cinque Terre.  While my friend and I were having dinner at a nearby restaurant, we noticed one local after another come out and gather at this bench directly in front of us. 

We watched as they exchanged pleasantries and engaged in what appeared to be interesting conversations with each other.  This is a scene no doubt repeated nightly by the locals.  It was really fun to watch.

Today, we live in a world of new technology and many high tech gadgets. We communicate on Facebook, FaceTime, Texting, Emails, Twitter and yes even Blogging.  I am a huge fan of blogging and tweeting so I am no stranger to this high tech world that we live in. It is a great way of communicating and sharing our lives and common interests with lot's of people who we don't live close to.

But every time I remember this scene I have to say there there is something to be said about living life daily the old fashioned way.

I don't currently live in that world and so maybe that is why I try to seek it out whenever I travel so I can have the experience.

In about a month, I'll be traveling to the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy and as it was in 2005 I will be staying in another small seaside town called Priano.

It is a place where there is only one main road running through it . . .

a place with one church down the road . . .

a place with a couple of small markets

a place with only a handful of neighborhood restaurants/bar . . .

And as one fellow Slow Traveler said (mimi), it is a place that has a whole lot of

"Old World Charm"

And some pretty breathtaking views!

I have  been a busy bee arranging and confirming logistics, wiring the cash to pay for my apartment stay, booking my hotels, train tickets and car service, browsing the Internet and reading my numerous guidebooks all at the same time.  I have been learning quite a bit and I hope to do a few pre-trip posts before I leave.  

This part of Italy will be different for me and I think it will be a lot of fun both living amongst the locals and also doing some sightseeing. On the Travel speed scale this trip will consist of fast, medium, slow and snails pace.  :)  I have a couple of interesting day trips to see busy Naples, enchanting Capri and a few great archaeological finds in Paestum. Weeee!  More to come .  .  .

I had a dream last night

that I was flying for the first time.

And in the dream,

I could pilot my flight

with the thoughts in my mind. ~ Prince