Putting experience into words

How do you put what you experience into words? How do you sum up travel using the written word?

I spent an amazing, tiring, vibrant week discovering some of the Italian countryside. The country is too large for only a week, but what I did see was beautiful, picturesque, and full of history. I spent time with a close friend, and let the moments simply wash over me. Some experiences were planned, others were not.

I experienced couchsurfing (couchsurfing.com) for the first time, meeting amazing locals, tasting authentic food, visiting secret spots away from the crowds, and seeing a world that is not readily available to many.

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Starting in Milan, I met my beautiful friend that I met on Outward Bound NZ years ago, and together we headed to Venice for a packed 24 hours of sights and sounds. As she headed back to Milan for work, I continued to Verona, on to Peschiera del Garda (Lake Garda), and back to Milan. Reunited, we traveled to Bergamo, the village of Pedrengo, and Lecco (Lake Como), finishing with a full day of lake exploring. We saw a lot, ate a lot, and laughed a lot. Its moments like these that solo travel is overtaken by the need for company, for shared experiences and shared memories. My favourite days were the ones when I was with her.

I look forward to many more trips like this. I look forward to travelling with the people I love. I look forward to sharing my experiences.