I’ve done my share of traveling. Had lots of fun. I’ve seen a lot of amazing things. But when I think back to the places I’ve been, I can’t help but think about the one place I really want to go back to. I was talking with my friend Peter the other day and I didn’t mention anything about my recent thoughts about traveling and the places I’ve been. I asked him a question, “If you could go back to anywhere you’ve already been, where would it be?” He said, hands down, without a doubt, with now reservations or hesitations – Cinque Terre. And those are my thoughts exactly. I don’t care about anywhere else. I just want to go back.
Vernazza - Cinque Terre © Andrew Johnson
There are so many places that I haven’t seen. Things I haven’t done. But I don’t care about those places or things right now. I just want to go back to Cinque Terre. Why? Is it because it has great shopping? No. Is it a huge city? No. Is there a lot to do there? No. Are the roads fun to drive? No (there are no roads). Is it exciting and busy? No. It is none of those things.
It is, however, an authentic Italian experience with authentic people, food, wine, and landscape. Life slows down, and happiness goes up.