Napoli + Pompeii + Amalfi Coast | September 2021

I found my favorite restaurant in Amalfi in a small piazza away from the main square. The best restaurants and cafes are always here, tucked away amongst the buildings; hidden from the main tourist path. I sat at the edge of the patio, protected from the sun by a large beige umbrella. The heat of the day still warmed my skin so much that small beads of sweat broke from my brow every few minutes. But I didn't mind. I sipped chilled water and slowly ate mouthfuls of pasta with anchovies scented in lemon. Over the next few days I would visit again and again. Slowly working my way through the menu. Looking through the same cracks of sun umbrella at the same slivers of sky. I learned all the wait staff's names. And I imagine they remembered me for my curly hair and solitary meals over a quiet book and a glass of wine. But these are the moments of traveling alone. If you don't loves these, I'm not sure how you will survive. Let alone find yourself. Let alone discover what you're capable of. Let alone fall in love with small corners of a small village and make a piece of it yours if only for a few days. I travel solo, but I am never alone for long.

-Tess Thomas