Being back to the city where I was born has brought back quite a big load of memories. Things like flavors, sights and scents. The things we tend to forget when we are no longer exposed on a daily basis to them, simple things that make you feel you have arrived, that you are back, that you belong.
I have always struggled to understand where I belong. Even if I was born here, I never felt I belonged. Ever since I can remember, I always wanted to leave this place. Eventually I left and even if I still feel like I don´t belong anywhere, I reached a safe place in my heart where I don´t need to belong to a place anymore.
If I let those memories of my adolescence come afloat then I can go back and hold on to those bits of the past that are still inside of me (which to my relief are plenty). Coming back here doesn´t feel like "coming home" anymore, but I still get to enjoy the wonderful things this place has to offer, and walk a bit down on memory lane.
This is a beautiful place despite the terrible reputation it has gained throughout the years. People are warm and welcoming, the food is glorious, and the sights are breathtaking. Like any other country in the world it has its good and bad things, it just depends on where you look or the perspective you take.
So far I´ve been taking it all in, as if I was seeing it all for the first time.Enjoying every single second so it will last me another fours year or more before I get to come back again, and holding on to those bits of the past because I don´t want to forget.
I wish you a very wonderful day,
Giova
