Nostalgia.

October: this time two years ago,

I spent two weeks exploring cities on the other side of the world.

I saw London, Brussels, Lake Lucerne, Innsbruck,

Venice, Rome, Florence,

the French Riviera, 

Lyon, Paris.

I met precious characters 
& made life long bonds. 

I found the European winters challenging 
although at the same time, 
loved it.

I  had long conversations with sellers at Christmas markets. 
I watched my dad gamble in Monaco and win 350 euros.
I drank some red wine which I thought I would like;
my  eighteen year old taste buds begged to differ.

I danced.

I laughed.
I cried when 
I thought I lost my dad in the middle of no where 
& truly believed our tour bus drove off without me.

I caught the flu when exploring Paris.
& felt disheartened that Paris didn't have the 
same mesmerising effect on me,
as it did to other people...    
I immediately felt guilty for blaming the city 
and not the flu.
(Paris I do really love you!)
I ate pasta, pizza, Belgian waffels and chocolate
till I felt sick;
which I do not feel guilty for.

I visited a perfume factory,

a glass factory,

&  the most amazing art galleries.

I walked till midnight on cobblestoned paths;
looking at closed stores- Christmas window displays.
I purposely separated from my parents in
the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi;
where I found empty rooms and a beautiful courtyard 
which truly felt incredibly special.   

In true Italian spirit I drank cappuccinos at 11pm 

& sang endlessly to 'Volare'.

& at some point in-between those fourteen days and nights,

...Europe found it's way into my heart.