Searching for Italy (Kats Version)
Maybe it’s because I’m currently reading his book or maybe it’s just because he is now my token Italian man (outside of my Papa) - Stanley Tucci deserved the title tribute.
We began our journey by stopping in Genoa, which for those not as familiar with Italian geography, is in the Northern part of Italy. It’s unfamiliar territory for me because I am very accustomed to more southern Italian energies, given my family is predominantly from there. But, I was pleasantly surprised. Our guide was very welcoming & knowledgable. Honestly, I expect nothing less. When you are in Italy, no matter what, you know you will be taken care of. We ventured from the port of Genoa to a town called Radallo where we then got on a ferry to Portofino.
Portofino is quite literally only accessible by boat for anyone who doesn’t live there or doesn’t have special permission to have a car there. The total population year round hovers somewhere in the 300’s. Total. 300 people. Yet, during tourist season, it seems they have consistently boatloads of people dropped off in their town square.
Simply put, the most picturesque city a person could imagine. When you think of seaside Italian town, you definitely in some way are thinking of Portofino. Sadly, I will never be able to afford to live here because it seems like any wealthy, Italian introverts dream. Their town square boasts a Louis Vuitton & a Dolce & Gabbana (please enjoy this clip that, sadly, I couldn’t stop quoting). There were more designer stores here than any other thing that I saw. Quite impressive but given who probably lives there, I’m not surprised. The marina that opens into the piazza was gorgeous that at one point I stopped walking around & sat there for the last hour of our time there. The ferry ride back was gorgeous, obviously. (pictures of this on instagram please go look)
Our next day, we stopped in Civitavecchia. Again, for those not familiar with Italian geography, we are now in the middle of Italy. This allowed us to hop on a train to Rome.
Now. Everyone please use this as the one lesson you take away from my writing. Do not ever. And I mean this with my whole being, ever visit Rome in the summer. This heat was insane. Maybe it’s because everywhere we have gone was situated near or on the water, that being in a true city setting, the heat was stagnant & suffocating. But, my reprieve was spending time with our cousins: Angelo, Angela, & Francesca.
Truly, the best tour guides around. While everyone else attempted to go to the Colosseum; Juzzy, my Mom, and I walked around with them through the streets of Rome. I live in NYC & even for me I was massively confused but they were navigating us through the streets with confidence & attitude toward drivers that really could only come from a true Roman. Anyway, hopefully, next year they will visit me in NYC & I can show them around the city.
Our last stop in Italy was Naples. We had a simple mission today: eat. Honestly, the only reason any of us got off of the bus. But first, a history lesson.
We took a bus tour from Naples & did a tour of Pompeii to begin our day. Pompeii is one of the most fascinating places to me & it still being an active archeological dig site is bonkers. They are discovering more & more each day, which is enough of a reason to have to come back to see what else they have discovered.
After we worked up an appetite walking around Pompeii in the heat. We headed to lunch. For those that know me, not the biggest lunch fan, yet, I knew I would have no choice but to love this. Our bus quite literally took us up the mountains that overlook the city of Positano. Another one of the most breathtaking towns I’ve ever seen.
(Caiden & I sat next to each other on the bus. Him: afraid of heights. Me: gets violently car sick. Chose to sit next to each on a bus, up a winding mountain mountain rode. Choose your fighter)
We eventually reached our destination of: Trattoria La Tagiliata. The best meal of my life. It’s situated on a hill overlooking the city so, you are immediately in love with the view. It’s an open dining room which allows the view to be unobstructed & the wind to flow through.
You sit down & once the first dish hits the table, it doesn’t stop coming. It’s a family running the place, apparently, it has gotten TikTok famous for their cooking classes. Since I don’t have TikTok, my Dad had to show me what they looked liked. Based on what I was hearing from the area situated down below us, it’s a truly one of a kind experience. Though, the son who was serving us, seemed quite annoyed at how fast it grew in popularity. Anyway, back to the meal.
It was set up like any classic Italian family dinner. Multiple courses & served family style while you are all seated at one long table. We were so well taken care of from start to finish & none of us left hungry. I could’ve sat there for hours. The staff was the nicest & attentive people I’ve ever come across. Here is how I knew I would be getting the best meal ever: it was a Nonna doing all of our cooking. My compliments to the chef. My personal favorites: the aperitivo course as a whole & the eggplant parm. I could’ve entered into a food induced coma & happily stayed like that for the rest of my days. Mark my words: I will be back.
Sadly, we had to leave. They whisked us away & back down the mountain & into town. We spent less time here & due to the amount of food I had I was still in a daze. Again, I will return.
Thus, our time in Italy had come to a close. Though we ventured into new areas of the country, it all felt very comfortable & familiar. Italy you are my favorite country I am a citizen of. I know it’s bad to have favorites but screw it, I do.
Okay. I could go on & on about these stops. Maybe, I will do a post to clean up any missed details about this trip. Not today though.
Talk soon.
