I can remember reading a National Geographic travel magazine when I was first dreaming up this trip. The cover held a photo of colored houses seemingly stacked on top of each other overlooking a jagged coastline with a tiny road winding alongside. I think the title was something like, “Dining on the Amalfi Coast.” I can still see that magazine sitting beside the living room chair and, as I take in the scene from my hostel balcony, I have to ask myself if what I’m seeing is real. I imagine that, when I return, I will most likely see a fair share of magazines with cover photos of places I’ve visited during my time here in Europe, and, undoubtedly, I will ask myself the same question again and again.
Distinguishing between experiencing a monument or church and seeing its likeness on a magazine should prove to be a simple task. However, when I return home to that magazine sitting in my living room, I imagine that if I close my eyes for a minute, I just might feel like I’m right back here on the coast, watching the cars wind along the road as the boats come in to shore below.
And that’s quite alright with me..