I spent my Christmas holiday alone - the best decision

 I came to Italy to challenge myself by being far away from the situations, people, environment which are so familiar and comfy for me. Main plan is to step out of the comfort zone or conquer my fears! Through this also to discover myself more.
Four months have passed and I don’t really feel that being away from home and  loved ones has been a huge challenge. Not surprised, since I am quite  quickly adaptive when it comes to changing  my living environment.

I could say that every place on earth has it’s own advantages. That way I can’t compare my life in Nordic country with the life I live here in South-Italy. I’m used to be connected with nature, which plays a big role in balancing myself, both mentally and physically. That is why as closer the Christmas holidays came, I figured it is a perfect time to satisfy my yearning for nature by travelling more north - Central Italy was my destination. My roomies - Paola and Karina used the opportunity to go home and visit their family. Yasin also chose to go on an adventure. For me it was time to ground myself and instead of going home, I decided to be and travel alone.

We are used to being social creatures who benefit from interacting with others, but we forget to spend time with ourselves, being alone with our thoughts and without social distractions. And in silence.
After being very social  for  a while, I become mentally overwhelmed. That feeling is an alert to act, otherwise I will eventually "collapse".  I used to have negative thoughts, emotions and bad moods, while feeling overwhelmed. In time I got to know how to read those signs and how to take care of myself. After returning I am like a new and better version of myself - recovered, energized and maybe even better in communicating. Being alone with my thoughts helps to clear the mind - brings more clarity to messy thoughts. Also brings new ideas and solves some problems. For me it means being disconnected from social media too.

So, after spending cozy Christmas Eve with my dear friends in Lecce...

Can't have Christmas without creamy plum-mushroom sauce and mulled wine!

I took the train to more north in search of a colder weather and signs of autumn (or winter). I found it and even more than I expected! I found myself alone in the middle of silence and trees, together with birdsong and my thoughts - in Passignano sul Trasimeno. I had plenty of time to spend with myself. 
Unbelievable, how only one day of trekking in mountainous area can affect one's senses... I detected myself in euphoria, while being 11 hours actively on move. My whole body was full of contentment.
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Passignano sul Trasimeno

The hut I found while hiking in Passignano su Trasimeno

Another day for myself in Assisi mountains

After spending enough time with myself I felt more balanced and it was time to connect with new people.
I found myself living in Perugia for a week, like a local. Hours of endless wanderings in urban area, which led me to the narrowest streets, where I could imagine how the life was in the Medieval times. ...to the streets where street art is like temporary exhibition, some canvases are changing in time, some stay the same. ...to the places where you can warm yourself up with the reggae vibes by dancing with local African community or having wineful moments in a bar with vintage and Japan kind of vibe. ...to the expanses of gigantic churches, which seemed like castles. ...to the most beautiful panoramic views of the city, where you can enjoy the sunsets. ...to the streets, walking up and down throughout the day, where you could feel that if you would faint, there would be no ending when rolling down. ...to the places to taste the best hot chocolate, castagna, pizza. ...to the underground Christmas market, where you can meet many wonderful artisans exposing their handwork. ...to the museum where getting to know more about Etruscan story and art. ...to the urban greenery, city farm, permagarden, stream and bamboo field...

Hot chocolate with some of the new peeps I met in Perugia

Panoramic view of Perugia

Street art in via della Viola

City farm and bamboo field

Narrow streets in Perugia​

Artisans in underground Christmas market - Rocca Paolina

New Year’s Eve in Perugia with dinner, late night conversations and music making on a balcony

​It would have been such a pity to start this New Year by going back to south without visiting Firenze, when I’m only a two hour train ride away. Thought about it & acted!
Irrespective of the masses of tourists rushing around, I managed to take all from this two day visit.
​Hours of art therapy while witnessing all those paintings from 15.-18. century. Memorable meetings with locals. Mindful moments with food and wine. Observing architecture, buildings, ceilings, sculptures, people around until my neck hurts...

Ponte Vecchio

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

 Found some vegan places for proper meals and sweets - tiramisu, vegan cheese...

Street art in Firenze - CLET