Italy (part 1)
Cava de’Tirreni
Cava de' Tirreni, Italy, sits between the Lattari and Picentini mountains near the Amalfi Coast, is a charming town known for its rich history and vibrant culture. It boasts picturesque hills, a historic center filled with narrow streets and ancient buildings, and the iconic Cathedral of Sant'Andrea. It is a hub for artisans, manufacturing, and even hosts international sporting events.
Italy, The Honest Way: A Travel Tale From the Sweaty Side
Ah, Italy. The land of pasta, piazzas, and… unexpected ankle swelling? Yes, you heard me. I want to tell you the truth about traveling through Italy—not just the Instagram version with gelato sunsets and quaint alleyways, but the sweaty, slightly swollen, “why-did-I-pack-four-pairs-of-shoes” version. My husband and I ventured through Italy in late spring, aka The Season of the Eternal Sweat. Between the heat and all the walking (seriously, so much walking), our bodies were crying uncle by Day 3. Pro tip: bring extra underwear and plan to do laundry if you're visiting anytime between May and September. Trust me, there’s no avoiding the sweat. And yes, your ankles will puff up like mozzarella balls. Hydration helps, but so does adjusting your expectations.
One thing we learned fast—hotel “amenities” in Italy are… different. Microwaves? Ha! Not once. Not even in the fancy spots. And the fridges? Let’s just say they're more “keep this from spoiling” than “I want an ice-cold Coke.” Speaking of which, if you're drinking anything in your room (wine, juice, mystery herbal tea from the corner shop), bring something to stir with. A pen? Toothbrush handle? No shame. And don’t expect your food to come out piping hot either—especially at buffets. Warm-ish is the vibe. Coffee cups are adorably tiny too. There are no Grandes here. Just shot-glass-sized doses of liquid energy, which is probably why Italians can walk so far in 95°F heat.
Now, let's talk people. You know those big, loud, joyful Italian families in the movies—laughing over spaghetti and hugging strangers like long-lost cousins? We didn’t meet those folks. Hotel and restaurant staff were perfectly kind and professional. But outside of that? Social norms were noticeably different from what we expected. I’d smile at strangers or say a chipper “Buongiorno,” and often got… nothing. Just a polite blank face and continued walking. No one was rude—just different. A little more reserved. In fact, we sometimes felt like we were bothering people just by existing nearby. And we tried—my husband spent three years learning Italian!
Also, let’s talk about shopping. If you’re an XL+ woman or an XL man (especially over six feet tall), don’t bank on picking up clothes in Italy. Most stores cater to local sizing, and we had a hard time finding anything that fit. My husband couldn’t even squeeze into a 3XL, and 4XL just doesn’t seem to exist. I had better luck with breezy linen tops in Cinque Terre, but even then, options were limited. The people are smaller, the clothes are smaller. Pack accordingly—or prepare for a very humbling dressing room experience.
Some additional wisdom from our journey: Don’t bother packing a ton of snacks. They’ll get crushed, melted, or weird by Day 2. Just bring a light snack for the plane. There’s plenty of food in Italy—really good food. You just need to time it right. Most restaurants shut down in the afternoon and reopen around 7 p.m. (Dinner runs from 7–10 p.m., like the civilized night owls they are). Before 9:30 a.m., the only thing reliably open is a café or a grocery store. You won’t even see hours posted on many doors. Shops open when they feel like it, because…Italy. Plan accordingly.
And finally—travel light. I brought way too many shoes. You’ll be hauling your bags on and off a lot of trains (we did 84—yes, eighty-four). There were stairs, sprints, and a few moments where I reconsidered everything I’ve ever owned. Also, street art is everywhere. It’s unclear if it’s encouraged or just… tolerated. Let’s say Italy has a charmingly relaxed approach to appearances. Don’t expect manicured lawns or fresh paint. It’s all part of the charm.
Still, even with the sweat, the train-hopping, and the lukewarm buffets—it’s Italy. And once you know what you’re really getting into, you can enjoy it for what it is: beautiful, baffling, and completely unforgettable.
Arrivederci!