Along the Tuscan cypress tree valley: Val D'Orcia

Every day among the tallest deep green cypresses, the wind whispers, like an intangible presence drifting through the air. This calming sound holds an antique strength, imperceptible to the naked eye. After the summer ploughing, the road winds through chestnut hills, standing out against the intensity of a cerulean sky. It resembles an earthy wave, following the contours of the mountains. Effortlessly drawing the eye towards the horizon.

The tree-lined cypress alleys form evanescent farming paintings from a time that seems to gradually obscure itself by a modern sunrise. Like on an artbook cover the trees face a millennial nobel and umber vineyard field.

Again while strolling through the red brick and limestone villages, the scent of lavender wafts from the quaintest boutique and artisan shops. Yet, the pungent aroma of Pecorino cheese maturing under golden almond trees leaves signals lunchtime. The crispness of freshly laundered clothes evokes a sense of a slow life from another time. The bedsheets draped over an iron line held by rosa clothespins. Touched by the fading rays of an end of summer afternoon sun.

Red brick alley in Pienza - 2024 ©

This is Val D'Orcia, Tuscany. However, during my travelling throughout I was amazed by the collective imaginary around these breathtaking earthy landscapes and how visitors from all around the globe reach remote locations just to capture the best picture to share. I feel a certain unease when I think how difficult may be to be able to disconnect and simply embrace the moment without looking at frame on a screen. Therefore, I've attempted to envision the travel fantasies of someone who dreams of flying to Italy from a distant place, wishing to live the "Italian fairytale".

A far-fetched dream

While sipping a cappuccino at a coffee shop in my favourite neighbourhood, I realized I was feeling bit bored and lost. My laptop was displaying the to-do list...

As I breathe out, I pick up my phone, hoping to evade my thought from daily tasks just for an instant: I open my social platform and I search for "tuscany" and "italian outfit".

A lush green landscape with hundreds of countryside roads and pathways are the endless subject of all the pictures. As I continue scrolling, I come across an image of a lady in a silky and lace dress looking like royal, her outlook gazing at the crystal-clear spring sky. She poses effortlessly amidst the natural earth tones, her outfit is harmoniously blending with the surrounding.

I wish I could fly to Italy tomorrow: I've never been there. There is a sense of calm and romance in those pictures: an idyllic place untouched by the effects of modernity and the constraints of time. A place where I can show my beauty in its purest form: wearing a white long dress with my hair swaying in the soft, warm breeze.

When is the best time there? Should I have a car? This way, I could capture the beauty of the cypress-lined paths leading to these enchanting, fairytale-like farmhouses and myself feeling like royalty, even if for just a "clic"...

So, should I book the next flight?

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Despite witnessing sometimes a fast-travelling experience, seeking inner peace while exploring new places that truly inspire me is my first intention. Ultimately, while travelling I strive for authenticity, even in a world where this cast is everyday more difficult. Authenticity, to me, involves immersing with the local atmosphere and tempo as well as appreciating handcraft.

I embrace getting lost and creating my itinerary spontaneously. At the beginning this mindset was very out of my comfort zone, however after a little while I have realized that the path is already been made and that I have just to trust the journey: the path will reveal itself! Allowing full disconnection if a way for me to calm myself and to restore my energies without being distracted from the outer world. A spa time for my senses and my thoughts. Only this way I might be able to travel with an open heart as well as attentive eyes to capture the beauty surrounding us.

...be light, be nour...