By: Joseph Cacciotti
The sun had set, plunging the floating city into darkness. The water glistened with the light of the moon and the stone facades and intricate architecture of the Santa Maria della Salute — once the patron church of the city state of Venice — loomed, accentuated by the light and the shadows of the night.
As a person who dreams of seeing every country on Earth it was an incredible first step into the world of culture, adventure and opportunity that is travel. However more importantly it was a world away from the troubles and sorrows of the life I left behind, a place I was able to find the peace I had needed for so long. Though I couldn’t have known it then, a trip to a foreign country was exactly the medicine I needed to heal and find the strength to piece my life back together.
Ever since my mother passed away from complications caused by cancer one bright and sunny day in June of 2011, my life had fallen apart. Where once my home had been a place of peace, contentment, and joy; it now felt empty. The house however, was not the reason I could not stand to stay there. My father could not hold back his sadness and that was just too much for me to bear. It simply had no end and there were other things I needed to do: go to school, get a job and learn to take care of myself.
It was the rolling hills of Tuscany; the waters of Venice; the lavish buildings of Florence and Assizi; and the crowded streets of Rome that restored my enjoyment of life. Whatever it will mean to you, I guarantee the experiences you have while travelling will last a lifetime.
Travelling can work wonders for a person. You don’t have to have been traumatized or experienced a tragedy to benefit from travel. Even a break from a stressful year of school, and work will give you tremendous peace of mind and leave you refreshed and ready to face the months to come.
The experience of a new culture, new people and new experiences can broaden your horizons and expand your mind. If you’re uncomfortable or unable to travel to a foreign country there’s plenty to do in North America. New York City, Florida, Las Vegas and Atlanta are some places that could give that experience everyone deserves to have.
Travel is expensive and it takes time I was lucky enough to have my father cover the costs and plenty of family to visit and stay with once we arrived. My cousin Silvia was getting married and that was the excuse we needed to have a trip I will never forget.
Life is a beautiful thing, and travel is what proved that to me. If you haven’t done so before, you should find a way to travel, for there is a world of possibilities just waiting for you.