As most of you know, I was in Italy last week. I was sent there by Focus Features to promote the movie Book Club: The Next Chapter, but this is not a sponsored post! I just always like being up front about what’s happening. My contracted deliverables were two videos (one about the movie posted on both Tiktok and Instagram reels, and one about my flight on Lufthansa which was only posted on Tiktok). Actually, I’m going to post one of the videos below, because it’s a really good intro as to why I was there and what happened. Also, I feel like it will give you the context you need to understand the rest of this blog post which is more about how I felt being on the trip. I’m also going to share our full itinerary at the end, so if that’s what you came for, just skip all my babbling and scroll to the bottom.
I'm such an introvert that I will struggle going on a trip with strangers, constantly overthinking how to react or what to do. But I'm really glad you got to enjoy! It was really exciting to watch your stories and I would have moments of "what would I do if I were Ilana". 😁
I love this post! I have experienced a feeling just like you did the last night. Hearing your story brought it all back, and brought a tear to my eyes. There’s something so special to travel by yourself. I’m so glad you had a wonderful time.
I live in Rome and wanted to meet you sooo much! Am glad you had a great time! Just a note: that mini car you showed- that particular model can be driven at 16 (not 14 as they told you). Other models are available at 14 and for both one needs to pass a drivers test specifically for that type of horsepower which is the same as a normal scooter. They have become popular amongst older adults because they are slow, automatic and take up small parking spaces. For the kids, parents prefer them to scooters as there are many accidents and they find them to be safer.
Thanks for taking us along! It looked beautiful! I am glad you were able to relax and make friends. I have a hard time initiating conversation and making friends. I can't imagine doing it in a foreign country all by myself!
I was secretly worried about you connecting with the tiktokers!! Thanks for being open about your experience. We’ve all felt like this at some point. I’m glad you stayed true to yourself. And am also relieved to hear you made new friends!
When we were in Venice we wanted to visit a Jewish temple there. As we approached the area there was a long table with people enjoying a meal together. We inquired about the location of the temple. We were immediately welcomed and invited to join the group. Most were Italian but any “wandering Jew” was welcome. It felt very special to feel at home in a foreign place. We had great conversations and felt like we belonged. It was an unforgettable feeling.
I got goosebumps reading this. There is a new book of essays called “We are all Armenian: Voices from the Diaspora” and one essay is about a woman’s experience hearing Hava Nagila at a bar in Berlin. You should check it out if you get a chance!
Oh interesting! I've actually been thinking a lot in the last few days about how I sort of dismissed being European as part of my ancestry. My mom's family is from Poland and my dad's is from Germany and Russia, but I've always thought of Judaism as my real ethnic/cultural background. I loved visiting Israel and being amongst so many Jewish people but I didn't really feel connected to it. Maybe I should do more exploration of Jewish communities in Europe.
I'm such an introvert that I will struggle going on a trip with strangers, constantly overthinking how to react or what to do. But I'm really glad you got to enjoy! It was really exciting to watch your stories and I would have moments of "what would I do if I were Ilana". 😁
I love this post! I have experienced a feeling just like you did the last night. Hearing your story brought it all back, and brought a tear to my eyes. There’s something so special to travel by yourself. I’m so glad you had a wonderful time.
I live in Rome and wanted to meet you sooo much! Am glad you had a great time! Just a note: that mini car you showed- that particular model can be driven at 16 (not 14 as they told you). Other models are available at 14 and for both one needs to pass a drivers test specifically for that type of horsepower which is the same as a normal scooter. They have become popular amongst older adults because they are slow, automatic and take up small parking spaces. For the kids, parents prefer them to scooters as there are many accidents and they find them to be safer.
I heard from a few longtime who I honestly had no idea lived in Italy! Next time, I will definitely try to do some kind of meet up!
Thanks for taking us along! It looked beautiful! I am glad you were able to relax and make friends. I have a hard time initiating conversation and making friends. I can't imagine doing it in a foreign country all by myself!
Yeah, it's interesting having "large social media followings" being the common denominator. That could be about anything!
I was secretly worried about you connecting with the tiktokers!! Thanks for being open about your experience. We’ve all felt like this at some point. I’m glad you stayed true to yourself. And am also relieved to hear you made new friends!
I was worried about me too! But it all worked out. I just need warm up time.
When we were in Venice we wanted to visit a Jewish temple there. As we approached the area there was a long table with people enjoying a meal together. We inquired about the location of the temple. We were immediately welcomed and invited to join the group. Most were Italian but any “wandering Jew” was welcome. It felt very special to feel at home in a foreign place. We had great conversations and felt like we belonged. It was an unforgettable feeling.
That sounds like a wonderful experience! And so unlike you to eat someone else's food at a random dinner party, mom!
I got goosebumps reading this. There is a new book of essays called “We are all Armenian: Voices from the Diaspora” and one essay is about a woman’s experience hearing Hava Nagila at a bar in Berlin. You should check it out if you get a chance!
Oh interesting! I've actually been thinking a lot in the last few days about how I sort of dismissed being European as part of my ancestry. My mom's family is from Poland and my dad's is from Germany and Russia, but I've always thought of Judaism as my real ethnic/cultural background. I loved visiting Israel and being amongst so many Jewish people but I didn't really feel connected to it. Maybe I should do more exploration of Jewish communities in Europe.
I loved following along on Instagram. It looked like you were truly enjoying yourself! What an amazing opportunity.
I was! I keep saying— this trip was such a gift.