Diano Marina

Day 1 - 14 
My adventure began in Diano Marina, on the northern Italian coast. In Nepal, when the winter sinks into my bones, I imagine Diano Marina and the days I soaked in as many sun rays as I could.

Things I won't forget:
1. My underwater camera is super fun.
2. Salad nicoise.
3. Mr. Big's gelataria... at least daily.
4. Helle's terrace in La Casa Rustica.


It's hard to describe the extreme relaxation and satisfaction I felt in Italy, a stark contrast to a stressful departure from the United States. Pretty much every day in Diano Marina, I thought, "Really? Am I here? Could this day be more perfect?" Ideal weather, breezy and warm, old bikes to explore town in, waking up to the smell of Helle's freshly baked danish buns, living in my swim suit, jumping off cliffs all day with Anton and Oliver, countless cappucinos and espressos, every blissful flavor of Mr. Big's gelato, staying up late playing cards, yoga on the terrace... pure contentment.

Isak is a fish...I miss swimmies :) 

Staying with a Danish family, though I was in Italy, was a good experience for me. My sister in law is Danish and the more I learn about danish culture, the more intricacies I find that I like. Danish people are talented in creating cozy atmospheres. Gatherings have a certain feeling that make you feel special to be there. On this trip, I had the chance to stay with six kids, aged 5-15. Isak impressed me with his independence. Kids in Denmark are raised with more freedom than American children. At a young age, they are allowed and expected to explore on their own, spend time visiting friends, and make their own decisions. I see so many American parents who hover over their children to the point where it seems the poor kid can't breathe or make any mistakes. Until I had my license, I remember having to ask mom and dad for rides to meet up with friends. It took a lot of coordination to make the drop off and pick up happen, especially because Belle Square gives mom a "splitting headache."
If I have the chance to have children, I hope to live in a place where I would feel comfortable letting them explore the neighborhood and visit friends at a young age. I think it's important to encourage independence in children. It will empower them and help them believe in themselves.