Italy: My First International Adventure Since My Stroke

I did it! I went to Italy! This was my first international trip since my stroke, and to say it was special would be an understatement. It was exhausting, exhilarating, emotional, and absolutely amazing.

From the moment my plane touched down in Milan, I felt this surge of excitement. Traveling again while navigating airports and managing luggage was a lot. Things that used to feel so simple before my stroke now felt like huge victories. But I was doing it. I was actually there.

Lecco – The Peaceful Start on Lake Como

Our first stop was Lecco, tucked away in the Lake Como region. After a long travel day, waking up to the sight of calm blue water surrounded by mountains felt like a deep breath. Lecco isn’t as crowded as the more famous parts of Lake Como, and that made it even more special. I wandered along the lakeside promenade, taking in the buildings reflecting in the water and the quiet hum. People sipping espresso, chatting softly, and simply enjoying the day.

For me, Lecco set the tone for the trip: peaceful, grounded, and beautiful. I kept thinking, I made it here. I’m really doing this.

Venice (with a stop in Verona)

Next, we were off to Venice, with a quick stop in Verona along the way. Verona was charming with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a hint of Shakespearean romance. We visited Juliet’s balcony and strolled through the piazzas, grabbing gelato before heading back on the road. This was the meal where the man could tell I was struggling to cut the calzone. He rushed over and took my plate, then returned it all cut up. It was the sweetest thing.

Then came Venice, a city that doesn’t feel real until you’re there. No cars, just canals and bridges, gondolas gliding by, and the sound of water everywhere. It’s like the city was made for wandering and getting lost. We even got on a gondola, which was a little difficult, but I did it! Venice is crowded and chaotic, but in the best way.

There was a moment when I was standing on a bridge, looking out over the water, and it hit me: this was something I once wasn’t sure I’d ever do again. That realization made the view even more beautiful.

Florence (with a stop in Ferrara)

We made a quick stop in Ferrara, a small medieval town that felt like stepping back in time, before heading to Florence, the heart of the Renaissance.

Florence stole my heart. Every corner is filled with art, history, and energy. The Duomo took my breath away, both literally (those steps!) and figuratively. We walked across the Ponte Vecchio, watched street performers in Piazza della Signoria, and soaked up every second. I could have spent days just watching people and listening to the sounds. Church bells, conversations in Italian, and the occasional motorbike zipping by.

Traveling after my stroke means I have to pace myself, and Florence was a reminder that it’s okay to rest. Sometimes I’d just sit at a café with a cappuccino and people-watch with my Mom, feeling grateful for the simple ability to be there.

Assisi – Finding Quiet Strength

From Florence, we headed to Assisi, and this stop felt deeply meaningful. It’s a spiritual town, home to St. Francis, and there’s a calmness that settles over you as soon as you arrive. The stone streets, the view of the Umbrian countryside, and the quiet. It all felt peaceful in a way I didn’t know I needed.

After years of recovery and pushing myself to move forward, Assisi reminded me that rest and reflection are also part of healing. I took time there to be still, to be proud of how far I’ve come, and to just whisper to myself, I survived. And I’m still going.

Sorrento & Capri (with a stop in Pompeii)

From there, we journeyed south, stopping in Pompeii on the way to Sorrento. Pompeii was fascinating. Walking through ancient ruins that have been preserved for centuries was surreal. It’s impossible not to feel awe (and a little sadness) for what once was.

Sorrento was a dream. Lemon trees, cliffs overlooking the sea, and that laid-back southern Italian energy. One day, we took a boat to the island of Capri, and it was everything I imagined and more. The water was an unreal shade of blue, and the views from the cliffs looked like something out of a postcard. We wandered through the little shops, ate homemade pizza, and soaked in the Mediterranean sun.

Capri felt magical, like a reward for all the hard work and healing it took to get to this point in my life.

Rome – A Grand Finale

Our final destination was Rome, and what a way to end the trip. Rome is bold, chaotic, ancient, and modern all at once. Seeing the Colosseum in person gave me chills. Standing there, surrounded by ruins and history that has survived for thousands of years, I felt connected to that same sense of endurance.

After everything I’ve been through, the fear, the recovery, the uncertainty, being there was powerful. Rome reminded me that strength takes many forms. Sometimes it’s physical, sometimes it’s emotional, but always, it’s about persistence.

We saw the Trevi Fountain (because you have to!), wandered through Piazza Navona, and ended the trip with gelato at sunset. My legs were tired, my heart was full, and I couldn’t stop smiling.

Reflections

This trip was so much more than sightseeing. It was a personal milestone, a celebration of how far I’ve come. Four years ago, I wasn’t sure I’d walk again, travel again, or feel this kind of joy. But I did. I flew across the world, navigated trains and boats, climbed stairs, and experienced Italy with open eyes and an open heart.

Italy reminded me that life is still full of beauty and adventure, even after everything changes. Sometimes the greatest journeys aren’t just about where you go, but what it means to get there.