Am I nervous?

Everyone keeps asking me, "are you nervous about traveling alone?"...and a part of me is...but not as much as people might think. Yes there is some anxiety about going to a foreign country alone and more so when you don't speak the native tongue, but I'm more interested about how I will react in this situation. For me it's an experiment in which I'm the lab rat and scientist. I'm in a maze and I'm watching to see if and how I will find my way out. I'm a survivor by nature and I'm sure in this situation where I'm not on familiar ground, my instincts will kick in. I will adapt and of course be fine. This experience for me is about conquering something much greater. As social as people think I am and outgoing, which I can be, when comfortable...I'm actually quite shy. I can be extremely quite and very much the introvert especially when in an unfamiliar setting. I tend to retreat and become more of an observer of my surroundings. Whether it's a gathering where I don't know anyone or exploring a new country on my own. When I'm with a group or even one friend I'm totally fine, extremely social and outgoing. The test for me is coming out of my shell even when I'm not completely comfortable. I know in order for me to get the full experience of this trip I will need to do just that. So here goes to being social and coming out of my shell...all on my own! 

Here's me in Montreal this past winter...ready for my adventure! 

In Preparation...Style Alert - Americano

Milan fashion week has just started as they wrap-up day #2. In preparation for my voyage to Italy I can't help to think of a few staple items that will be coming along with me for the ride. These items can all be find at one of my favorite retailers J.CREW. It's fall and what better way to enter the season with a luxurious Italian cashmere sweater. There are few that make my list, but my absolutely favorite is the Henley, it's casual, cool and yet sophisticated: 

Slim Cashmere V-Neck Sweater $225

Cashmere Cable Sweater $298

Cashmere Henley Hoodie $298

To accompany these beautiful sweaters are these sun-faded chinos which are available in various fits...personally the slim fit does me fine. I love these colors:

484 Fit in Deep Peacock $75

484 Fit in Copper Clay $75

For the most part of my trip I plan to be as casual and relax as possible, as my friend JH always says, "easy...breezy" without the beautiful covergirl part, lol...but I do love a long sleeve tee that's soft to the touch and fits just right. Perfect for the fall season. To finish up the look and to help block those harmful UV's hitting my eyes a classic pair of Ray-Ban's compliment any look or style. That's how this american boy is going to do it in Italy...till next time!

Slim Broken-In Long-Sleeve Tee $29.50

Embarking on a new adventure...

On October 1st,  I will be embarking on an adventure. This adventure will lead me to the beautiful cities of Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast. What makes this trip different than others is that I will be traveling alone for the first time. I will be in a foreign country for 10 days. Something I've always been afraid of doing...especially in a country where I don't necessarily speak the language. As I reflect, I think about the declaration I made earlier this year - 2012 would be the year of change in my life, which it has been in so many ways :-) Therefore this experience will be the perfect way to get me out of my comfort zone and do something I typically wouldn't do. As nervous as I maybe of embarking on this adventure, I'm also excited about the new experience and how it will impact my life. I anticipate that this experience will allow me to see, smell, feel, hear, and taste things differently. Walking the narrow streets of Centro Storico and taking in the grandeur of the Colosseum or a ferry ride to Capri to enjoy the island's splendor, will be a unique and different experience for me. An experience I welcome and will share with you all. The good, the bad, the tough moments and those moments that just make me smile. I'm happy to have you follow me on my voyage to Italy and experience it with me through my words and photos. Arrivederci! 

                                                                      The Colosseum

                                                                  The Island of Capri