Dhipa's blog

Italy! The ancient Roman civilization that had my attention since my teens. I had fantasized about visiting Italy someday while watching Lonely Planet's extensive coverage of this gorgeous country. Well, I vacationed in Italy multiple times mostly in the northern regions due to its proximity to Austria. We'd drive for about five hours to get to Grado and somedays we'd drive a little further to go to Genoa. Our rental vacation home in La Spezia, located in between Genoa and Pisa Bushes everywhere! The path leading up to the house is surrounded by some serious bush game! Kitchen and dining are is in this cottage outside the house The pool is located downhill, just waiting for me to jump in! I'm a huge fan of lavender! And we had a whole garden full of lavender bushes along the pathway.  A traditional Italian pizza oven, this is where it all began... The house is brimmed with ancient antiques, ornaments- it gave off a rustic vibe! ...

I really miss hiking! Hiking is a form of meditation for me, escaping the noise of society into a calm natural setting. With every step I take, I rejoice in the beauty of the universe's creations. Forest bathing, a term I wasn't aware of until I began my hike routines, is a process that heals the body. I stand by this concept as there were many times I would feel chaotic or low on energy and would find instant relief with a short hiking trip. Beautiful moss in the forest Leaves in autumn make for crunchier footsteps Always love reaching the apex, proof of a good day's workout I've always found fogs the most gorgeous/mysterious of all of the universe's creation Seeing farm animals intrigues me as a city girl Magnolia trees in spring create an awesome backdrop in the middle of town