Is Verona really the city of love? Here’s my story... One year ago for work I visited Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. Everywhere I turned, I was reminded that it is also known as: “The city of love.” The vines that run along the buildings, the cobble stone streets, the glasses of wine on rustic wooden tables... it is a classic storybook romantic Italian city. There was only one thing that was missing for me for it to truly be the city of love, and that was: love. As I was about to board the train back to Milan, I remember looking around the platform and seeing many couples embracing one another. It had been 2 years since my separation, and my singleness was glaring me in the face. My trip to the city of love didn’t feel like a romantic escape... it had left me feeling even more alone. Deep inside my stomach and all through my body I had the feeling of a massive void. I arrived in Milan after a couple hours in a dated regional train to an apartment that I had just moved in to. It was still cold, impersonal, and empty. Looking out from my window I could see only construction sites. I took out my phone to edit some videos to post, but the romantic images of Verona didn’t seem to reflect my reality. Pretending that I was living some dream life and having a beautiful time would have left me feeling like a fraud. I decided to keep the images to myself, and to rather console myself with the only thing I had to keep me warm that night: wine. One year later, in an unexpected turn of events... I’m spending half my time in Verona with someone I love. Sometimes life surprises us in ways we could never expect, and the irony of the situation doesn’t escape me. Although I am no longer alone in the city of love, relationships come with their own set of opportunities to teach and develop us, so I am looking forward to sharing more of this beautiful city with you all, in a way that is sincere and from my heart. Maybe no one truly has the “dream life” as it appears on Instagram, but I finally feel inspired to share the journey regardless, and I hope it can inspire you just the same. ♥️ @visititaly #verona #visititaly #howitalyfeels