It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon when I first saw this view. 24 February, 2013, to be precise. The next day, I bought an apartment in Vasto.
Love at first sight, that’s why.
Me, somewhere in Switzerland, 1975.
The whole story, of course, is a lot longer. Since childhood, I always dreamt of having a home in a place with golden beaches, turquoise waters and palm trees. Obviously not in Finland where I grew up. For years I kept thinking, as one does, I’ll do it when I’m fifty.
At the end of 2012, I found myself in Rome. A Christmas break, a pause to reflect. Needed to make some changes in my life and realized that waiting would not be the winning strategy. Needed to start taking action.
So I gave myself a year. By the end of the following year, I’d have bought the dream home… It would probably be in Spain. I only knew some historic cities and the west coast in Italy, and they don’t have golden beaches.
The Fatal Dress
This is the dress that changed everything. I saw it in a shop window in Rome, near the Spanish Steps, and had to try it on. The shop assistant, a charming young man who spoke a few words of English, had a special talent with people. I revealed my BIG decision to him. He looked at me as if I’d said something super-easy.
“Signora, you have to go to Vasto”
He was half offended that I didn’t know what and where Vasto was. Back then, I didn’t even know what Abruzzo was, thought it was red wine!
“Signora, the most beautiful place in Italy, possibly in the world, you have to go there!”
I promised, no, swore, that I would. And then I did, less than two months later. Saw the view over the gulf and was stunned.
This was the view I’d been dreaming of my whole life!
Falling in love with Vasto, taking the first pictures, on 24 February, 2013.
The following morning, walked up the main street, fixing appointments with estate agents. Only a few hours later, I’d found it: the apartment that we call home.
So that’s how it all started. I often tell our guests: be careful when going to see the view here. You could fall in love.
How Umberto and I met is another Love Story, or better said, Part 2. To be continued…
With Love,
Anita
This video takes us down the memory lane. On the nine-year anniversary of that fatal date, I'm flipping through old photos and feeling nostalgic.
Questions, comments? Please feel free to drop me a line: anita@palazzoflorio.com
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