Few days ago my inner adventure seeker called – it was time to go somewhere, anywhere, discover a new place on my own, in solitude. My first thought was Verona but I didn’t really feel like visiting a city. My soul cried for nature. Thus, in early morning I bought a train ticket, and two hours later, in the company of the rising sun, I ended up in Bassano del Grappa, a small town in the north, just by the mountains.
The moment I went out of the train, I felt a deep connection with that place. I realized how much I missed the view of the mountains in the horizon, something which I took for granted for most of my life, and the town itself made me feel somewhat… cosy. Nevertheless, I went through the old centre, and aimed towards a small hill. There’d be time for visiting the city a bit later.
I found the trail and entered the forest, and suddenly there was silence. Only the sound of my steps, birds above my head, and some quiet noises from far far away. That was exactly what I searched for: being just with myself, surrounded by trees, the scent of moist soil, hay on the wide fields and fresh air. I kept walking on muddy tracks and concrete roads, through the woods and tiny villages, on the tops and in the valleys, meeting barely two people on my way.
Then I saw a sign for a waterfall. I didn’t hesitate even for a second; I followed the indicated direction and after a while my jaw literally dropped. I’m still not sure if objectively the view was as astonishing as I saw it – but in that particular moment I felt like I finally found something I’d been seeking for so long. I reached a big stone laying in the middle of the stream, and let myself just sit on it and do… nothing. I was only catching the sunshine, listening to the calming sound of the running water and simply enjoying the moment.
I’m not sure how much time I spent there but it was a bit like a dream, being in such a beautiful place just on my own – and I’m not showing you the waterfall on purpose. No photo can truly resonate with what’s deep into our hearts.
Now when I think about it, that may sound a bit odd but then it occured to me like something obvious – despite the fact it was January, I took off my shoes and just stepped into the water. The cold made me feel alive, and in some way, connected.
I needed that tiny adventure just for myself, to take a deep breath from the crowds of the city, and charge my inner batteries. And I realized how important for me it is to experience nature alone. Even though I truly appreciate a company, sometimes I feel like I miss the details, focusing too much on a conversation or an akward silence.
woodland soul 