by Jc Aquino

“Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times.” -Asian Proverb
Written while sitting in one of the highest parts of Amalfi town, where the clay roofs of the abodes below lay in stark contrast with the shimmering blue sea and parasols of green and yellow. Where the warm and fruity scent of a freshly baked lemon pie has been playing with my senses, and a pitcher of lemon water rests on top of a wooden table. Where every moment is like a motion film capture, with myself as part of it all.

Amalfi is one of the most sought-after destinations in Italy. It is considered as a destination for the elite—the bourgeois’ go-to place for rest and relaxation—a famous yet exclusive point of respite. A rather small town perched along the Amalfi Coast, this little town is very laidback, especially during the summer days. While it can get a little crowded, it will not give you a congested feeling. 
Amalfi made its way to my bucket list of places to visit because of the prestige it carries. A town of romance, where the love is literally in the air not by just being there, but also based on who you’re bringing there. It is truly one of the jewels of the country—a shimmering gem in this part of Campania.

We reached the place through a short ferry trip from Positano, and similar to how Positano blew me away, my expectations of Amalfi were magnified significantly. “This place should be at least at par with Positano, or else, I will be shattered,” I said to myself. As the ferry came closer and closer to land, my heart began to race with excitement. 
“So, this is Amalfi. It’s a lot smaller than I thought,” one of the tourists who disembarked with me exclaimed. “It’s smaller, yet I’m overwhelmed. This is majestic!” she added. 

It is true—Amalfi doesn’t need to be a massive town to win you over as every fine detail seems to be very well thought of. From the docks and the placement of the restaurants and shops to the amazing cathedral and how all of the buildings face the deep blue horizon, this is an amazing place to visit at least once in your lifetime. 
While Positano and Amalfi exude a similar vibe, there is really this delicate elegance that emanates from Amalfi. There is so much class, which is kind of intimidating for simple travelers. However, we blended in, just as our guide advised us. 
In its splendor, you can easily spend an entire day here doing nothing and just absorbing the romantic and positive energy that surrounds you. 

The romance that I found in Amalfi presented itself in two versions. First is a tangible example of the couple who came with me from Rome to enjoy this tour—Kenny and Enolyn (I hope they will be able to read this someday). They came from the United States and were on a visit to Southern Italy for the summer. They said they wanted a firsthand experience of a Mediterranean escape while they still can. Kenny was a very warm guy who called me “son” because I was the youngest in the group. They immediately became my couple goals. He also shared with me a very striking quote that made me really appreciate the journey and this life:
“It is clear the future holds great opportunities. It also holds pitfalls. The trick will be to avoid the pitfalls, seize the opportunities, and get back home by six o’clock.” — Woody Allen
He made me realize that life is a relationship in its purest form—either you make the most out of it and grow or allow it to shatter you. True, it may be unfair at times, but it will never be a completely bitter experience. You still hold the steering wheel as you are the captain of your own ship. His wife, Enolyn, told me to never forget those little things that will make someone you love happy. “If you want to say it that very moment, say it, and don’t choke!” she chuckled. 

The second representation is the feeling that surrounded me, reminding me that romance will only present itself if I will allow it to be felt. Just a few steps into the town, there is this warm embrace of happiness, just like a loved one waiting for me to come home. This, I believe, is the unexplainable feeling that cannot be explained by words. 
Departing from the town as the orange sun slowly descended into the bed of velvet blue was a bittersweet moment that is not unlike waking up from a fairytale. However, just like any other adventure, I can’t help but smile just remembering how all of this happened.
For me, Amalfi is not a destination but an experience. The dreamy mix of ocean spray and the mild citrusy scent that just plays around your senses truly deserve to be felt even just for once, and seeing the place with my very eyes validated why this destination is romance personified.