Bella Scipione

Tomorrow marks one week of my solo travels, and what an incredible week it has been. My last blog’s theme of magic moments and human connection perfectly foreshadowed the magic I’ve experienced over the past five days. Throughout my many adventures over the years, I’ve met countless solo travelers. With my sister as my constant companion, we always found comfort in each other, especially when our introverted sides emerged. I admired those who ventured out alone and often wondered what it felt like. This past week, I finally understand. Solo travel is daunting, filled with unknowns and daily discoveries that bring endless questions. Will I make friends at the hostel? Can I navigate a new city on my own? What will my next move be? While this week has been amazing and I can’t wait to share everything I’ve done, it has also been one of the most challenging weeks, pushing me out of my comfort zone and teaching me more about myself.

After my two nights in Nice, my only plan was a one-night stay at a hostel in Genova. As I made my way to Ostellin Hostel Genova with my 12kg backpack, I felt exhausted and questioned whether the whole backpacking experience was worth it. Climbing the four flights of stairs in the 14th-century building, I wiped the sweat from my forehead and felt a wave of relief as I stepped into the hostel. Federico and Mateo, the brothers who own the hostel, greeted me and made me feel at home. We laughed about how my name was more Italian than theirs, even though I will always feel a sense of embarrassment at not knowing more than a few basic Italian phrases other than “grazie” and “prego.”

The hostel was unlike any I’d stayed in before; it felt more like a shared house with its four rooms, shared living space, and kitchen. The welcoming atmosphere convinced me to extend my stay from one night to two. And after a quick power nap, I joined the the rest of the hostel for some drinks. Around twelve solo travelers from all over the world were gathered at a large table, sharing stories and upcoming travel plans. We then made our way to the SUQ festival, where we ate food of all different cultures and took over the dance floor.

The SUQ festival, held one week in the month of June, is filled with activities, food, and music that celebrates and promotes intercultural dialogue and respect for fundamental human rights. The festival truly embodied these values, making for a lovely first night out with great hostel mates.

The next morning, five of us joined Spyro’s five-hour walking tour of Genova. While none of us were quite prepared for the full five hours, we all learned a lot about Genova’s rich history and fascinating architectural landscape. Thirteen other guests joined the tour, including two sisters, Julianne and Alison, from my hometown of Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Julianne and Alison attended a high school near mine, and we talked about our mutual friends. Meeting each other was a reminder of just how small the world is and how it’s impossible to completely escape the bubble of Highlands Ranch.

Spyro’s tour of Genova painted the city in a way that you would never even think about on your own. The city’s history is renowned not only for its leading role in commercial trade during the 12th and 15th centuries but also as a melting pot for people throughout the Mediterranean, characterized by celebration and solidarity. This sense of unity was so strong that after five years of suffering under Nazi control during World War II, the Italian Resistance in Genova became the only case where an entire army corps surrendered to the partisans. Family and community remain core values to the people of the city today.

After a couple of hours of rest following our long walking tour, Ben, Eden, and I planned to meet for dinner and later join our hostel mates to watch the EuroCup football game between Italy and Spain. We dined at Territorie da Maria, a local spot serving traditional Italian food. For 8 euros each, we enjoyed delicious meals and numerous glasses of red wine – great food at unbeatable prices.

After dinner, we met up with the rest of the group to watch Italy’s hard-fought match against Spain. Despite Italy’s loss, it was an awesome experience sharing the excitement with our friends and the locals. Cole and Luke, from Montpellier and Nice, and Julianne and Alison, also joined us. In that moment, I felt the shared sense of community and unity that Genova is known for, making for an unforgettable evening.

The match was followed by one more drink with everyone before calling it a night. Eden had invited me on a boat tour the next morning that began at 9am, so I knew I needed a good night’s rest. I convinced Cole and Luke to join us, and despite their hesitation about waking up earlier than usual, I knew they couldn’t resist spending one more day with their favorite American.

The boat tour was a full-day excursion to the villages of Camogli, San Fruttuoso, and Portofino. Eden, Cole, Luke, and I explored each charming town, indulging in people-watching, savoring local food, and relaxing on the pebbled beaches. We were a bit confused about the ferry schedules and missed out on about an hour of sunbathing and swimming in San Fruttuoso, but it was all part of the experience nonetheless.

Camogli and San Fruttuso were both hidden gems that I had never heard of before. Portofino lived up to its reputation as a beautiful town, with designer stores, yachts, and breathtaking views. I will definitely be back when I can afford more than just a single 12-euro cocktail.

Upon returning to Genova, Eden and I parted ways with Cole and Luke. I felt a sense of sadness, unsure when I would see them next. They had been constants throughout my entire journey, familiar with all the dramas of my story and my decision to travel on my own. Each time we met up in different cities, they wouldn’t let me dwell on negativity or discouraging thoughts. The two boys always knew how to cheer me up and reminded me that anything could be fixed with a pint of Guinness – that’s just the Irish way! I am grateful for them both and wish them the most fun on their next adventure.

For the past two nights, I’ve been in Milan, exploring, resting, and attending an infamous Boiler Room event. Yesterday morning, while chatting with my two Brazilian hostel mates, Geovanna and Andrea, about their plans for the evening, they mentioned they had tickets to the Boiler Room event. Excited, I quickly pulled out my phone and bought tickets for myself. I had always seen Boiler Room events on social media and had wanted to experience one firsthand. It was fortunate that the event was happening that night, and it felt quite iconic to attend in Milan. I danced the night away with Geovanna and Andrea, grooving and flicking my wrist to the house DJ sets.

I’m currently en route to Venice for the night before heading to Madrid, Spain. Although I only spent a few hours exploring Milan yesterday, I decided it was important to listen to my body and recharge my social battery. Solo traveling has really brought out my introverted side, which tends to surface when I feel overwhelmed. It has been more tiring than I anticipated, navigating on my own and making an effort to see new things and connect with others.

Many people are surprised to learn that I’m fundamentally introverted because I enjoy conversations and connecting with others, thriving in new social encounters. However, my introverted tendencies have been a part of me since I was a little girl, and I find it fulfilling to nurture this aspect of myself, almost like caring for my inner child. I’m grateful for this part of me and proud that I can recognize when I need to recharge. It’s an ongoing journey of self-awareness, drawing from past experiences to shape a version of myself that I admire.

I embrace all facets – introverted and extroverted alike – and cherish the person I am and am becoming.