Travel Corner — Live Your ‘One Day’

by Lydia Agidius, Program Director

Lydia at the top of St. Peter's Basilica (551 steps to the best view in Rome).

​Hello again! I hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying the new year so far. This is a time of new beginnings, new goals and new experiences that will last a lifetime. It's often during this season of reflection that I find myself thinking about the monumental moments of my life. I often return to the same few: the day I met my husband, the day I got engaged, my wedding day, and the day my babies were born. But what I've noticed over the years is how easily we as humans get caught in the cycle of working tirelessly toward that next big thing—the “one day” goal that will bring us happiness. We pour ourselves into it and once it’s achieved we quickly move on to the next goal, often without pausing to savor the accomplishment we’ve just reached.

Lydia Agidius
Program Director

Lately, I've been reflecting on the fact that I am living my “one day” now. You know, that dream you have that feels so far away—“One day I’ll get married and have a family” or “One day I’ll travel to that dream destination.” But what if your "one day" is closer than you think? What if it’s time to stop waiting and start living those dreams? I've come to realize that there are very few places that have left such an indelible mark on my heart as Italy has.

I still remember my first few days living in Sorrento, a quintessential seaside town on the Amalfi Coast. It was the height of summer and the narrow streets were buzzing with the energy of both locals and tourists alike. The air was warm, the scent of lemons and fresh seafood filled the breeze and I stumbled upon a street performer—an accordion player whose tune quickly became the soundtrack of my time in Sorrento. In that moment, I remember thinking: this is living. This is the essence of what it means to savor every detail of life.

Italy’s beauty isn’t just in its landscapes or food—it’s in its history, culture and the way time seems to slow down when you’re there. Whether it’s standing in the heart of Rome, gazing up at the magnificent ruins of the Roman Forum or walking in the very footsteps of Julius Caesar, there’s a tangible connection to the past that is hard to describe. I’ll never forget the awe I felt as I wandered through the Colosseum, imagining the gladiators who fought there centuries ago. The wonder doesn’t end there, though. Just a quick hop on the Metro and you’re grabbing a cone of fresh, creamy gelato—proof that centuries of history and modern life coexist in this magical city.

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Find out more about our tour of Italy coming up in April 2025 in our Travel section. There are still slots available.

It’s moments like these that make you realize how fleeting life can be and how important it is to embrace the beauty of now. Whether it’s wandering the cobbled streets of Tuscany, savoring the local wines and cheeses or soaking in the endless art and architecture of Rome, there’s something about Italy that speaks to your soul. And that’s what makes it the perfect destination for those looking to check off that dream location from their list.
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I don’t know about you, but I believe it’s time to start living our “one day.” Italy is a place that reminds us that life’s greatest adventures aren’t just things to look forward to—they’re moments to dive into, to experience fully and completely. It’s time to take that leap, embrace the present and see where it takes you. Tuscany and Rome are waiting, and they have stories to tell that you won’t want to miss. What’s your next “one day”? Maybe it’s time to make it happen.

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