Fate seems to work in funny ways. This past January, I went to do photo work in Antarctica. It was a trip I had been planning (and rescheduling throughout Covid,) for years, and something I knew wanted to push myself to do on my own.

After boarding the ship, I learned that I’d be sharing a cabin with a woman from Italy named Robi. She was on her honeymoon and the expedition group accidentally messed up the room situation. It definitely wasn’t ideal, but she and her husband, Mario, were trying to make the best of it.

In hindsight, I can’t believe how lucky I got, and how this mistake created such special (and lifelong) friendships. The next 11 days were full of late-night conversations, and bonding over all the crazy things that only happen on a boat to the bottom of the world. We loved learning about so many aspects of each other’s lives. How different we were, and yet how much we had in common.

So when Dan and I started planning our honeymoon, it only felt right to plan a stop to stay with Robi and Mario in Palermo. It was such a beautiful, full-circle experience being able to visit them on their home island. (and my heart was bursting seeing Dan bond with them just as much as I did.)

We were immersed right into their culture and felt so accepted by their families and friends. We got to attend birthday parties, family meals, and relaxing conversations in the pool. The experience inspired us in many ways and even motivated us to get our first tattoos. (Special thanks to Robi’s cousin, who happens to be an incredible tattoo artist in Palermo!)

While floating on the Mediterranean Sea one day, Robi mentioned to me that doctors sometimes send their patients here to heal. It immediately made sense to me. The energy of Siciliy is contagious in the most nourishing of ways. It’s part of the world that changes you for the better. The loving and welcoming community, the wholesome food, the bold and authentic attitudes, the curing waters. I’m so grateful for this experience, and I’ll be reflecting and learning from this place and it’s people for a long, long time.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Robi and Mario, we can’t wait to see you again. ♥