The Cherry Harvest, 29 May 2020

When we arrived in March, the cherry tree in the garden of the home where we spent lockdown was bare. We watched the first leaves appear, then the tiniest little orbs developed on the stems. In late April as the cherries on the neighbor's tree started to ripen, we were concerned that our tree might have a barren year. Small unripe balls started to fall but there was little progress in the pale red fruit that remained. 

Then, in the week after the Italian lockdown was lifted in May, as though in celebration of our joyful emergence, the cherries were ready! We invited the family who own the home over for the harvest. We have developed such a warm and close relationship with them over many years, and this was one of the first times we could see them since March. Needless to say, it was an afternoon filled with laughter.

I've wondered over the years if the dreams we all hold of Italy are impressions from a lost past, or just idealised images sold to tourists. But on the day of our cherry harvest Marco arrived on his Vespa, Antonietta brought out the quaint baskets to collect our crop, and Antonio rested his ladder against the tree and climbed straight to the top.

I participated and occasionally stood back to watch, letting the music of the Italian language wash over me. This was not a show or an attraction created for us. This was real. We had become part of an activity that was normal for these people, but which, for us, was exotic.

I believe this is what we all crave when we travel. We want to merge with the daily life of different peoples, form genuine friendships, see what they see and experience the rhythm of their lives. We don't want to feel like someone created an experience that approximates this reality. 

Like so much else that has been thrust into our awareness during this long pause, we need to rethink the concept of tourism. Before the term "tourism" was even coined, travel was an adventure, an exploration, an opportunity to meet with unexpected moments and be changed by them. Whenever someone shares stories from their trips, it is always the unexpected moments that they recount with the greatest emotion. 

As you venture forth again in coming weeks, months and years, whether that be within your country or far from your own shores, remember that real adventures happen if you leave some space. Don't fill your itinerary, don't worry about your bucket list, don't fret if things don't go to plan and don't just be a tourist. Be an explorer, take the road less travelled, trust the stranger and let life surprise you.

P.S. My deep gratitude to Marco from Landmade for teaching me how to explore again.