One Day Became Today

Let me just say this:

There is something so surreal about standing in a place you’ve only ever seen through a screen.

I went to Europe for the first time in May, and for years Positano had been one of those places I’d constantly save to Pinterest, or see pop up on Instagram when someone would document their travels. Every time I’d see a picture of those colourful buildings stacked into the cliffs above the impossibly blue water, I’d quietly think, one day.

And then, one day arrived.

Even while I was there, part of me couldn’t believe it. I kept looking around thinking, I’m actually here.

The thing is, Positano was exactly how I imagined it would be. The endless steps that make your legs question every life choice, which honestly I didn’t mind (the endless steps part, because they sure put my legs to work), the crowds weaving through the narrow streets, and the most beautiful blue water I’ve ever seen (so far, anyways).

We were only there for a few days, but our first full day there, we spent the day at Arienzo Beach Club. I did expect it to be bigger just with the way people were talking about it, but that thought quickly left my brain once we got there. I was in heaven. It ended up being one of my favourite days of the trip.

I’ve realised it really doesn’t take much to make me happy. A mass of water around me and I’m good.

I spent what felt like hours in the sea, leaning over one of those giant donut floaties, gently drifting with the water. Every now and then I’d exchange a smile with a stranger doing the exact same thing. No words, just one of those quiet moments where everyone seemed to understand how lucky we were to be there, and also just so happy to be there.

I remember resting my head on my arms, floating on my stomach, and lifting my head to look back towards the coastline. The colourful buildings carved into the cliffs, the boats scattered across the water, and the warm sun overhead. Everything around me felt so still, even with people everywhere.

It was one of those moments where my mind wasn’t racing or replaying the past. Just that feeling of being completely present. The kind of peace that you notice while it’s happening, and I think that’s rare.

It’s one of those memories I know I’ll think about often. Just remembering that feeling of floating, surrounded by mountains and endless blue water, is enough to make me smile.

For years, Positano was my “one day.” Now it’s one of my favourite memories. I hope, one day, I’ll be back.