Velletri Vibes: A Journey of Spiritual Reflection, Friendship, Karaoke, and Homemade Delights

Hello, dear readers, I’m thrilled to be back!

Greetings and blessings for taking the time to delve into my blog once again. I took a step back for a while, unintentionally caught in the whirlwind of London life, juggling roles as a single mother, a girlfriend, and a full-time worker. That, at least, is my explanation. While I may not be a virtuoso with words, what I truly cherish is the art of sharing experiences. So, here I am, resuming our journey together through my life quests.

I’ve made the decision to expand my writing horizons, sharing not only into my travel adventures but also weaving in the tapestry of my day-to-day social experiences. It’s a mix of themes that I’m excited to explore and share with you.

Rediscovering My Path: A Journey of Reflection and Spiritual Awakening

Last Year (2018)

The year 2018 stands out as one of the most remarkable chapters of my life. Celebrating my 40th birthday was a truly special occasion, surrounded by beloved family and friends. Throughout the year, I had the privilege of exploring breath-taking places and forming connections with wonderful people, conversations that elevated my understanding of the world.

In this memorable year, I experienced the joy of falling in love, a feeling I hadn’t truly embraced in a decade. Though the chapter with this wonderful man has closed, I carry a profound sense of gratitude for the universe’s blessings, cherishing the lovely moments we shared. Today, I raise a cheer for the good memories and even the challenging ones, for in life, there are no mistakes, only lessons.

Equally, I shared precious moments with my dear son, cherished my time with family, and appreciated the camaraderie of my brilliant everchanging work colleagues. An extraordinary stroke of luck led me to dig more into the world of salsa dancing, gaining valuable insights into its roots and history. Exploring the fusion and diaspora exchange that birthed this mesmerising dance form became a fascinating journey.

Today, I embark on sharing new travel experiences and personal spiritual insights gained through recent self-reflection. These days of introspection have revealed the blessings of an incredible network of friends, beautiful souls who love and respect me for my authentic self, embracing both my strengths and paradoxical nature.

My journey toward a positive attitude is connected also to my passion for listening to people’s stories. The human experience, with all its fascinating tales and life adventures, captivates me. As a good listener, I attract warm-hearted individuals who, delightfully, don’t mind a touch of eccentricity.

In my quest for spiritual growth and living in the present moment, I recently discovered the audiobook “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma, recommended by my friend Carolina. The journey through its pages has been nothing short of amazing. This transformative book has reignited my spiritual pursuits, guiding me to reconnect with my true self-spirit, my divine essence.

Initially, I embarked on a journey to reconnect with the great souls I am fortunate to call friends. This unique endeavour, which I affectionately term my “round-the-friends-travel-tour,” allowed me to traverse not only physical distances but also the cherished bonds of friendship that time and space could never diminish.

Exploring Velletri: Unveiling the Hidden Beauty of ‘La Tierra de Los Bonitos

The allure of the unknown has always intrigued me. I found myself drawn to Velletri, a small city with a charm so enchanting that it earned the moniker “the land of the pretty” or “la Tierra de Los bonitos.” Curiosity piqued? Before reading further, do yourself a favour and Google this hidden gem. My dear friends, the stewards of this picturesque haven, extended countless invitations over the years, and on a whim, I impulsively booked a flight, letting the spontaneity of the internet guide me.

Navigating the Skies with Europe’s Premier Low-Cost Carrier Ryanair: London Stansted (STN) to Rome Ciampino (CIA):

Now, let’s delve into my experience with Ryanair. As a budget-conscious traveller, I appreciate the accessibility that this airline provides to destinations that may be off the beaten path. Ciampino, serving as an alternative to Fiumicino in Rome, is just one example of the unconventional airports Ryanair use for its operation.

With over 115 million passengers transported in 2018 and a fleet boasting more than 430 single-model Boeing 737 aircraft, Ryanair has become a huge in the low-cost carrier realm. Its network spans 220 destinations, offering competitive prices that cater to a broad audience.

Whether you find Michael O’Leary’s controversial charm intriguing or you admire the airline’s growth fuelled by EU deregulation, there’s something captivating about this 35-year-old carrier. It has a way of taking me to places other airlines might not consider, adding a unique touch to my travel experiences.

Rome Ciampino Giovan B Pastine: Located southeast of Rome and serves as the secondary airport for the city. It functions as a hub for several low-cost carriers, including Ryanair. In the year 2018, the airport managed the travel of nearly 6 million passengers.

Velletri, nestled at an elevation of 332 meters, is a town that offers a blend of ancient and modern experiences. Situated in the Metropolitan City of Rome, on the Alban Hills in Lazio, Central Italy, Velletri is marked by its endless charm, evocative landscapes, and the warm spirit of its residents. The city has become a focal point for significant wine production, contributing to its economic prosperity. With a population of nearly 54,000 inhabitants, Velletri stands as one of the economically thriving centres in the region.

Velletri has a rich history of soil fertility dating back to Roman times, marked by a dense network of roads that connected various rural villas, where the cultivation of olive trees flourished. An interesting historical note about Velletri is the discovery of the statue of Athena Pallade, the Greek goddess of wisdom, in 1797. The 59 fragments of the statue were remarkably well-preserved, allowing for their easy reassembly. Today, this statue is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. (Check min. 1:06 here)

Velletri - Italy - Jenny Rojas JennySkyIsTheLimit (14)

During my visit to Velletri seven years ago, I had the pleasure of witnessing the captivating view of Lake Albano, a small volcanic crater lake nestled in the Alban Hills of Lazio. From a distance, I marvelled at Castel Gandolfo, perched gracefully overlooking the lake. This unexpected natural topographical marvel is sure to take your breath away.

Bonitos – The Pretty Ones:

During my current visit in March 2019, I dedicated most of my time to staying at my friend’s house, a haven of peace and calmness situated on Via Colle Ottone. Each morning, I awoke to the delightful sounds of birds and found myself surrounded by beautiful rural views and unique nature. The tranquil and serene life of the place provided the perfect backdrop for truly enjoying time with my wonderful friends, indulging in excellent homemade meals, and savouring local drinks.

I also explored Parque Muratori, where eager shoppers gather every Thursday, ready to seize high-quality clothing items at bargain prices. I happily joined the crowd, making the most of the opportunity. The park also offered me stunning views of the surrounding landscape..

I had an amazing time sharing unforgettable karaoke nights with my friend Ana Maria, singing a mix of rancheras and 80s songs by Prisioneros, all without disturbing the neighbours. I eagerly embraced the opportunity to savour the best homemade Italian food. Initially nervous as a vegan of only 14 months, uncertain of what to expect given the Italian love for meat, I was pleasantly surprised. The most delicious homemade dishes featuring freshly grown veggies, including black cabbage, were prepared with passion and kindness by my friend’s bonitos.

The warmth of the wonderful people I met and the memories created will last a lifetime. My thoughts and gratitude go out to Bonita, Marco, and the little angel Santiago.

“Italy, and the spring and first love all together should suffice to make the gloomiest person happy.”– Bertrand Russell 🙏

🙏

Part-II-Velletri

Leave a comment