If I have to choose one word to describe this past year, it would be AWESOME.
For me, 2016 was above all this. Three hundred and sixty five days in which I have never stopped a moment, even for breathing. And looking back now, after all these wonderful experiences, I can say that yes, it was definitely worth it. I built lasting memories, I shared emotions with people I’ve been loving from a long time and with people who entered on tiptoe into my life and became a key part of it. I learned to do it alone, or at least I tried. To overcome my limits, to test me every day, to rise strongest above a defeat.
It was a great year in all its facets, a year that is literally flew under my feet: many are the experiences that I have had the good fortune to live.
I took almost 100 aircraft and more than 200 trains: thousands of kilometers, emotions, memories. I felt small in Mexico in front of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I had breakfast with pastries at Angelina in Paris, discovering this city in three different seasons and watching the Eiffel Tower light up on the hour right from my bedroom window. 3 times I got lost in the streets of Venice and saw a sunset from the Rialto bridge that I will keep forever among my fondest memories. I got carried away by the current of a rowing boat in the pond of the Buen Retiro park in Madrid. I went back to Taormina after many years, I learned to do the typical brioche and almond milk, and I flew for the first time on a helicopter. I walked around London in a September rainy night wearing nothing but a pink dress pastel. I sat along the river of Budapest at night in his arms and saw the city illuminated by thousands of lights. I had been in Central Park under the snow in February and in the September sun and have not yet been able to figure out which of the two time have entered more in the heart. I ran and laughed and jumped and danced on a beach of Rhodes between flying wake boards and a strong wind in my hair. I went for the first time at Art Basel in Miami and I learned about contemporary art in its deepest meaning and wonders. I saw twice the Eternal City, the Trevi Fountain and the just renovated Colosseum, having dinner in Palazzo Colonna in a room where time seemed to stand still. I went to Barcelona in a January that seemed spring to me, walking through the streets of the Gothic Quarter eating Jamon Iberico. And then in April for an important video, along with a super team that brought me on the hills to see the sun rising over the city. As every summer I went back to Menton, Monte Carlo, Nice and Villefranche-sur-mer: because the most beautiful part of traditions is the opportunity to relive them every year. I saw Apulia for the first time in my life, falling in love with the English bulldog Beppe, the Masseria Moroseta, Polignano a Mare and orecchiette with tomato sauce. So much so that I’m already planning a return visit for next summer. I visited again Berlin and felt on my skin how hatred and war profoundly marked the peoples and the individuals. I walked for the first time on a volcanic beach in Fuerteventura and ate freshly caught fish sitting in front of the sea. I saw Amsterdam in spring, including its channels in bloom and a thousand bicycles of all colors. I went in Florence for the Pitti with friends who I had not seen for a long time and creations that every time leaves me speechless. Then in Croatia during the summer, for one of those road trip we love to plan.
And I found that no matter where you go, because the most special part of each place are the people. And it is these people that I extend my most sincere thanks. To all of you who have been reading my thoughts every day and following my adventures for all these years on this diary, on Instagram and for a few months even on Instagram Stories. To longtime friends for always being there for me whenever I return and to new friends always by my side on this great adventure. To Rossana for being the team, and the BFF that I could ever wish. To Kiki who every day brings me a smile. To my family that believes in me always and despite everything. To Emanuele to be the partner of my dreams for this trip and for every trip.
The best wishes to all of you that 2017 will be a peaceful year, with moments of intense happiness. May you realize your wildest dreams, may you be overtaken and left speechless. But above all may it be exactly like you want it to be!
