Sunrises, Cannoli & a Little Laundry Wisdom in Sicily
Where the mountains meet the sea — and another dream comes true.
#25
I’ve finally landed in a place I’ve dreamed of for a very long time.
At 54, I’m standing on the island of Sicily — another dream destination fulfilled.
We’ll be here for nearly two weeks, split between two towns, one seaside and one inland, beginning in the charming village of Letojanni. It sits on the eastern coast, just north of Taormina, where the mountains meet the sea and life slows down to a beautiful rhythm.
We made our way here from the hillside town of Castellabate — driving the winding coastal roads back to Naples, returning our reliable rental car, and hopping a quick flight to Catania. I booked us a one-way ride into town, and for this week, we’re doing everything on foot. Just us, our curiosity, and the sea. We’ve traded sunsets for sunrises from this new vantage point.
One morning, I woke early and caught the sky turning gold — the kind of light that makes you whisper thank you before you even realize you’re speaking. I’ll post that sunrise on YouTube soon.
And yes… a cannolo was eaten.
Fresh. Flaky. Sweet. Exactly as I’d imagined.
Between that and the pizza, calzoni, salads, and wine, it’s a good thing I love to walk.
Our apartment here is spacious, airy, and faces the sea. The tall ceilings feel like a luxury after our last stay, and there’s room to spread out. Of course, with every new place, there’s something to figure out. My latest lesson came courtesy of the laundry aisle.
I bought what I thought was detergent, but it turned out to be more of a fabric brightener. The next time, after half-understanding a clerk’s directions, I took a photo and asked AI to confirm. Turns out, that one was right. I’ve now learned to let technology lend a hand, whether it’s translating a label or walking me through how to use an unfamiliar washing machine. Traveling keeps me humble, curious, and occasionally amused. I’m grateful the clothes came out clean and unscathed!
Still, some things technology can’t replace.
After 35 years of meditation, tuning inward feels like second nature and a way to stay calm and connected, no matter what’s happening around me. I belong to a beautiful community that practices together weekly, and even when I can’t join live online, I feel that collective heartbeat. However you find your own quiet center — whether through meditation, walking, journaling, or simply breathing — I hope you make space for it. It changes everything.
We travel this time of year to follow the sun and warmth, escaping the gray skies of the Pacific Northwest. Yet it always feels surreal to be swimming in the sea while back home the leaves are turning. There are a few Halloween decorations scattered around town, but nothing like the marketing blitz in the States, and honestly, it’s refreshing.
Letojanni itself is small — just three blocks wide between the main road and the sea — but full of character. The fruit vendor drives through town calling out his arrival. Women lower baskets from their balconies for produce. Older men gather near the pier in the afternoons, talking and laughing. These are the scenes that make me fall in love with everyday life all over again.
Last Saturday, I had a solo day, and one of my favorite things when traveling. I walked the town early in the morning, read on the beach for a while, and ended the evening with dinner overlooking the water. A sliver of moon rose over the sea, and the lights of another town shimmered in the distance. Tim took the day to rest, and the space between us felt good and grounding. After so many months together on the road, we’ve learned the value of giving each other room to breathe. It’s what keeps us both growing, separately and together.
The last few days in Castellabate before we arrived here were quiet — a little rain, a few lazy afternoons, and movies on the patio wrapped in blankets. We even spotted wild boars playing in the field below our deck — something I didn’t think I’d ever say out loud! I’ll share that video soon, too.
Now, as I sit here with the morning light spilling across the water, I’m reminded how many years I dreamed of moments like this: slow mornings by the sea, simple joys, and a life built from bold yeses.
Here’s to whatever dream is calling you next.
May you follow it all the way to your own sunrise.
To your highest and best,
Dianna
💌 Love this story? Want more like it — straight to your inbox?
Join the Travels With Spirit newsletter for soulful travel, personal growth, and freedom-filled inspiration.
Something stirred in you while reading?
This is your invitation to explore what’s next — with clarity, courage, and one aligned step forward.