While in the Maremma, we could see the distant outline of Isola d'Elba, an island I was interested in visiting. Back in Florence, I read about all the island offered- a variety of beaches, hiking, snorkeling, sunshine, and Napoleon's villa during his one year exile on the island. Elba is accessible via public transportation from Florence. This was a good destination for a seaside vacation. I read lists of "best" hotels and selected Hotel del Golfo, with its own sandy beach and swimming pools. Then, I wrote a couple of lists to take with me-- other beaches to visit, historical sites to see, restaurants to try. I was ready!
The journey took five hours with two trains, a ferry and a taxi to reach the hotel. I arrived in the late afternoon, checked in to my room, changed for the beach. A swim followed by a late dinner facing the sea ended the day. My list would wait.
The next morning after breakfast, I stopped by the front desk and met the hotel manager, Massimo. He patiently talked with me about my list. He opened a map on his computer and showed me the different beaches, explaining the process to reach each one via bus. The beach at Sant'Andrea was an hour one way, then a walk to the beach. Napoleon's villa- also an hour by bus. Of course, I could rent a car or a motor scooter. I declined. After fifteen minutes, Massimo looked at me and in a kind voice said, "Madam, please go enjoy the sunbed and relax. This list is stress. If you want stress, you can come behind this desk. Please, go to the sunbed for me, since I cannot go myself." I nodded in agreement.
On the walk back to my room, I reconsidered my list. Did I really care about seeing Napoleon's villa? No. Did I need to take a bus to another beach when I had a beautiful beach right here with my own sunbed and umbrella? No. So, I put away the list, gathered my beach bag and walked to sunbed #84, where I happily remained for the next six days.
