3 Ways Italy Is Just An Exaggerated Version of Maine

Hey CYY Freaks! I’m finally back from my vacation, and this one in particular was incredible. I traveled across Italy in a week – I hit Venice, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast. I saw some sights that were definitely eye opening – the views especially. However, I couldn’t help but notice a few similarities between Italy and Maine, specifically Portland, because that’s where I live. Here’s what I noticed:

Venice – We Both Have Pretty, Habitable Islands Nearby

This one’s a bit obvious for Venice, seeing as the while city is it’s own very unique island. The two principal islands just off it’s coast though, Murano and Burano, really reminded me of Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island, and the other many pretty isles strewn across the bay near Portland. Portland does have a great ferry system, but one leg up that Venice has in cool factor is that all of their buses are boats. Because, you know, it might be tough to drive in one of the canals.

Venice
Xander Nelson

Rome – History and Tourism
While Maine has Longfellow, Fort Gorges, and tons of history to be found all around, I don't think we quite have what it takes to beat St. Peter's Basilica or The Colosseum. However, with that said, we certainly do value our tourism! With more and more cruise ships coming through every year, and everyone from Brooklyn trying to move up to Portland, it seems like we have more people coming through than ever.

Colosseum
Xander Nelson

St. Peter's Basilica

Amalfi Coast – Rocky Coast, Anyone?

I love Maine’s rocky coast – it’s the trait I associate most with the landscape besides, as Spose puts it, “mad trees.” When driving the Amalfi Coast, I saw plenty of rocky coastlines, but I do have to admit it was on a grander scale than we have here. I mean, come on:

Positano
Xander Nelson

Amalfi Coast
Xander Nelson

Maine’s costal towns are a thing of beauty, in the summer especially, but none of them quite have the awesome privilege of being built into a Cliffside. Then again, who looks at a cliff and goes “I want to build a town there!”

I love traveling – I genuinely believe that it helps to broaden the mind, and every new place I go I feel like I understand a little chunk more of this big world we live in. Honestly though, traveling also serves to remind me why I love Portland so much – and Maine as a whole. That’s probably why I moved back here after college, and why I’m quite happy here.

If I need a backup, though, Italy would be pretty damn nice.

Filed Under: Italy, Maine, Similar, Travel

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