Between Shorelines: A Moldovan Girl on Procida

“We get around 80 summers, if we’re lucky — so this is a reminder to prioritize what’s really important.” This photo essay intimately follows the story of a young Moldovan woman Cristina Titomir, who has found an unexpected sense of belonging on the small Italian island of Procida — a place that gently taught her how to slow down, let go, and live the moment. Photographed by Elouise Paabo.

We’d love to get to know you a little more — could you introduce yourself in a few words?

Hello and thank you for this invite. I follow and love the work you do in finding the beauty in people. I am just a girl from Soroca (Moldova) who was dreaming of traveling the world and one day making/being the change. I adore art, philosophy, self-help books, dogs, and I’m obsessed with my self-development and growth.

What does Procida mean to you? Has the island become a part of you in some way?

Now yes, but we did not have a good relationship from the beginning… Years ago, my dream was to live in a big city in the US, wear a fancy suit and go to the office with a cup of Starbucks coffee and have a rushed life. So, when I moved to Italy to do my master’s and be with my husband, I felt I was missing out on life and wanted to escape, as everybody was so calm here and taking life so easily. While I was rushing and holding on to my dream of having a career, people around me were sipping on their Spritz and enjoying the slow life. Later, I understood that this small island adopted me to teach me to live slowly — how Italians call it, “vita lenta.” Now I embrace it and keep learning from people around me to just stop and enjoy instead of taking life as a competition. Not the life I wanted, but the life I needed.

This series feels like sunshine and softness. What was it like being photographed in this way?

We went out at 7 am to do this photoshoot, so it was very calm and quiet. No people, no cars — like the island was still sleeping, just the noise of the waves — this is peace itself. The beaches were also still untouched; having the space only for us inspired a lot and unfolded many ideas.

“This small island adopted me to teach me to live slowly — how Italians call it, ‘vita lenta’.”

Is there a little memory from that day that you still think about?

Meeting Elouise was in general a beautiful memory. Spending time with a person you just met and feeling like you are already good friends is so special. Human touch and connections are so precious and remain as memories.

There’s a calmness in the photos — almost like time slowed down. Did you feel that too while being there?

Yes, definitely! I am such a hurricane person, but that morning was fabulous. We took a walk together on the beach and just took pictures randomly, with no rush or demands — just a natural feeling of the moment. I think that’s what tourists like when they come here: the calm days with the sea and no rush. Being in front of the camera helps me restart and recharge as well, so that was my calm moment before starting work.

What’s your favorite way to spend a summer afternoon? Beach, book, gelato? (smiles)

For me right now, it would be having my husband and our dog Oscar on the boat, eating a bruschetta with homegrown tomatoes and a fresh drink. Having the taste of salt on my body and lips and just meditating while watching the sea, having no phone — so checking no appointments or to-do lists.

“Beauty is in the differences — scars, freckles, imperfect smiles, or even pimples.”

What makes you feel beautiful — especially in a natural, effortless way?

I think it all comes from inside, but usually people just don’t know how beautiful they are.
I adore looking at people who have no make-up, seeing them just the way they are — imperfectly perfectly beautiful. We are so hard on ourselves and on the way we look, and we always try to be/look perfect. But beauty is in the differences — scars, freckles, imperfect smiles, or even pimples.
I used to be so shy about my body and the way I looked and smiled, and now I am embracing and loving myself just the way I am. For me, this is the definition of freedom. We as women need to complement each other more and see each other as support — not enemies — as the beauty of others does not make us less beautiful.

And lastly — if summer could teach us one thing, what would it be?

To live the moment, and instead of waiting the whole year for summer, just stop and enjoy life during the year as well. We get around 80 summers, if we’re lucky — so this is a reminder to prioritize what’s really important and let the rest just flow on its own.