“Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.” – Anna Akhmatova
It had been three years since we’d last been in Italy. On our first trip, just before the pandemic, we traveled to Milan, Florence, Venice, and Rome. We fell in love with italy! When travel restrictions lifted, we simply had to return. This time we visited southern Italy and Sicily. Here are 4 reasons to love Italy:
#1 The Scenery
You are in a dream world with breathtaking views at each turn. Everywhere you look you see shades of umber, cinnamon, cream, turquoise, olive. The sunlight is golden. It’s as if you are living in a movie set.
#2 The Food and Wine
In Italy, food is meant to be savored and dining is an experience to be embraced. The menus read like the program of a play with many acts: aperitif( a before dinner drink), antipasto, first course, second course, finale, digestive (a small after dinner drink). You are encouraged to linger at the table, sip wine, and enjoy conversations. In fact, the servers will wait for you to request the check, rather than rush you. Forget what you think you know about pizza, spaghetti, and lasagna. It will be different here. Venture into new territory if you dare, with things like squid ink and sea urchin pasta, and fresh seafood.
And of course, my favorites:
#3 The Art, History, and Culture
How can so much art, history and culture be contained in one country? There are so many bucket-list sights that you can’t possibly experince them in one trip. You will want to return again and again. Oh, Italia!
#4 The Atmosphere
In Italy, there is something about the very air you breath, the beautiful language, the warm and interesting people you meet. Perhaps this says it all:
“What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago.” – Erica Jong
I thought two trips to Italy would be enough, but now I’m reconsidering….
Threads of Thought
What are your favorite places or experiences in Italy?
If you haven’t been yet, what do you dream of seeing or doing?
Debra VanDeventer is a former teacher, blogger, sewist, traveler and author of Out of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life
Debbie, your words have captured so much of the Italian atmosphere.
Thanks Betsy! Have you been? What were some of your favorite things?
Thank you for sharing your experience. I feel rested having read your piece and viewing your photos. I want to return to Italy, but not on a business trip as before. I want to live as the locals do and soak in the life and essence of Italy.
Yes, you should go back!
Did you ever make it to the Cinque Terre? Now that’s atmosphere and beauty. Go there next, if you haven’t.
Venetia
We did not. That is on our list for the next time!
Love your epic descriptions and beautiful photos! Well said my friend 💝
Thanks Donna!
My friend, you have a rare gift. This post is great. Wonderful pictures, just the right amount of narrative. Very pleasant and fun to read and see. Thanks for sharing. David.
Thanks David!
Loved reading this and seeing the pictures! I was there in 2017but only from Rome south and then to Greece. Would love to go back and tour northern Italy! Thanks for sharing! Beautiful experience!
It’s impossible to see Italy in just one trip. You should go back sometime! Greece is next on my list!
Deb, thank you for sharing your trip. You’re also a Travel Writer! I’ve always wanted to visit Almalfi but didn’t want to climb those steps! Yes, I recognize Michael from a trip many years ago to Florence, Rome, Pompei and Naples and Capri. Venice next time!
Yes, the steps were challenging. You must see Venice!