As we settled in at our table, we began chatting with the couple beside us, who were celebrating their anniversary. Venice has the picturesque canals; Florence possesses incredible structures dating back centuries; Cinque Terre is home to a collection of the most colourful houses I’ve ever seen.

We also share food and laughter with friends, go swimming and boating, and delight in dolce far niente — the sweetness of doing nothing. From classic dishes like pasta and pizza to regional specialties like risotto and gelato, Italy offers a culinary adventure that satisfies even the most discerning taste buds. Teste di Moro or ‘Moor Heads’ are colorful ceramic vases that depict a couple wearing flamboyant headdresses and gold crowns.It's no wonder that foreigners are drawn to this laid-back way of life, finding solace in the unhurried rhythm of Italian living. From the iconic Colosseum in Rome to the beautifully preserved ruins of Pompeii, history comes alive in Italy. Our poor teachers chaperoned us from hotel to slopes and back again, when they just wanted us all to get to bed so that they could sample the local vino. We have also enjoyed other locations: Spain, England and France, and have pretty much decided that Paris, not Rome, is our favorite big city in Europe. I’ve only visited Rome and its surrounding and a part of Sardinia, but I did fall in love with Italy the moment I stepped down from the plane on my first visit there 10 years ago.

Thanks to google, you can see whether El Greco, Velasquez, or Goya does it for you, then move closer in time for Picasso, Dali and Joan Miro. He found me on Facebook the next day *modern romance* and promptly asked me out on a date to get burgers, while I shockingly was expected something more in the line of Italian food. The United Kingdom as mentioned above is a good suggestion, but if you prefer to avoid big cities, then do not spend all of your time in London. I would consider bringing our granddaughter to Italy when she gets older, as she seems to have a very curious nature. The Italian Alps are also very popular in winter, and you’ll find many mountain resorts offering all kinds of fun activities.So, to sum up this rather long story, I’d have to say that my most basic, strongest connection to Italy is my gorgeous, determined, burger-loving boyfriend, Edoardo. In the mountains of the Italian Dolomites, you can sit in an outdoor whirlpool bath at QC Terme near Bolzano and take in the amazing scenery while you leisurely decide which of the 40+ other water treatments to try next. I took this feeling with me from Italy, and I try to resurrect it in my daily life: enjoy the little things in life and not rush.

The country's unique blend of cultural richness, historical significance, culinary excellence, natural beauty, artistic heritage, warm hospitality, and vibrant traditions make it a truly captivating destination. We offer FREE PRIVATE HIRE of our upstairs room for up to 25 people Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are highly recommended.If you love that, you could visit the Dalmatian coast of Croatia which used to be part of the Venetian Republic. Those are both amazing northern(-ish) cities, but there's a different feel to southern Europe, a bit of an expressive personality and excitement. There are waterfall showers, an infinity pool, a grotto and a Japanese-style bath, all set in lovely gardens dotted with sculptures.

By far, however, the most popular article I have ever written was for an Italian American publication, and it was about the allure of Italian men.In the early days, we used to say to each other that if we ran out of things to say, then we would part ways. Highlights from October’s Spotlight on Italy: Umbria In October, we chose the off-the-beaten path region of Umbria as the focus of our “Spotlight On Italy” monthly series.