There’s Nothing Like Your First…

Your first trip to Italy that is!

I got hooked immediately and just had to have more.

After 25+ trips to Italy I can tell you I STILL get that same feeling! You know that special sensation—the one you really can’t explain unless you’ve been there yourself. The feeling of pure joy and pleasure as you sit in a small outdoor cafe sipping a simple glass of wine and nibbling on a piece of fresh baked pizza bianca while eavesdropping on the locals talking about their day (with such enthusiasm, I might add).

I remember the first time I hiked the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre, from Monterosso to Vernazza, on the Ligurian coast.  As I came around the corner toward Vernazza, I saw the most stunning view I have ever seen! I froze in awe of the beauty, then asked the first person to walk by to take my picture, as any good tourist would do. As I walked down into the quaint village, I found the first Internet Cafe to write about my experience. I knew I wouldn’t be able to convey what I was feeling over e-mail, but I just had to tell everyone!  Sharing my experiences with friends and family is almost as fun as the experience itself!

I can never forget one particularly long walk in Rome – I came around yet another corner only to see the majestic Pantheon in my face – much more spectacular than I had ever imagined!  When you stare at this simple yet beautiful temple you can imagine what life was like 1800 years ago!  Now, I love to watch the faces of my friends and tour clients as I walk them around this same corner. That’s part of why  I love what I do – I get to relive these experiences through them.

I could go on about my “firsts” in Italy, like seeing Michelangelo’s David, up front and personal or taking a boat excursion around sunny Capri and into the Blue Grotto, but it would take way too long.

There are still new firsts for me to discover in Italy; it’s a fascinating country with an incredibly rich history and so many cultures within cultures. I’ve now added to my bucket list Truffle hunting in the Piedmont, visiting the Christmas markets in the South Tyrol region and skiing in the Italian alps!

I hope some of you will join me and discover why I am so drawn to this charming country.

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