My Italian Perspective

I have to back track a bit, actually, a lot. About 10 years ago, I arrived in Rome, Italy, a newlywed. Given the opportunity of beginning a marriage and a family, I lived in Rome for five years. It was a blessed period of gifts to last a lifetime.

Many people think of Rome as a city endorsing ancient ruins and stories of times long ago. They're right. The city is filled with buildings many still identifiable in movies like Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita, despite the decades which have past. I've driven past the Coliseum, walked up and down the Spanish Steps, and ate in cafés (or otherwise known as bars) more times than I can remember.

Together, the Italians and I have shared many rides on cobble stone streets as tens of mopeds whizzed right by. Those "so-called" traffic rules which never seemed to exist: right turns from the far left lane, heading up the wrong way on a one way road, mopeds greeting you on the sidewalk as you head around the corner. It was nuts but that made it interesting. I'll share a little secret with you, I used to ride up the tram tracks instead of waiting for the traffic light to turn green...shhh.

It's not all about Rome. It's about Italy. Ever been to Venice? Even I forgot I was in Italy. Venice and Murano, home of the Murano colored glass. I adore Florence, with its statue of David, and all its charm - oh, and don't forget to purchase leather goods. San Gimignano sent me back to knights, horses and architecture of medieval times. Pompeii with Mt.Vesuvius shared their destruction.

In addition, we enjoyed going off the beaten track. Deruta, a small town a little under an hour outside of Rome hosts ceramic artists. You can find ceramics of all types and sizes. The wrought iron, ceramic tile covered tables are beautiful and one of our biggest regrets is never having purchased one.

Tivoli is another small town approximately a half hour ride outside of Rome. Villa d'Este is full of fountains, trees and greens. I could enjoy a quiet walk with a friend or sit by the wall overlooking the Italian countryside.

One of my most favorite afternoon trips was Frascati. Also sitting up high on top of a hill, it had views of the Italian countryside from all angles. The best part was when we bought Porchetta (roasted pork stuffed with seasonings), bread, olives and wine and sat outside on these barely stable tables just taking in the gorgeous afternoon.

Castelli is more than an hour outside of Rome. Another town selling its talents of local artists. A short ride (after the long tunnel of the Gran Sasso) you get the pleasure of a change in scenery as large mountains, capped in snow, watch over you.

Let's now go to Positano on the Amalfi coast. While living in Italy, I often heard people speak of Sorrento or Pompeii. That's fine and I recommend visiting there too however, stay in Positano. A town built not on a mountain top but up along side it. At night, from the beach, facing the city the street lights twinkle and the houses illuminate from indoors replicating a small Christmas town under the Christmas tree.

Bolzano had to be the best place to spend Christmas. It's up north and home of Grappa. We were able to try different kinds of Grappa, which kept our insides warm. Nearby is Nove, Italy an abundance of ceramic factories some of whose products are exported to the U.S. to stores like William Sonoma and Tiffany & Co.

Those years in Italy will remain the most treasured years of my life. I grew as a person, a wife and a mother. Italy holds both heart and soul. Now, it possess mine, forever.