La dolce vita

The past few weeks, Italy has been making the news due to Covid-19 and its devastation amongst the Italian population. With all the negative and bad news, it's just easier to turn off the news and think back to my time in Italy which is a lot more positive. From vespas, to gelatos, to beautiful piazzas, it was a trip of a lifetime. Put on your stretchy pants, as I have a feeling pizza and pasta will be involved!

Twenty years ago in July of 2000, my university roommates and I travelled to Europe for a European tour. From London, to Paris, Switzerland, Austria, Germany then onto Italy. The adventure began in Pisa and yes the tower is leaning. It was then off to Verona with bistro style tables along the cobble streets. I enjoyed some pizza while sitting and watching the locals shopping at the market and fiats speed by. It is just as I had imagined it. To end the day, we went to Juliet's balcony, where some tourists were reenacting that famous scene from Romeo and Juliet.

Our overnight stay was in Venice and it was just as I imagine. The gondolas floating in the canals, with tourists snapping away photos at each and every landmark. St. Mark's Square was impressive aside from the overpopulated square of pigeons and that can of coke that cost 7 eruos! It would have been cheaper to order wine. Then it was on to Florence, its historic museums and famous art work, thank you Medici family. More vespas, more pasta, more pizza, thank God I love carbs! Florence and the Tuscan region reminded me so much of Portugal where I had traveled too many times. The experience felt so comfortable that I felt so at home. It was now August 1, where I got to celebrate my 25th birthday in Florence at a Tuscan style dinner at a vineyard, how appropro. Only one word can describe it all, "perfeito".

In Rome, I had the opportunity to listen to Pope John Paul II who was addressing the crowd at the Vatican. It was evident then, his health was failing but in all honesty I was too busy admiring all the Armani clad business men ...hello!! I am sure what Pope John Paul was saying was inspirational, but my eyes were simply distracted! To be 25 again! I was just as distracted in the Sistine Chapel and the breath taking art work, the colours of the ceiling are still so vivid in my mind. It was also, just as impressive to see the Colosseum in all its splendour despite it's age. I wish I could say the same about the Trevi Fountain, but it was not working due to a water ban! Sigh! Not to mention the Spanish Steps which were a bit disappointing. In all the post cards I had seen, they are typically lined with beautiful bright coloured planters but that was not what I saw. I got just white boring steps...seriously!

After a week in memorable Italy aside from a couple extra pounds, there is nothing I would have changed about my too short of a week there. I do know I want to go back and it helps I married an Italian! Even though it has been 20 years, it is true in Italy you do experience la dolce vita!