5 Things I Miss About Italy

If asked, I think most people who have traveled to Italy would say that they would like to return.  I suspect that most have already. For me, I feel as though the draw to return is almost physical. I have successfully made it a practice to return at least once per year and I start to get a little itchy when it is time to return. While the world has been on pause, there has been so much to miss – my family and loved ones, first and foremost.  Travel is a close second, and travel to Italy, most specifically. As I think about what I miss specifically, I am hard-pressed to limit it to 5!

Hotels

Borgo Santo Pietro’s stunning arrival experience

What can I say? I have been fascinated by hotels my entire adult life! Naturally, it is what drew me to a career in hospitality. (Truth be told, it can be a little less glamorous on the inside, but I digress!). As a guest, I love nothing more than the feeling that comes over me as I enter the hotel for the first time. From there, I love to discover all the “moments” that luxury hotels deliver – the choice of floral arrangements in public spaces; the tableware in the restaurants; the in-room bath amenities; the perfectly curated vignettes in the lobby --- and of course, Room Service! I will always seek out hotels that provide a sense of place. Why feel like I could be in Boise when I am in Rome? I have indelible memories of every hotel I have ever stayed in. While I enjoy the aesthetics, it will always be the service that stands out!

Landscapes

Tuscany…..bella Toscana! Photo by Lennart Hellwig on Unsplash

Many of my early vacations in Italy were spent in the Tuscany region. I could not get enough of the spectacular landscapes and vistas – the rolling green hills seen through my bedroom window in Castellina in Chianti; the unending beauty of the Val d’Orcia; and the stately cypress trees that punctuate the most beautiful countryside. Visiting the various hill towns and historical cities of the region is best achieved by car. Driving through the region feels very much like driving through a painting. Around every turn is scenery more beautiful than that you have just driven through! The only thing better than driving through Tuscany is to be a passenger! Never miss a moment!

Food

Much has been said and written about the incredible – and varied – cuisine of Italy. Even if one is able to describe it artfully, it will still fall short of the actual experience of enjoying it! The simplest of ingredients – tomatoes; olive oil; freshly made cheese; are the backbone of every dish. It will taste infinitely better than the same ingredient found at home. A bold statement for sure, but one that I am happy to defend – after ongoing research!

Passeggiata

The family is undeniably at the center of Italian life. And it is on full display during the evening passeggiata when the entire community comes out for a stroll through town and into the piazza. Arm-in-arm and enjoying the company of friends and neighbors is a beautiful way to spend an evening. Walking off the very portable gelato just adds to the experience!

Gelato

Gelato a la Serio!! Cefalu, Sicily

I almost wish I had never been introduced to gelato. Almost! It has spoiled me to ice cream as we know it. It is the tastiest, creamiest guilty pleasure and no day is complete without it while in Italy. Just be sure to visit gelaterias that showcase their offerings in metal (not plastic) containers. This distinguishes the homemade from mass-produced.