Ode to Italy

As I wiped the sweat from my brow I squinted in the hot sun at what seemed to be the most beautiful landscape. Terra cotta rooftops, aged and faded, dripping with history. Rolling hills braided with ripe vines and strands of towering cypress trees. Country roads of dust and gravel. Little old men on bicycles tipping their hats to their female neighbors. Clusters of olive trees weighed down with the first fruits of the season. Swallows lazily circled above. It felt as though I had stepped back in time...
Our jaunt to Italy could not have been more lovely. Packed with history, culture, good food, magical views, and ample amount of rest and leisure. I am thankful and my heart is full.

We had a few days of warm rain, which called for an idle and quiet sort of attitude. Books and my family were my companions....

Our final days were spent in Rome amidst the myriad of fine museums, ancient ruins, lively piazzas, and an uncanny amount of tourists. Despite the crowds, we managed to pretend we were the only couple strolling through the cobbled streets of Trastevere, sipping on a cool glass of prosecco, and canoodling under a canopy of stars while the accordion player cooed Italian classics.

Italia, you are indeed a treasure. Thank you for your grandeur and history. Thank you for your kind, vivacious people, thank you for prosciutto and melon (a favorite of ours). Thank you for helping me slow down and worry less. Thank you for surprisingly catering so well to our crazy diet. I raise my glass to you and my family for making these last two weeks so special...cin cin!