Our dear friend, Bella (Dolly Goolsby) is on the go again, this time planning another trip to Italy. She has graciously allowed us to republish her travel blogs. Enjoy!
I know I haven’t blogged for awhile. I have been enjoying the summer here in the United States, but there is never a day that I don’t think of Italy. There is just something that keeps calling me back. Although I was sitting in my lovely back yard this afternoon, enjoying the Indian Summer weather, I still had my head in Italy.
I cannot tell you just one thing that keeps me going back. There are so many magnets. The food, the markets, the beautiful language that I keep trying to learn, the friendly people, the insanity of the roadways, the way of life that keeps the stress level down.
There are so many favorite places for me to return. My favorite city is still Florence. Of course there is the art, and the architecture, but also the long walks along the Arno, the hidden little cafes, the Paperback Exchange bookstore, neighborhoods with children playing, grandparents exchanging bits of news.
I think my next favorite place is Italy is the Dolomites. These mountains are so striking, with their tall peaks, high mountain trails, lovely green meadows with wildflowers. Up in the Dolomites is an entirely different culture. More Austrian than Italian, but friendly people, less stress, always a new trail to explore or a bench to sit on and just enjoy the view. Or a beer.
Southern Italy has its own charm, too. I could sit on the pier in Sorrento and just watch the fishing boats and the sailboats for hours. Then have a lovely seafood dinner, dining on the fresh catch from the fishing boats.
And how could I not go to Cinque Terre, that lovely string of 5 villages on the Ligurian coast, with its hilly villages, the trails between the villages, the pastries at Il Pirata in Vernazza, the relaxing sound of the church bells, and the carillon playing the Italian national anthem at 5:00 p.m. every day, while we enjoy a Happy Hour, either on the piazza or a rooftop balcony
So now I am planning my return to Italy. I am actually going to go to the Tuscan hill town of Montepulciano and stay for 4 weeks while taking a language course. I am looking forward to that! I will have to learn the language then, or I am doomed. Not many people in the small villages speak English, so I am hoping this is the kick in the pants I need…
Finally, then in September, I will lead a Dolly Tour. On September 6, we will meet in Venice and spend 4 days, then travel to the Dolomites, after which we will go to Bologna for a couple days and take the amazing food tasting trip that I enjoyed there last summer. From there, on to Cinque Terre. Another favorite place, and ending the tour by staying in Florence for a week, taking day trips to the hill towns, and enjoying the sights and small adventures of my favorite city.
I hope you have enjoyed my little memory flashback of Italy. Of course, if you are interested in joining me in September, be sure to let me know. I only conduct small group tours of 6 people, so open spots fill fast.
But I want you to enjoy Italy with me, whether in person or via this blog site, so look for more posts.
In the meantime, dream of Italy, too.
Want to Follow Bella’s Latest Adventure Directly? Check Out Dolly Travels
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