In response to the original question........All the time!

back from italy since end of sept and yes we miss it. there is a definity flu or very severe cold bug going around there for the last 3-4 weeks. its a bute as i can attest to but would head back in a new york minute. whats not to like

My Heart will be always there...I miss Italy IMMENSELY!!!!

cmt,

Thanks for the webbsite!! I laughed so much...Grazie, merci,
kismet

Well, I am glad to read this thread, I seem to be in good company, at least I am not the only one over the top over Italy and I am not even of Italian heritage.

It is something about Italy that got to me the first time I visited Europe. I had started a European trip with friends in Austria which really didn't impress me that much, I was even thinking about cutting my trip short.

Then we took the train down to Venice and when I got off of the train and walked out of the station (well, I still get goose bumps thinking about it and I remember it like it was yesterday) some men were singing, people were laughing, kids were playing ball, gondolas were sweeping by....and I fell in love. I said to my friends, now this is a different story and I have returned once or twice a year ever since 1980.

I know some people do not care for Italy, but I love it like a lover, when I land at the airport something comes over me and I embrace the whole experience and I miss it when I am not there.

Yes, I just got back from buying terribly expensive prosciutto to have with some melone. I particularly miss Siena and, unfortunately, don't think I'll be back for some time (have to get those children through school!) So, please keep those trip reports coming so I can live vicariously!

I went to Italy for the first time in '97 and have been back every year.I always catch myself when I talk with friends because I hear myself.."in Italy this...in Italy that"...I must really be annoying! I treasure every purchase that I have made there..they remind me of my visits and I really love the pesto, olive oil and wine that I bring home. When I run out..it is time to return!! Long way to grocery shop..but hey..you only live once!! I truly adore Italy.

nocinonut, that is so lovely: "I love it like a lover". And when I land in Italy I find myself smiling for no reason, except the joy of being there.

Nocinonut, you described it perfectly "missing it like a lover." That's exactly how I feel, like I left my lover there.

Allison, your post reminds me of my experience. I first went in 97, too, and have been back every year but 98. Never thought about that until your post. And, just got back Sunday night. Could not miss more but was so glad to have the opportunity to visit again.

Interesting coincidence, there is an article in this morning's LATimes, which says, that she does. :-B

Being a member of the group that watches movies and reads books to travel to Italy via imagination, I have some favorites to recommend. The first two take place in Venice - movie "Dangerous Beauty" and novel "Vaporetto 13" by Robert Girardi. Girardi also has a collection of short stories, one of which takes place in Naples - the collection is "A Vaudeville of Devils," and the short story is, I think, "Sundays at the Contessa's" or something like that... The mix of Italy and romance always helps me imagine my way back.

Arrived home late last night. No illness. Just that feeling of being misplaced. Heart in Italy, can't get enough, think about it with longing a lot. Yeah! Like being in love. I'll plan to return when the olive oil from Lucca runs out. Soon, because we put it on just about everything. Thanks for all your thoughts which echo mine. Ciao.

missed it so much I moved back there for a year. Now I'm back in the states with a ticket to return at the end of December! can't wait!