What does Italy give you
 

that other countries dont?

Hi,

Italian wine, Italian food, Italian scenery, and 'la dolce far niente'.

And let's not forget Italians.

gelato

A slice of heaven, here on earth.

Oh, so many memories. And, Venice, of course.

Italy gives me anticipation. Five weeks of anticipation.

And then we shall be there!!!!

" La Joie de Vivre"

ira, babelfish translates "la dolce far niente" as "the cake to make nothing". :-))

Italy gives me fabulous 2-hour long lunches/dinners (or longer) with a sip of grappa afterwards.

Limoncello.

Real tomatoes.

David :)

In fact, it's "il dolce far niente", dolce being sweet, not cake. So, " the sweet doing nothing".

To me, food, wine, Italians, art, design, and the lovely language.

Happiness. Serenity. Limoncello.
Not necessarily in that order.
((H))

Another vote for Limoncello
The wonderful Italian people.
Wine
Food
Art
Venice
David
Jaw dropping scenery
Jaw dropping achitecture
Amalfi
Gelato
It gives me life !!!!!

And one of the loveliest of languages.

The best of everything! ((L))

How about those incredibly tasting grapes?

More history than England.
Better food than France.
More diverse scenery than Switzerland.
Friendlier people than Germany.
The finest art in the world.
Pleasant climate.
Limocello & gelato.
Sophia Loren & Gina Lollabrigida

Do you want more?

Well said Bob!!:)

The vineyards, which we refer to as "wine on a vine!"

The people, the people, the people. There is NO one in the world like Italians. Their language is beautiful, their history is astounding, their food is unsurpassed...and their driving abilities are remarkable!

Anticipation

We will be in Venice September 8:">

JanT: <<The people, the people, the people. There is NO one in the world like Italians.>>

And these wonderful, unique, remarkable qualities persist through the generations even in their grandchildren in the US. :)

I'm not sure what Italy offers that other countries don't. But, I look forward to learning and posting a trip report after I return from my first visit in September :-)

goosebumps-it is all just sooooo good..........
(people/food/wine/landscape/history/
activities/sightseeing)


For those who "get" Italy- no explanation is needed as to how spectacular it is.
And for those who don't get it- no explanation will nearly be good enough.

A burning desire to return over and over again.

Yes, Barzelletta! And those of us who can proudly claim that heritage will carry on all those traditions to our children, and they to their children. Viva Italia!!

My husband and my beautiful children....oh ya and the Grappa!!!!

...some of the most amusingly (and charmingly) forward men I met in all of Europe. :)

Hi Marilyn,

That's great.

When you do Italian/English/Italian you get "il dolce per non DI fare niente"

The next translation gives
"the sweet for not to do nothing"

which isn't too bad.

I can't wait to get there i'm leaving on Aug 22

How come no one mentioned the music and the opera?

"How come no one mentioned the music and the opera?"

Because we wanted to leave that for you.
((H))

Monica Bellucci

Thanks, maitaitom... May I add Fellini to the list?

I need to ring in here..though the 'tomatoes' reply was on my list.

I'll add:

- countryside views that take your breath away; it's like Big Sur and a bunch of baby Surs, with surprises at every turn.

- history that precedes all the rest of the western world, and remains as vibrant today as when it encompassed and inspired that world.

- music that tears your heart out of your chest and tears from your eyes.

- perhaps the most effective combination of leisure and industry known to man. Where else can you take a nap every day, dine at 9, and still build some of the most amazing structures in the world? Autostrada, aqueducts...and Venice...

- a continuing general sense of joy at just being Italy. Every Italian I met had a keen sense of pride, without being overbearing.

What does Italy have that other countries don't? I found something there that I couldn't find here.

My heart and soul.

My family and home.

Traveljack,
I feel the same way......:)